Jordanelle State Park

Rockcliffe Nature Center

A community space for nature education, hands-on learning, and outdoor connection– brought back from abandonment by two volunteers who believed it deserved better.

50+
Attendees per event
5+
Programs hosted
$0
Cost to the community

The Revival Story

From Abandoned to Thriving

When Mason and Skye arrived at Jordanelle State Park in September 2025, the nature center had been closed for years. The building was full of dead insects and animal waste. The doors were locked. Most park visitors didn't even know it existed.

They cleaned it out by hand. Fixed what they could. Started showing up every weekend. And then they started inviting people.

The first event was small– a handful of curious families, some binoculars, and a beaver ecologist who knew the local habitat better than anyone. Word spread. The next event brought more people. Then more.

Within months, monthly events were drawing 50 or more attendees– homeschool families, park visitors, locals from Heber, Park City, Midway. People who had lived in the Wasatch Back for years and never once stopped at the nature center.

Zero budget. Zero staff. Just two volunteers and a belief that this space mattered.

The Space

What You'll Find

🦅

Eagle Nesting Site

Active bald eagle nest along the reservoir– visible from the nature center with spotting scopes.

💧

Jordanelle Reservoir Access

Direct trail access to the reservoir and surrounding wetlands, beaver habitat, and bird watching areas.

🌿

Native Plant Areas

Utah native plants and medicinal herb species throughout the park for identification and education.

🏛️

Indoor Gathering Space

Restored center space for workshops, presentations, and group activities– available year-round.

🏔️

Wasatch Back Views

Stunning mountain views in all directions– one of the most scenic state park locations in Utah.

🎒

Easy Access

45 minutes from Salt Lake City, 20 minutes from Park City, 10 minutes from Heber City.

Plan Your Visit

Getting Here

📍 Location

Rockcliffe Nature Center
Jordanelle State Park
Wasatch Back, Utah

Near Heber City, approx. 20 min from Park City

🕐 Events

Events typically held on weekend mornings.
1–2 events per month.

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Want to Help?

The nature center runs entirely on volunteer effort. If you have expertise in ecology, nature education, herbalism, art, or just want to help set up for events– we'd love to have you involved.

Get Involved