Panguitch Lake Adventure Guide: Explore, Eat, and Experience
Panguitch Lake is a 777-acre reservoir backed by mountains and forests. It's a popular destination for year-round recreation, including hiking, boating, fishing, and camping. There are campgrounds located around the lake.
Panguitch Lake, Utah, is a stunning destination offering a plethora of outdoor activities, breathtaking scenery, and delicious dining options. Here's a guide to the top 10 things to do in Panguitch Lake and its surrounding areas:
Panguitch Lake Fishing: Panguitch Lake is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for trout. Spend a relaxing day casting your line into the pristine waters of the lake, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.
Explore Bryce Canyon National Park: Just a short drive from Panguitch Lake, Bryce Canyon National Park is a must-visit attraction. Marvel at the unique hoodoos, go hiking on scenic trails like the Navajo Loop, and catch the awe-inspiring sunrise or sunset at Sunrise Point.
Hiking in Dixie National Forest: With numerous trails catering to all skill levels, Dixie National Forest offers fantastic hiking opportunities. Explore trails like the Cascade Falls Trail or the Virgin River Rim Trail for stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
ATV Riding: Rent an ATV and explore the rugged terrain surrounding Panguitch Lake. Ride through Dixie National Forest or venture to nearby trails like the Paiute ATV Trail System for an adrenaline-pumping adventure.
Brian Head Resort: Hit the slopes at Brian Head Resort, located just a short drive away. Whether you're skiing, snowboarding, or tubing, this resort offers winter fun for the whole family. In the summer, enjoy mountain biking and scenic chairlift rides.
Scenic Drive on Highway 143: Take a leisurely drive along Highway 143, also known as the Patchwork Parkway. This scenic byway offers breathtaking views of forests, meadows, and volcanic formations, making it perfect for a relaxing day trip.
Panguitch Lake Resort: Enjoy a delicious meal at Panguitch Lake Resort, overlooking the serene waters of the lake. Indulge in classic American cuisine like burgers, sandwiches, and freshly caught fish while soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.
Stargazing: Panguitch Lake and its surrounding areas boast some of the darkest skies in the country, making it an ideal spot for stargazing. Set up your telescope or simply lay out a blanket and gaze up at the countless stars twinkling overhead.
Horseback Riding: Experience the beauty of the Utah wilderness on horseback with guided trail rides offered by local outfitters. Explore scenic trails, meadows, and forests while enjoying the peaceful rhythm of your horse's hoofbeats.
Panguitch Balloon Festival: If you're visiting in June, don't miss the annual Panguitch Balloon Festival. Watch as colorful hot air balloons fill the sky, enjoy live music, delicious food vendors, and family-friendly activities.
In the vicinity of Panguitch Lake, you'll find a handful of restaurants offering a variety of dining options. Here are the five closest restaurants: (some of these are closed in the winter)
Panguitch Lake Resort Restaurant: Located right at Panguitch Lake, this restaurant offers stunning views of the lake along with a menu featuring classic American cuisine, including burgers, sandwiches, and freshly caught fish.
Bear Paw Fishing Resort Restaurant: Situated on the shores of Panguitch Lake, Bear Paw Fishing Resort Restaurant serves up hearty meals with a focus on seafood and American fare. Enjoy dining with a view of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Panguitch Lake Lodge Restaurant: Another lakeside dining option, Panguitch Lake Lodge Restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu featuring a variety of dishes, including steaks, seafood, and comfort food classics.
Maverick Country Store & Restaurant: Located a bit further away from the lake, Maverick Country Store & Restaurant is a convenient stop for a quick meal or snacks. Their menu includes sandwiches, burgers, salads, and other casual dining options.
Henrie's Drive-In: If you're looking for a casual spot with classic American fast food, Henrie's Drive-In is a popular choice. Located in Panguitch town, it's a short drive from Panguitch Lake and offers burgers, fries, shakes, and other diner favorites.
In addition to the restaurants near Panguitch Lake, the town of Panguitch itself offers a variety of dining options, as well as grocery stores for your convenience. Here are some restaurants and grocery stores in Panguitch:
Restaurants:
Cowboy's Smokehouse Cafe: Enjoy delicious barbecue and hearty American fare at Cowboy's Smokehouse Cafe. They offer smoked meats, sandwiches, burgers, and other comfort food classics.
Flying M Restaurant: This family-owned restaurant serves up homestyle cooking in a cozy atmosphere. Enjoy breakfast all day, as well as burgers, sandwiches, and comfort food favorites.
Panguitch Main Street Cafe: A popular spot for breakfast and lunch, Panguitch Main Street Cafe offers a variety of diner-style dishes, including omelets, pancakes, burgers, and salads.
Pizza Place: Craving pizza? Head to Pizza Place in Panguitch for a variety of pizza options, as well as salads, wings, and other Italian-American favorites.
Salt & Pepper Drive-In: For a quick and casual meal, stop by Salt & Pepper Drive-In for burgers, sandwiches, and ice cream treats. It's a classic roadside diner experience.
Grocery Stores:
Davis Food & Drug: Davis Food & Drug is a full-service grocery store in Panguitch offering a wide selection of groceries, including fresh produce, meat, dairy, and pantry staples.
Family Dollar: Family Dollar is a convenient option for groceries, household essentials, and other everyday items. You'll find a variety of products at affordable prices.
The Panguitch Lake area and its surrounding areas offer a plethora of hiking opportunities, ranging from easy strolls to challenging treks. Here are some of the most popular hikes in the area:
Navajo Loop Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park: This iconic trail descends into the heart of Bryce Canyon, passing by stunning hoodoos, rock formations, and scenic overlooks. The loop can be completed in about 1.3 miles and is moderately strenuous.
Queen's Garden Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park: Another popular trail in Bryce Canyon, the Queen's Garden Trail offers breathtaking views of hoodoos and rock formations. It's a relatively easy hike, spanning around 1.8 miles round trip.
Cascade Falls Trail, Dixie National Forest: This scenic trail leads to the beautiful Cascade Falls, which cascade down a series of rocky ledges. The trail is approximately 1.5 miles round trip and is suitable for all skill levels.
Virgin River Rim Trail, Dixie National Forest: For a longer hike with stunning panoramic views, consider exploring sections of the Virgin River Rim Trail. This multi-day trail spans over 30 miles but can be broken down into shorter segments for day hikes.
Cathedral Valley Loop, Capitol Reef National Park: For those willing to venture a bit further, the Cathedral Valley Loop in Capitol Reef National Park offers a remote and rugged hiking experience. Highlights include towering monoliths, expansive vistas, and ancient rock formations.
Mammoth Cave Trail, Dixie National Forest: Explore lava tubes and ancient volcanic caves on the Mammoth Cave Trail. This unique hike is approximately 2 miles round trip and offers a fascinating glimpse into the area's geological history.
Willis Creek Slot Canyon, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: While not technically a hike in the Panguitch Lake area, Willis Creek Slot Canyon is worth the drive for its stunning slot canyons and easy, family-friendly hiking opportunities.
These are just a few examples of the many hiking trails available in and around the Panguitch Lake area. Whether you're looking for sweeping vistas, unique geological formations, or tranquil forest scenery, you'll find a hike to suit your preferences and skill level. As always, make sure to check trail conditions and prepare accordingly before setting out on any hike.