Photo Credit  Jim Snyder

On warm summer days, Utica Reservoir comes alive with outdoor enthusiasts enjoying a variety of activities. Visitors can be found picnicking beside the sparkling water, horseback riding and hiking along groomed trails, taking a refreshing dip in the cool reservoir, or pitching a tent for a night under the stars.

Utica and Union Reservoirs are small, picturesque lakes located off Spicer Reservoir Road, about two miles from Highway 4, near Bear Valley. Utica Reservoir is a paddler's paradise, as it prohibits powerboats. The Utica Reservoir feeds into the adjacent Union Reservoir, located just to the south.

While the Utica Reservoir can be paddled in a couple of hours, it takes days to fully explore its hidden passages, breathtaking landscapes, colorful lily ponds, babbling brooks, and secluded coves. Large rock islands dot the water as far as the eye can see, making this a unique and scenic paddling destination.

Dotting the shoreline are several small, shaded islands that provide ideal picnic spots along the rocky, wooded banks. The pine trees and granite boulders lining much of the reservoir add to the area's tranquil ambiance. As Utica Reservoir is located on national forest land, camping is generally permitted anywhere that is not explicitly marked as off-limits.

Whether you're seeking peace and relaxation or a more lively experience, Utica Reservoir delivers. On weekdays, the reservoir offers a more intimate setting, while summer weekends tend to draw larger crowds to both Utica and Union Reservoirs. Additional nearby recreation options include Lake Alpine, Spicer Meadow Reservoir, and other scenic spots just a short drive away.

Map of Utica Lake