Reservoir after first snow of the season
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Little Dell Reservoir

4.3
·55 reviews·, United States

A serene watershed reservoir east of Salt Lake City, perfect for quiet kayaking, fishing, and enjoying mountain vistas without motorboat noise.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Reservoir after first snow of the season

Little Dell Reservoir

Best Time

Summer mornings

Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene watershed reservoir east of Salt Lake City, perfect for quiet kayaking, fishing, and enjoying mountain vistas without motorboat noise.

4.3
(55 reviews)

"Quiet, peaceful, and immeasurably beautiful open water with shaded banks and calm waves."

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring Exact Cash for Entry

:moneywithwings: Pay the $5 fee with small bills; change can be an issue. 🎟️

Kayak, Canoe, Sail Only

🛶 No motorized boats or paddleboards allowed. Keep it clean! :water_wave:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.3 · 55 reviews

Type

Natural Feature

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Serene Kayaking

Serene Kayaking

East and West Hand Launch Ramps

Enjoy peaceful paddling on calm waters, free from noisy motorboats and wakes. A perfect escape for a quiet day on the water.

Scenic Views

Scenic Views

Throughout the Reservoir

Breathtaking vistas of water and mountains make this a stunning backdrop for photography or simply enjoying nature's beauty.

Fishing Opportunities

Fishing Opportunities

Reservoir Banks

Cast a line for a chance to catch large fish, though artificial lures are required. Early mornings or late evenings might offer better activity.

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Planning Your Visit

Cash for Entry

Be prepared to pay a $5 cash-only fee for access. Some visitors have reported issues with change, so having exact or small bills is recommended. This fee helps maintain the reservoir as a clean watershed.

Watercraft Rules

Motorized boats are prohibited to protect the watershed. Only kayaks, canoes, and small sailboats are permitted. Paddleboarding is also not allowed, so confirm your watercraft plans before you go.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Less busy than weekends
Crowd
Medium
When
Late evenings
Why
Beautiful sunsets
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Save this tip for the hot #Summer months ahead! 🥵 #fyp #reservoir #fyp #camelbak
@camelbak
221.3K likes • 5.3M views

Bring Exact Cash for Entry

:moneywithwings: Pay the $5 fee with small bills; change can be an issue. 🎟️

Kayak, Canoe, Sail Only

🛶 No motorized boats or paddleboards allowed. Keep it clean! :water_wave:

📍Little Dell Reservoir - scenic reservoir in eastern Salt Lake County, Utah 🇺🇸 Little Dell Reservoir is located about 13 miles east of Salt Lake City in the western Wasatch Mountains. It’s about 1.5 miles upstream from Mountain Dell Reservoir and is easily visible from the road To get to Little Dell Reservoir from Parleys Canyon, take the East Canyon exit and head north on Utah 65 for about 3 m...
travelzbeyond
21 likes • 0 views
Part 2 of my favorite summer spot! 🌿✨ Little Dell Reservoir in Salt Lake is an absolute gem—perfect for serene family sessions, stunning portraits, or capturing that adventurous spirit. Whether you’re looking for a backdrop of water, mountains, or just a peaceful escape, this location has it all. Stay tuned for more! #SummerVibes #LittleDellReservoir #PhotographyLocations #familyportraits #fami...
holalesliephotos
6 likes • 0 views

Pack Insect Repellent

:bug: Lots of flies reported, especially near the water. Be prepared! :iphone:

Shaded East Ramp

:sunwithface: The east launch ramp offers better shade than the west. :park_park:

[4K] Drone. Little Dell Reservoir, Parleys Canyon Utah. 2024 We drove up Emigration Canyon to get to Little Dell Reservoir. Perfect day for Flying, Fishing, Kayaking, or just taking a walk and enjoying the scenery. Sadly, no dogs allowed. We took Parleys Canyon back down to SLC to make a loop. Aerial Photography done with my DJI Mini 4K drone. #aerialphotography #dji #djimini4pro #dronephotograp...
flyingdutchman4k
44 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Exact Cash for Entry

:moneywithwings: Pay the $5 fee with small bills; change can be an issue. 🎟️

Kayak, Canoe, Sail Only

🛶 No motorized boats or paddleboards allowed. Keep it clean! :water_wave:

Pack Insect Repellent

:bug: Lots of flies reported, especially near the water. Be prepared! :iphone:

Shaded East Ramp

:sunwithface: The east launch ramp offers better shade than the west. :park_park:

Artificial Lures for Fishing

:fishingpoleand_line: Live bait is prohibited for fishing here. :hook:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(55 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Little Dell Reservoir is praised for its peaceful atmosphere, ideal for kayaking and enjoying scenic mountain views without the noise of motorboats. However, some visitors find the fishing challenging and note issues with bank access due to fishermen, as well as the cash-only entry fee and restrictions on paddleboarding.

"Beautiful area. No live bait only artificial for fishing. Make sure to bring 5$ (cash only) for access! 😊"

Stacy H

"Quiet, peaceful, and immeasurably beautiful open water with shaded banks and calm waves. Kayaks, canoes, or small sailboats only; lack of motorized craft makes this Reservoir a wonderful place to escape the noise of city life. There are two hand launch ramps - the east one is located at the end of the turnoff halfway down from the guard post and is better shaded than the west, but it is further to the water. Several restroom shacks around the area.

Side note, please be considerate of other visitors and leave the boom box at home!"

Ryan Briggs

"Graet place to go hike or fishing 🎣 although you cannot swim are use a watercraft with a motor kayaks only since this reservoir is a watershed for local drinking water, so we have to keep it clean as possible, this lake has huge fish unfortunately I went when it was to warm outside and the were all on the bottom, maybe next time"

Brock Stevens

What People Like

Peaceful kayaking
Scenic mountain views
No motorboats

What People Dislike

Cash-only fee
No paddleboarding
Crowded fishing banks

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Little Dell Reservoir is located about 13 miles east of Salt Lake City. You can access it via Parleys Canyon or Emigration Canyon. Drone footage shows a loop drive using both canyons for scenic exploration. Instagram+1

Public transport options to Little Dell Reservoir are limited. It's best accessed by private vehicle. The drive from Salt Lake City is relatively short, making it a convenient destination. Instagram

From Salt Lake City, take I-80 East towards Park City. Take exit 134 for US-40 E/UT-32 S towards Heber City. Continue on US-40 E and then follow signs for Little Dell Reservoir. Alternatively, you can drive up Emigration Canyon for a different scenic route. Instagram+1

Yes, there is a $5 access fee per vehicle. It's important to note that this fee is cash only, so be sure to bring the correct amount. Reddit

Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed at Little Dell Reservoir. This is to help maintain the water quality as it serves as a watershed for local drinking water. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee is $5 per vehicle. It's crucial to have cash on hand, as they do not accept cards and may have difficulty making change for larger bills. Reddit

While specific operating hours aren't always posted, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. It's advisable to check local conditions or arrive earlier in the day, especially on weekends. Instagram

No, advance booking is not required for Little Dell Reservoir. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis with the cash payment at the entrance. Reddit

The primary restriction is that motorized watercraft are not allowed. Dogs are also prohibited to protect the watershed. InstagramReddit

If you don't have cash, you may be denied entry. Some visitors have reported issues with the attendant not being able to make change for large bills, so having exact change or small bills is highly recommended. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Kayaking, canoeing, and sailing are popular activities. Fishing is also permitted, but only artificial lures can be used. Hiking around the reservoir is another option. InstagramReddit

No, swimming is not allowed in Little Dell Reservoir. This is because it serves as a watershed for local drinking water, and swimming is prohibited to maintain water purity. Reddit

Paddleboards are not permitted at Little Dell Reservoir. The rules strictly allow only kayaks, canoes, and small sailboats. Reddit

Fishing is allowed, but you must use artificial lures only; live bait is prohibited. Some visitors have noted that fish can be deep in the water, especially during warmer months. Reddit

Yes, there are several restroom facilities located around the reservoir area for visitor convenience. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The entire reservoir offers stunning scenic views with water and mountain backdrops, perfect for portraits and landscape photography. Drone footage captures the beauty from above. Instagram+1

Yes, drone photography is permitted, and many impressive aerial shots have been captured here, showcasing the reservoir's expanse and surrounding landscape. Instagram

Late evenings are ideal for capturing beautiful sunsets. Summer mornings can also offer pleasant light and fewer crowds for photography. Reddit

While general photography is encouraged, be mindful of other visitors. Loud music or disruptive behavior is discouraged. Reddit

Expect open water, rolling hills, and the majestic Wasatch Mountains. The changing seasons offer diverse photographic opportunities, from lush greens to autumnal colors. Instagram

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