On the western shore of Deer Creek Reservoir at the end of Provo Canyon in Heber Valley, Deer Creek State Park offers several beaches and day use areas alongside its 3,000 surface acre water sports haven in the Wasatch Mountains east of Provo. A half hour from Provo and an hour from Salt Lake City, Rainbow Bay Day Use Area offers convenient access to paddlers and boaters, a relaxing beach destination, and a thrill ride for adventure seekers.
Generally speaking, there is little to separate day use areas. The day use areas at Deer Creek merit special attention for the amenities and services they offer. In addition to the standard day use offerings, Rainbow Bay is adjacent to the zipline course operated by Zipline Utah. Thrill seekers will find a tower several stories high and several hundred feet of zipline to enjoy as part of a tour along the Alpine Highway or as a destination in its own right.
Like Island Beach Day Use Area, the beach at Rainbow Bay is rocky, but manageable. Picnic cabanas along the shoreline offer reprieve from summer sun exposure and include a group cabana with picnic tables for large groups. Rainbow Bay Day Use Area has no boat ramp access to Deer Creek Reservoir, an important distinction from the other day use areas on the reservoir’s eastern shore. Absent a large beach crowd and without the traffic of motorized boat access, Rainbow Bay might be ideal for paddlers looking to launch without the inconvenient congestion. Also unlike the other day use areas, Rainbow Bay features more shady trees, an important consideration during the summer months when the temperatures vault into the 90s.
Note: Rainbow Bay Day Use Area is open year round from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the winter months. To reserve the large picnic shelter call, 801.538.7220.
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