Another day. Another state park. Another trail! Oh my, I guess we drew the short straw!

Today we head for the 266-acre Gunlock State Park and Reservoir, located some 15 miles northwest of St. George, Utah in scenic red rock country.

Residents of St. George really do enjoy an outdoor recreational lifestyle as they are blessed with so many state parks where they can hike, cycle, horse-ride, boat, swim and fish. Here at the park and reservoir, the catch of the day is bass and catfish.

The name Gunlock is the same as a small farming community one mile north of the park. William Hamblin (known as Will) was a Mormon pioneer born in Ohio who settled in the area of the lake in 1857. Gunlock Will, as he was known, was a good hunter and sharpshooter, and was skillful in repairing gunlocks, which are the firing mechanisms for muzzleloader guns.

Construction of the Gunlock reservoir dam was completed in 1970 for irrigation water and flood control. The state park was opened to the public in 1970 and like the other parks we have visited since arriving, the scenery was stunningly beautiful. Even though the day was cold, the presence of water and the spectacular view of snow-capped mountains was simply breathtaking.

Gunlock State Park also has camping facilities; imagine waking up to this view!

A view across the reservoir to the snow-capped mountains.