Southern Utah is a land of breathtaking natural beauty, where towering red rock cliffs rise above winding canyons, and delicate arches and hoodoos rise towards the endless blue sky. The state is famous for its stunning national parks, and a road trip through the Mighty 5 is a must-do. But this area of Utah often gets very hot and sticky in the summer, with the southern city of St. George seeing average July temperatures of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Luckily, Fire Lake Park in Ivins offers a gorgeous place to cool off when the heat becomes too much.
Just a 20-minute drive from St. George, the small city of Ivins is surrounded by Utah’s famous red-rock scenery, and Fire Lake Park is blessed by a particularly spectacular setting. Lying on the larger Ivins Reservoir, the park offers a sandy beach that slopes into a designated swimming area, where you can splash around or take a leisurely paddle in a kayak or canoe. Many visitors bring their own sun shelters to use on the beach, which makes sense, as there’s little shade! It’s a gorgeous place to spend a few hours, soaking in views of the clear blue water that contrasts beautifully with the crimson and burnt-orange rocks framing the scene.
Fire Lake Park and beyond
Fire Lake Park is a relatively recent addition to Ivins Reservoir and boasts modern conveniences to prove it. There are permanent bathrooms, showers, and foot wash stations so you can rinse off before heading home. A drinking fountain, picnic tables, and a pergola are also available within the park. There’s also a paved path along the lakeshore for strolling. Best of all, entry to the park is free!
Visitors traveling in the area will find plenty to discover beyond the park. If you’re looking for places to cool off, one of Utah’s prettiest secret swimming holes is at Babylon Arch Beach near St. George. The natural pool is reachable by a hike through a scenic desert canyon. St. George itself is often seen as a gateway to some southern Utah parks, particularly Zion. For easy access to all the attractions that surround St. George, visitors can camp at Desert Canyons RV Park in the city.
