Is Scofield State Park worth your trip?
Scofield State Park, at 7,616 feet, centers on its 2,800-acre reservoir.
This is not a landscape park, but a working mountain recreation area. Fishing, camping, and water access are primary. Summer temperatures remain cool, offering a true escape from lowland heat. In winter, it becomes a reliable ice fishing destination. Its connection via scenic byway to Moab and the Wasatch Plateau positions it as more than a single stop. An Experience Score of 86 reflects its documented breadth. Boating, paddling, OHV, hiking, wildlife viewing, and winter sports are all present. The park rewards those seeking a reservoir and alpine environment over dramatic geology. Casual sightseers should look elsewhere.
Why go
This unit centers on its 2,800-acre high-mountain reservoir. Summer days permit boating, swimming, and paddling. Anglers pursue rainbow or cutthroat trout. Cool evenings offer respite from July heat. Winter brings a productive ice fishery. Bikers and OHV riders access Skyline Drive via the Energy Loop scenic byway. This byway also functions as a northern approach to Moab, bypassing interstate travel. The reservoir is the primary attraction.
Best for
Anglers, boaters, campers, and OHV riders will find genuine value here. Families seeking a summer base camp near water are well served. Visitors hoping for dramatic hiking, canyon scenery, or iconic viewpoints should look elsewhere. This park rewards those who prioritize reservoir and mountain recreation over landscape spectacle.
Best season
Summer months, from June through August, mark peak season; boating, fishing, swimming, and camping dominate, with elevation keeping temperatures manageable. Winter is for dedicated ice fishing and snow recreation. Spring and fall, at over 7,600 feet, are cold and unpredictable. Shoulder-season visitors require layers and must check byway road conditions.
The high points
- Fishing a 2,800-acre high-elevation reservoir for rainbow and cutthroat trout in summer and through the ice in winter
- Boating, paddling, and swimming at genuine alpine elevation with cool summer temperatures
- Camping with water access as a base for multiple days of reservoir recreation
- OHV and high-clearance vehicle access to Skyline Drive on the Wasatch Plateau
- Driving the Energy Loop - Huntington/Eccles Canyons Scenic Byway as a route connecting to Moab or the San Rafael Swell
- Wildlife viewing in a mountain reservoir setting away from Utah's heavily trafficked canyon corridors
Know before you go
This Utah State Park presents a distinct offering, yet requires visitors to navigate specific access and reservation protocols. Entrance fees are variable, and all camping reservations must be secured through the Utah State Parks system. Situated on a mountain road, the park's accessibility can fluctuate; closures or hazardous conditions are possible in early spring and late fall. Furthermore, reaching Skyline Drive from the byway necessitates high-clearance or off-highway vehicles. This is a destination for the prepared, not the casual.
One more thingFor those transiting to or from Moab, the Energy Loop byway is a compelling alternative to a direct route through Scofield. This scenic drive, weaving through Huntington and Eccles Canyons, adds minimal time to a journey. The significant altitude change alone offers a dramatic contrast to the desert landscape.
