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 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 restored wetlands to recreation, anchored by Delta Gateway Park on 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. The Division of Wildlife Resources is stocking the Old Provo Channel, with over 4,000 rainbow and tiger trout plus 150 walleye planned by the end of September 2026.
- Trail paving. Utah County is repaving the Old Provo Channel trail and two adjoining parking areas, the last planned construction item at the delta, and the trail is closed until October 31, 2026. (Earlier work paved a section of the Provo River Trail from Lakeshore Drive down to the pedestrian bridge that connects to Delta Gateway Park, with more repaving along the Old Provo River corridor slated for later.)
(Update, July 2026: the final construction package is wrapping up — current status and detours here.)
A constructed pedestrian bridge ties the original channel trail into the new Skipper Bay trail, creating a loop: flat, scenic, and a good fit for a casual ride, run, or evening walk with mountain and lake views. It's the gentlest end of a much longer corridor: the Provo River Parkway runs from here up into Provo Canyon, and both our running routes and mountain biking guides use it as the flat, paved backbone for beginners and long steady mileage.
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. For photographers, the delta is one of the two spots our Provo photography guide names for Utah Lake sunsets — that open western horizon is the whole point.
Want more like this? Browse our Provo River Parkway guide, our roundup of the best parks in Provo, and our Utah Lake guide.
Related Guides
- Tubing & Rafting the Provo River: The Float, the Shuttle, and the Trestle Everyone Warns You About
- Horseback Riding in Utah Valley: Where to Ride, What It's Actually Like, and Who Takes Beginners
- The Murdock Canal Trail: Utah County's Flat 17 Miles
- Skate Parks in Utah Valley: Fort Utah, Orem, and Where Else to Actually Skate
- Fly Fishing the Provo River: Three Rivers Wearing One Name
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fish at the Provo River Delta?
Where is Delta Gateway Park?
Is there a non-motorized boat launch at the delta?
Sources
The facts in this guide were checked against these sources. Hours, fees and rules change, so confirm anything time-sensitive with the source before you go. How we make Provo.com.
- Frequently Asked Questions, Utah Lake Authority (utahlake.gov). Checked October 12, 2026.
- Provo River Delta Restoration Project, Provo River Delta Restoration Project (June Sucker Recovery Implementation Program partners). Checked October 12, 2026.
