Get to Know Echo State Park
Situated at 5,560 feet above sea level, just north of Park City, lies Echo State Park. Watersports are king here, and whether you kayak, paddleboard, or boat, it’s a perfect place to get out on the water.
Nestled in the Wasatch Range near the old mining town of Coalville lies Echo State Park. It’s just a 45-minute drive from Salt Lake City and even closer to Ogden, making it a great spot for an afternoon of kayaking on sparkling waters.
My friend and I arrived at its sandy shores after the easy drive from SLC. Our plan was to enjoy an afternoon of kayaking on its serene, glasslike waters, but we were dismayed to see a locked entrance gate when we initially arrived. Not ready to give up, we investigated and learned (thankfully) that walk-ins are welcome even when motorized boating access is closed.
Parking on the water side of Echo Dam Road, we unloaded our kayak and carried it down a well-worn path to a sandy spot along the shore. A few families and groups were picnicking along the beach, but we mostly had the place to ourselves.
Tall trees stood in the shallow water near the shore, providing the perfect spot to hang a hammock, and as soon as the sun streamed through the clouds, we took our cue to launch. Our paddles sliced through the glassy water as we kayaked northward toward the dam. We paddled until our arms were sore, but never saw another craft, and had the colorful cliff views and wide open waters all to ourselves.
If you visit on a day when there are more motorized boats, you’ll have no trouble finding peace and solitude on this vast body of water, which covers 1,450 acres. If you visit in the evening just before sunset, it’s also especially peaceful.
Echo Reservoir has long been popular with boaters, water skiers, anglers and campers.
Photo: CMK Photography
Becoming a State Park
A byproduct of a Great Depression-era earthen dam, the reservoir has long been popular with boaters, water skiers, anglers and campers.
Situated in the town of Coalville at 5,560 feet above sea level, just north of Park City, the reservoir dam has been owned by the Bureau of Reclamation since its construction in 1931. But, private entities have managed the dam and concession area for many years. That all changed in November 2017 when the Bureau of Reclamation approached Utah State Parks about assuming management. A deal was soon inked and a resolution passed to make Echo Utah’s newest state park in the spring of 2018.
"Our paddles sliced through the glassy water as we kayaked northward toward the dam. We paddled until our arms were sore, but never saw another craft, and had the colorful cliff views and wide open waters all to ourselves."
Boater Benefits
For boaters, Echo State Park adds an additional option and an alternative destination from popular Jordanelle and Rockport reservoirs. The reservoir hugs Interstate 80, making it easily accessible, and you can drive to the reservoir almost as quickly as you can drive to Rockport. Plus, the park has a tree-filled, grassy marina that’s a pleasant place to launch and lounge on the shoreline. You’ll also find a boat ramp, primitive camping and restrooms.
How to Explore by Kayak and Paddleboard
While boat rentals are possible in the future, this reservoir is currently B.Y.O.Boat, and there are numerous access points that require just a bit of effort to get on the water. Carry your kayak or stand-up paddleboard in from the road, or use the accessible boat launch come summer. Stick closer to the shore on busy days to avoid big wakes. Make it an overnight trip and camp at sites along the lake’s south side where shady trees, fire pits and nearby toilets provide all the amenities you need.
Go Fishing
Anglers venture to Echo for stocked rainbow and brown trout in the deeper waters, along with walleye and smallmouth bass. The best fishing months are May and June, but winter draws ice fishermen who love Echo’s thick, stable ice.
Ride or Run the Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail
Looking for a unique way to reach Echo State Park? Start in Park City and follow the non-motorized trail built along an old mining railroad line 28 miles to Echo Reservoir. Bike, run, walk or ride your horse out there, passing the towns of Wanship and Coalville, historic sites and traveling through epic mountain scenery along the way.
Entry Fee & Camping Reservations
A day-use entry fee is required, purchase in-person or online. The Annual Utah State Park Pass is accepted for park entry. Advance camping reservations are recommended.
What's Nearby
-
Jordanelle State Park
Jordanelle State Park is an ideal spot for Utah stand-up paddleboarding but also offers hiking, mountain biking, boating and more. Check it out!
-
Rockport State Park
Find first-rate, year-round recreation at this northern Utah destination.
-
Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest (UWCNF) encompasses Utah's Wasatch Mountains adjacent to the state's northern metropolitan area, and the north slope of the High Uintas Wilderness.
-
Wasatch Mountain State Park
Year-round family adventure awaits. In the warmer months, hit the hiking or biking trails, or reserve a tee time at the golf courses. In the winter, ski or snowmobile through the alpine terrain.
Discover More
-
6 Surprising Activities That Take Place at The Homestead Crater
From soaking to scuba diving, this hot spring has a lot to offer.
-
Sun and Fun Below Mount Timpanogos: Explorations of Deer Creek State Park
The sunlight sparkled and danced on the water as we drove beside the reservoir of Deer Creek State Park. The day was warm, the sun was out, and I was excited to get out on the water.
-
Paddling the Caribbean-Blue Waters of Bear Lake
At nearly 6,000 feet of elevation, temperatures at Bear Lake stay cool in the summer, making the basin a welcome respite from the heat and a great destination to enjoy water sports in a serene mountain setting.
-
Bear Lake Monster Winterfest
It all started decades ago with the “Cisco Disco” and has grown to include a polar plunge, chili cookoff and winter festival known as the Bear Lake Monster Winterfest.
-
The Story of Starvation Reservoir
Sprawling waters and local legends at Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation.
-
Two Trips, Two Worlds, Two Years Apart: Returning to Raft in Dinosaur National Monument
Nushin and her family of four returned to Utah's Dinosaurland for the "best four days ever!" of guided rafting on the Green River. Explore their journey today!
-
A Weekend Well Spent at Scofield State Park
Enjoy some of the best trout fishing in Utah while spending a quiet weekend nestled in the spectacular Manti-La Sal Mountains at Scofield State Park. Sitting at 7,600 feet above sea level it a great spot to enjoy cooler temps in the summer with splashing around in the reservoir.
-
Venturing Out (and Back) Along the Canyon Rim Trail
An under-the-radar destination that should be on more people’s lists, Flaming Gorge offers spectacular wildlife viewing, scenery that comes straight out of paintings and plenty of outdoor adventure.
-
An Old Favorite Fishing Hole at the Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Visit Utah columnist Dan Potts takes us to his "secret" fishing hole on Utah's Flaming Gorge Reservoir, one of the world's most diverse fisheries set among the brilliant red rock walls of Red Canyon in the easternmost corner of the state. Along the way, Dan takes us through some of his favorite landscapes on the drive to and from Salt Lake City.
-
Flaming Gorge: Boating and Paddling Paradise
Do you know that Flaming Gorge is one of the best boating lakes in Utah? Read all about this stunning body of water and plan a trip!
-
How to Take a Kayak & Camping Trip at Yuba State Park
Pristine sandy beaches, warm water temperatures all summer long and serene mountain views make Yuba State Park an appealing destination for campers and kayakers in sunny Central Utah.
-
Lost and Found in Desolation Canyon
Fully unplug on a return trip down the Green River through the remote Desolation Canyon. Along the way, read as the author navigates a few friends through tricky rapids and pauses on stillwater and at night to appreciate the beauty, stillness and solitude of desert wilderness. It's a 100-mile journey for dedicated adventurers, but it comes with real healing power.
-
Panguitch Lake's Literal "Big Fish"
People have been traveling to fish at Panguitch Lake for a long time. Legend has it this popular high mountain fishery in Southern Utah was named by the Paiute people who once frequented the area and it translates to mean “big fish.”
-
Angling Secrets: How and Where to Catch Fish on Lake Powell
Read expect advice on when and where in Lake Powell to get the prized fish you're chasing.
-
Scenic Boat Tours of Lake Powell
Lake Powell boat tours are one of the best ways to explore the breathtaking sights of this man-made wonder. Learn all you need to know to book your own tour!
-
How to Have the Perfect Weekend on the Water at Quail Creek State Park
Just 15 miles north of St. George and even closer to the town of Hurricane, Quail Creek State Park offers warm water and mild weather year round. There’s plenty to do out on the water, and the gorgeous setting is sure to impress.
-
Paddle Among Red Rocks and Waterfalls at Gunlock Reservoir State Park
Pack up your gear and head out to Gunlock Reservoir near St. George. Bring your SUP, kayaks, jet skis and power boats for a day full of watersport excitement.
-
Remote Adventure on the Green River
150 years after John Wesley Powell mapped the Green, experience the same solitude and scenery with plenty of (safer) spills and thrills
-
Kayak and Stand Up Paddleboard Lake Powell
Slip into the mighty Lake Powell with a personal, self-propelled watercraft and have a whole different experience than the boats flying down the lake.
-
How to Find a Guided Outdoors Experience
You might not be a pro climber, camper or explorer, but Utah’s diverse collection of outdoor guides has all of the expertise you need to have an adventure worth getting stoked about.
-
Chasing John Wesley Powell: Six Places to Explore Utah's Green and Colorado Rivers
One hundred and fifty years ago a one-armed Civil War veteran set off with nine mountain men on a scientific expedition to map one of the last blank spaces left on the U.S. map: The Green and Colorado rivers. Much of the river remains wild today. Follow Powell's journey here.
-
Lakeside Near Torrey: Three Ways
Take a trip to this trio of Capitol Reef-area reservoirs where you can swim, fish, kayak and cool-off.
-
A Guide to the Many Faces of Utah's Green River
The mighty Green River carves a path through a dramatic and varied landscape of mountains, canyons and desert for 730 miles across Utah. Whether you have a few hours or a few weeks, experience the diversity of this river yourself by getting on the water.
-
Wild Heber: Close-to-Home Adventure
Just 45 minutes from Salt Lake City, Heber Valley’s state parks and national forest lands offer a world of adventure. Hike, bike, camp, kayak, watch wildlife and reel in blue-ribbon trout while learning about nature and how to protect it.
-
The Most Scenic Trophy Trout Destination
Flaming Gorge, Utah is one of the world’s best places to fish for trout. Awe-inspiring scenery and abundant fish attract anglers from all over. Check it out!
