If you haven't been out to Provo's west side lately, the restored Provo River Delta is quietly becoming one of the best low-key outdoor spots in the valley — and it keeps adding amenities through 2026.
The delta is the payoff of a years-long, roughly $53 million restoration that reconstructed the river's historic mouth into Utah Lake, rebuilt wetland habitat, and helped recovery efforts for the June sucker, a fish found nowhere else on Earth but Utah Lake. Beyond the ecological work, it opened up more than 200 acres of restored wetlands to recreation, anchored by the 3.4-acre Delta Gateway Park at 311 N Lakeshore Drive.
What's new for 2026
The project hasn't stopped at the headline opening. Recent and ongoing work includes:
- New fishing platforms along the Old Provo Channel, with locations chosen in part by members of the Utah Lake fishing community to hit some of the best spots on the water.
- Non-motorized boat ramps for canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards — including one at Alligator Park and another near Utah Lake State Park — plus a portage path so paddlers can move between the channel and the lake.
- Fresh fish. Wildlife managers stocked over 4,000 trout, catfish, and hybrid bass into the old channel in 2025, and added 2,000 rainbow trout in April 2026, with more planned this year.
- Trail paving. A section of the Provo River Trail from Lakeshore Drive down to the pedestrian bridge that connects to Delta Gateway Park is being paved, with more repaving along the Old Provo River corridor slated for later this summer.
A constructed pedestrian bridge ties the original channel trail into the new Skipper Bay trail, creating a roughly 3.8-mile loop — flat, scenic, and a good fit for a casual ride, run, or evening walk with mountain and lake views.
A few things to know before you go
The delta is a working wildlife area, so a little courtesy goes a long way. If you fish, note the special regulations: all June suckers must be released immediately, and any northern pike must be killed rather than released, since they prey on the recovering native fish. Stick to marked trails and respect posted safety and private-property boundaries, especially during fall waterfowl season.
For families, Delta Gateway Park itself is the easy entry point — a river-themed adventure playground, pavilion, restrooms, and direct river access where kids can throw rocks and splash on a warm afternoon.
Want more like this? Browse our Provo River Parkway guide, our roundup of the best parks in Provo, and our Utah Lake guide.