The Elusive Waterfalls At Gunlock State Park In Utah Are Flowing For The First Time In 3 Years
By Courtnie Erickson|Published April 28, 2023
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Utah has some pretty impressive state parks but there is one that tends to fall under the radar — Gunlock State Park. Located in southern Utah, approximately 15 miles northwest of St. George, this beautiful state park is one that should be on every Utahn’s bucket list, particularly right now as the rare Gunlock Falls are flowing and creating a truly impressive sight.
Gunlock State Park is a delightful year-round destination in southern Utah. It is home to the 266-acre Gunlock Reservoir, which is the perfect place for boating and fishing, particularly during the summer months.
When flowing, the seasonal waterfalls at Gunlock State Park are some of the most impressive in the entire state. However, these falls aren’t flowing all of the time and only make an appearance a few times each decade.
The waterfalls appear when Gunlock Reservoir reaches its capacity and water flows over the spillway. Due to the record snowpack in the mountains, the stunning falls are flowing this spring, and with it comes both beauty and challenges.
Because the falls are rare and jaw-dropping, visitors from all over flood this state park. In fact, it isn’t uncommon for the park to reach capacity and some visitors are denied access to the park.
To capture a better view of the falls, many individuals throw all smart safety decisions aside. In 2019 and 2020, the last two years the falls flowed, one person died and multiple others were seriously injured from the falls. It isn't uncommon for multiple Search and Rescue calls to be made at the falls as well.
To help you enjoy the beauty of the falls and still remain safe, the Utah State Parks Department advises all visitors to always be aware, particularly when close to or near the edge of the falls. The water flowing over the dam can be fast and powerful and bring along trash, debris, and rocks that can injure or even trap those nearby.
You should also check park conditions before you leave, recreate responsibility, bring the right gear, and take the time to visit other attractions inside Gunlock State Park like the reservoir or the hiking trails.
If planning a visit to Gunlock State Park in southern Utah to view the falls, avoid weekends and be smart about your actions. Also, if the park has reached capacity or you simply want to get away from the crowds, make sure to check out one of the other nearby state parks like Snow Canyon or Sand Hollow.
