Rock Cliff Recreation Area

Rock Cliff is the east end of Jordanelle State Park, near Kamas, where the Provo River flows into the reservoir. It has elevated boardwalks through sage and wetland, the Rock Cliff Nature Center in a cottonwood grove by the river, the short Three Rocks Trail, and 45 campsites. Utah State Parks says mule deer, elk and moose graze along the river here. Day-use is $20 per vehicle from May through October. Reach it from SR-32 and Rock Cliff Road, about 45 miles from Salt Lake City.

The Boardwalks and the Provo River

Rock Cliff's elevated boardwalks and maintained trails cross the upland sage and the wetlands to a viewpoint over the Provo River as it enters Jordanelle Reservoir. Utah State Parks pitches it as the easy nature walk of the park. The boardwalks and interpretive trails lead across the river and wetlands to the Nature Center.

Rock Cliff Nature Center

The Nature Center sits on the eastern shore of the reservoir in the tall cottonwoods of the upper Provo River. Its exhibits cover the wildlife, plants and ecosystem of Jordanelle. Utah State Parks re-opened it in partnership with the Wasatch Mountain Institute, which runs science-based programs there for school groups, families and the public. Hours vary, so call the Hailstone office (435-649-9540) or the Nature Center line (435-782-3030) before you go. In winter, the Nature Center rents snowshoes in child to adult sizes.

Wildlife

Utah State Parks counts more than 200 species of birds and mammals in the habitat around the Nature Center. Golden eagles and red-tailed hawks soar over the reservoir, and mule deer, elk and moose graze along the Provo River at Rock Cliff. Give moose plenty of room, and keep to the boardwalks and marked trails: creating your own trail is unlawful in the park.

Three Rocks Trail

The Three Rocks Trail is a 0.7-mile round trip with a 150-foot elevation change and views over Rock Cliff. (Hiking). Rock Cliff is also the eastern end of the 15.5-mile Perimeter Trail.

Camping at Rock Cliff

Rock Cliff's campground has 45 sites by the Provo River (Camping):

• Aspen Grove: full hookups (30/50-amp, sewer and water).
• River Bend: partial hookups (30/50-amp and water).
• Upland Meadow: hike-in tent sites a short walk from the lot.
• Osprey: a group site with four full-hookup RV pads and a pavilion.

The Rock Cliff campground gate closes at 10 p.m.; the entry code is on your ReserveAmerica confirmation.

Day-Use Facilities

Besides the Nature Center, Rock Cliff has modern restrooms, a fish cleaning station and one group-use pavilion. For boat rentals, the marina and the main ramp, go to Hailstone.