Reservoir and River Activities in the Timpanogos Area

The Provo and American Fork Canyon areas are home to three popular reservoirs: Deer Creek, Silver Lake Flat, and Tibble Fork Reservoirs. Reservoir parking will experience higher traffic volumes on weekends and holidays. Looking for something simpler? Try fishing or floating down the Provo River.

Deer Creek Reservoir

Parking and Fees

The Utah Division of State Parks manages Deer Creek Reservoir, which offers boating, fishing, windsurfing, swimming, kiteboarding, zip lining, and beaches in summer and ice fishing in winter. There are also several trailheads nearby.

Access to Deer Creek's developed recreation areas (Main Boat Ramp and Island Resort Boat Ramp) requires a day-use fee or season pass during the summer.

👉Expect traffic as conditions become suitable for boating. Always check signage, as roadside parking is strictly regulated.

Why visit?

Activities: Boating, fishing, windsurfing, swimming, kiteboarding, zip lining
Locations: Main Boat Ramp, Island Resort Boat Ramp, Fox Den Campground, Chokecherry Campground, Great Horned Owl Campground, Lakehouse Restaurant, Deer Creek Island Resort, Rainbow Bay Aqua Park
Good to know: All campsites are available for reservation on a four-month rolling basis. Kiteboarding and kayaking rentals and lessons are available from various vendors.

Deer Creek Reservoir Information

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Road Construction in the Area

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Tibble Fork Reservoir

Tibble Fork Reservoir is an alpine lake in American Fork Canyon, managed by the U.S. Forest Service. It’s a year-round destination for outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, and non-motorized boating activities.

Why visit?

Activities: Fishing, hiking, kayaking, biking
Access: The paved SR-144 off the Alpine Loop brings you directly to the reservoir.
Good to know: Park in designated stalls only. No motorized use on banks or reservoir. Dogs must be on leash.

Parking and Fees

Fees: $10 per vehicle for three days; $20 per vehicle for seven days; $60 per vehicle for the season (gives access to all Forest Service managed fee sites in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, including Silver Lake Flat Reservoir and other trailheads along the Alpine Loop). The “America the Beautiful” National Parks Pass also covers this area.

Want to visit Tibble Fork Reservoir for free? The Forest Service has 15 fee-free days throughout the year.

👉 >>Fee Info and Purchasing a Digital Day Use Pass

Tibble Fork Reservoir Information

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Silver Lake Flat Reservoir

Silver Lake Flat Reservoir, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, is located in American Fork Canyon near the Lone Peak Wilderness. Motorized boating is not allowed at Silver Lake Flat Reservoir, but you may use kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, or similar non‑powered craft.

Why visit?

Activities: Non-motorized watercraft (paddleboarding, kayaking) and nearby camping and hiking.
Locations: Silver Lake Trail, Picnic Area.
Good to know: No fires or camping within 1/4 mile of the reservoir. No trailers allowed on the road to Silver Lake Flat. No public access to the spillway.

Parking and Fees

Parking is allowed in designated areas only. Do not park in the signed no-parking zones. Emergency vehicles must always be able to respond to an emergency, do not block gates, or obstruct the flow of traffic. 4x4 vehicles are recommended for access; FR-008 is a 2.5-mile narrow dirt road with sharp curves and steep grades.

Fees: $10 per vehicle for three days; $20 per vehicle for seven days; $60 per vehicle for the season (gives access to all Forest Service managed fee sites in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, including Tibble Fork Reservoir and other trailheads along the Alpine Loop). The “America the Beautiful” National Parks Pass also covers this area.

Want to visit Silver Lake Flat Reservoir for free? The Forest Service has 15 fee-free days throughout the year.

👉>>Fee Info & Purchase a Digital Day Use Pass

Silver Lake Flat Reservoir Information

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Provo River

The Provo River flows from the Uinta mountains into Utah Lake with upper, middle, and lower sections. The upper section flows from the mountains into Jordanelle Reservoir. The middle section flows from Jordanelle into Deer Creek Reservoir and is joined by Snake Creek. The lower section flows from Deer Creek through Provo Canyon into Utah Lake.

It is known as one of the world’s premiere fly fishing destinations and is supported by several year-round hatcheries. The Middle Provo River holds about 3,500 wild brown trout per mile, while the Lower Provo can reach 4,500 fish per mile (per riverreports.com).

Additionally, many people enjoy floating the river in tubes during the summer, typically traversing 4.5 miles between Deer Creek Reservoir and Vivian Park in the Lower Provo River.

Why visit?

Activities: Fishing and tubing
Locations: Provo River Parkway, various locations for river access
Good to know: Popular for rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, and cutthroat trout.

Provo River Fishing and Floating Parking and Fees

There are several access points to fish the Lower Provo River. The Utah Department of Wildlife Resources has an interactive map showing these locations with information about the fishing, parking, and amenities. Note the Frazier Pull-off has a $5 fee.

Fishing Info & Access Map

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If you’re enjoying the water on a float tube, raft, or kayak, a popular put-in spot is Lower Provo River Park just west of Deer Creek Reservoir. A popular take-out spot is Vivian Park or Frazier Park. Life jackets are required.

Don’t want to figure out the logistics of shuttling between the put-in and take-out, or don’t have gear? Several private companies offer rentals and guided excursions on the Lower Provo River. Here’s a list of permitted companies that partner with Deer Creek State Park.

👉 Looking to enjoy river views without getting in the water? Check out the Provo River Parkway trail.

Provo River Float Information

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More Recreation in the Timpanogos Area