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.

But, during the spring of 2023, there is something else that is capturing the attention of visitors — the waterfalls.

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.

In fact, this is only the third time in the past five years that these waterfalls have appeared. The last time was in the spring of 2020.

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.

For more information on Gunlock State Park, visit the Utah State Parks website. You can also visit the Gunlock State Park Facebook for current waterfalls and park status.