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Park City

Top 9 Lakes around Park City

Best lakes around Park City provide access to water-based activities and scenic beauty, particularly during warmer months. Park City, Utah, is known for its mountain sports and offers diverse natural landscapes. The area features primarily man-made reservoirs and alpine lakes, each providing unique recreational opportunities. These bodies of water are well-suited for various outdoor pursuits.

Best lakes around Park City

  • The most popular lakes is Dog Lake, a lake that is lined with trees and is dog friendly. Dogs are often seen splashing and swimming here with their people.
  • Another must-see spot is Lake Catherine, a lake set against the alpine backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains. It is the last of the three Brighton Lakes.
  • Visitors also love Lake Martha, a lake that is the second of the three Brighton Lakes. Its surroundings transition from wildflower meadows to rocky alpine beauty.
  • Park City is known for man-made reservoirs and alpine lakes. These offer a variety of environments for recreation and exploration.
  • The lakes around Park City are appreciated by the komoot community, with 7 upvotes and 4 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: October 17, 2026

Bloods Lake

Highlight • Lake

Cute little lake.
No Dogs allowed!

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Catherine Pass

Highlight • Mountain Pass

At 10,220 feet in elevation, Catherine Pass offers great views down over Lake Catherine, the last of the three lakes along this trail. If you want even more incredible views, continue your run onto one of the ridges to the south, then turn east to visit either Sunset Divide (Sunset Pass) or the peak of the same name.

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Dog Lake

Highlight • Lake

Dog Lake is a beautiful lake located between Big Cottonwood Canyon and Millcreek. It is lined with trees and (you guessed it) dog friendly! Dogs can usually be seen splashing and swimming around this lake with their people.

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Lake Martha

Highlight • Lake

The second of the three Brighton Lakes, Lake Martha is much smaller than the first lake. Its surroundings are a little more stark too, as you transition from wildflower meadows to rocky alpine beauty.

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Desolation Lake

Highlight • Lake

Desolation Lake is truly a peaceful sight to take in. The water is a beautiful blue-green hue, and it is surrounded by towering pines and aspens. The hike here can get pretty full on the weekends, so it’s a good idea to get an early start.

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Tips from the Community

Heiko Edelmann
September 27, 2026, Bloods Lake

The Bloods Lake, named after the Blood family who owned land here. It lies at just over 2700 meters and can be reached via various hiking trails. The lake with its beautiful clear water is a very nice hiking destination.

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dr.te
August 29, 2024, Catherine Pass

wonderful views over the lakes of Brighton, and many peaks near and far

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Lisa
July 29, 2024, Desolation Lake

Just to your southeast is pretty blue-green Desolation Lake and its fringe of trees. You can run around it for an easy loop, or keep trucking if you're hunting to bag a few peaks.

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Lisa
May 24, 2024, Catherine Pass

At 10,220 feet in elevation, Catherine Pass offers great views down over Lake Catherine, the last of the three lakes along this trail. If you want even more incredible views, continue your run onto one of the ridges to the south, then turn east to visit either Sunset Divide (Sunset Pass) or the peak of the same name.

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Alexandra P
February 1, 2024, Dog Lake

Dog Lake is a beautiful lake located between Big Cottonwood Canyon and Millcreek. It is lined with trees and (you guessed it) dog friendly! Dogs can usually be seen splashing and swimming around this lake with their people.

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Matthew
November 20, 2023, Catherine Pass

Catherine Pass reaches up to 10,220 feet and offers unobstructed views of the basins on both sides of the ridge. The pass is most often hiked by those wanted to see alpine wildflowers. The pass is climbed from both sides, but it is most popularly hiked in tandem with Catherine Lake.

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Lisa
July 22, 2023, Lake Martha

The second of the three Brighton Lakes, Lake Martha is much smaller than the first lake. Its surroundings are a little more stark too, as you transition from wildflower meadows to rocky alpine beauty.

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Will
July 8, 2023, Desolation Lake

Desolation Lake is truly a peaceful sight to take in. The water is a beautiful blue-green hue, and it is surrounded by towering pines and aspens. The hike here can get pretty full on the weekends, so it’s a good idea to get an early start.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best lakes for family-friendly activities near Park City?

For families, Jordanelle Reservoir is highly recommended, especially the Hailstone area with its wake-free swim zone and extensive facilities. Deer Creek Reservoir features the Rainbow Bay Aqua Park, an open floating water park with obstacle courses. Rockport Reservoir offers sandy beaches and the family-friendly Lakeview Trail for hiking and biking.

Which lakes are best for hiking and biking around Park City?

Many lakes offer great trails. Jordanelle Reservoir has trails for hiking and biking. Rockport Reservoir features the Lakeview Trail for hiking and mountain biking. For more extensive options, you can explore various hiking trails around Park City or MTB trails around Park City, many of which are accessible from the lake areas.

Are there dog-friendly lakes near Park City?

Yes, Dog Lake is explicitly dog-friendly, where dogs are often seen swimming and splashing with their owners. It's a beautiful, tree-lined lake located between Big Cottonwood Canyon and Millcreek.

What are the best lakes for water sports like paddleboarding, windsurfing, or jet skiing?

Jordanelle Reservoir is excellent for a variety of watercraft, including jet skis and paddleboards, with rentals available at its full-service marina. Deer Creek Reservoir is known for its reliable afternoon winds, making it perfect for windsurfing and kiteboarding, while calm mornings are ideal for paddleboarding. Rockport Reservoir is also suitable for boating and water skiing.

When is the best time to visit the lakes near Park City?

The warmer months are generally best for water-based activities and enjoying the scenic beauty. However, some lakes like Echo Reservoir offer year-round activities, including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter, in addition to summer water sports and ice fishing.

Which lakes offer a quieter, less crowded experience?

Rockport Reservoir is often considered a local favorite for those seeking a slightly quieter alternative to Jordanelle and Deer Creek, offering a more serene experience with fewer crowds. Echo Reservoir can also be a less crowded option, especially given its convenient accessibility.

What kind of fish can I expect to catch in the lakes around Park City?

Anglers at Jordanelle Reservoir can find rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, smallmouth bass, perch, wipers, and tiger muskie. Deer Creek Reservoir is known for its fishing opportunities. Rockport Reservoir, with its cold water, provides an ideal habitat for year-round fishing, including ice fishing. Echo Reservoir is excellent for trout fishing, and you can also catch perch, smallmouth bass, and crappie.

Are there any unique natural features or viewpoints at these lakes?

Yes, Lake Catherine offers a stark beauty set against the alpine backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains. Lake Martha transitions from wildflower meadows to rocky alpine beauty. Desolation Lake is known for its peaceful blue-green water surrounded by towering pines and aspens. The Twin Lakes Reservoir Lookout provides a great vantage point over the reservoirs.

What are the distinct recreation areas at Jordanelle Reservoir?

Jordanelle Reservoir is divided into three distinct recreation areas: Hailstone, Rock Cliff, and Ross Creek. Hailstone is the main hub with extensive boating, camping, and beach facilities. Rock Cliff offers a more tranquil experience with boardwalks and birdwatching. Ross Creek is ideal for non-motorized activities and fishing.

Can I camp at the lakes near Park City?

Yes, several lakes offer camping facilities. Jordanelle Reservoir (Hailstone area) has extensive camping facilities. Deer Creek Reservoir also provides campgrounds. Rockport Reservoir has several camp and picnic sites available for visitors.

Are there any dark sky events or good stargazing spots near the lakes?

Yes, the Jordanelle Reservoir hosts dark sky events, and its Rock Cliff Nature Area offers some of the darkest skies in the park, making it an excellent spot for stargazing.

Which lake is known for its views of Mount Timpanogos?

Deer Creek Reservoir, situated in the southwest corner of the Heber Valley, offers stunning views of Mount Timpanogos, providing a picturesque backdrop for all your water activities.

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