Little Dell Reservoir, near Salt Lake City, is great for recreation and supplementing drinking water. It is part of the watershed, so you can’t swim in the water, but you can fish and kayak.
Directions
From I-80: Take exit 134 and go north on State Highway 65 for approximately three miles. The Little Dell Recreation Area is past Mountain Dell Reservoir and Mountain Dell Golf Course.
From Emigration Canyon: Follow the canyon road (Little Mountain Pass) to State Highway 65, then turn north and proceed approximately ¼ miles to the Recreation Area entrance.
From East Canyon: Little Dell is approximately six miles south of the Big Mountain Summit on State Highway 65 (East Canyon Road).
Little Dell Reservoir was built in 1993. It costs $5 per car to enter, but walk-ins are free. Neither the National Parks Pass or the State Parks Pass work, since it is through Salt Lake City.
Recreation
You can kayak,raft or canoe on Little Dell Reservoir, but there are no motorized boats. Paddle boards are also off-limits because you could fall in the watershed.
The reservoir is stocked with cutthroat trout, brown trout, and brook trout. You can only use artificial lures.
Stats: Bathrooms – At trailhead
Seasons to hike – Year Round
Permits needed – $5 per car (neither National State Parks Pass or State Parks Pass works)
Pets allowed – No
Other nearby places to explore are East Canyon, Mormon Pioneer Trail, Emigration Canyon, Millcreek Canyon, and East Canyon Reservoir.
