Spring is ending, colleges are letting out, and soon summer will be in full swing. If you’re looking for things to do around Utah that will get you out of the house, keep the kids occupied, or make use of your after-work free time, then this blog series is right up your alley. Each week I’ll post about a different set of places you can visit and activities you can do around Utah.
Now that it’s starting to heat up, it’s time to talk about swimming. There are a number of places you can go swimming in Utah County and the surrounding areas, but here are a few of my favorites.
This Week’s Featured Destinations
Burraston Ponds
Deer Creek Reservoir
Spanish Oaks Reservoir
Burraston Ponds
A great place to go swimming over this summer is Burraston Ponds, near Mona, Utah. Although it’s a little farther afield than other swimming locations, it is definitely worth it for one reason: one of the Burraston ponds has a rope swing. You can grab the rope and hurl yourself into the pond with decent clearance, and the pond is deep and cool enough that it’s a perfect break from the beating Utah summer sun.
To get to Burraston pond, head south on I-15 and take the exit at UT 54 heading toward Mona. Turn left into Main Street (UT 91) and continue on for about 1.5 miles. Take a right on Burraston Road and continue on; the road will bend to the right just before you reach the ponds. Then you’re there. There are grassy areas, so you can bring a picnic and make a day of it.
Deer Creek Reservoir
I really like Deer Creek for swimming, not only because it’s beautifully framed by mountains, but because I don’t find the water to be too cold. There are campsites and pavilions all over Deer Creek State Park that you can use for family events and swimming, as well as boating and other watersports.
To get to Deer Creek, head up Provo Canyon towards Park City, and the reservoir and park will be on your left. There is a fee to access the park, but it is assessed per car, not by individual.
Spanish Oaks Reservoir
This is probably my favorite place to swim in Utah. The reservoir is small and has full concrete sides, and a beach at one end. It’s located on a hill, so you’ll want to bring some sunscreen along, and if you get bored of swimming, there are beautiful hiking spots around.
Spanish Oaks reservoir is near the mouth of the canyon in Spanish Fork. To get there, head south on I-15, taking the Spanish Fork exit and keeping left to get onto US 89. Continue straight on US 89, and turn right on Powerhouse road (there will be a gas station on your right by the turn). Head along Powerhouse Road and take the left turn towards the gun range. You will drive through a residential area and come to a parking lot. The gun range will be on your right, and the reservoir on your left.
I know this isn’t an extensive list of places to swim in Utah County, so feel free to add your suggestions in the comments. Where do you like to swim in summer?