Utah State Parks Blog

Utah Teen Dead After Incident at Sand Hollow State Park

Posted on: August 3rd, 2023

Aug. 3, 2023 HURRICANE, Utah — A Utah teen has died after an incident at Sand Hollow State Park.  Just before 10 a.m. on Thursday, 15-year-old Landon Crook from South Jordan, Utah, was paddleboarding in the south beach area of Sand Hollow State Park with family members when he fell from the paddleboard and did […]

NOTICE: Administrative Checkpoint on Markagunt OHV Trail

Posted on: July 14th, 2023

July 13, 2023 The Utah Division of State Parks and other partnering agencies will conduct an administrative checkpoint on Saturday, July 22, 2023. The checkpoint is right off Mammoth Creek Road on the Markagunt OHV trail in Kane County. The will run from 5 pm-10 pm.  This checkpoint aims to verify driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, […]

Where Does Your Dollar Go When You Purchase a Utah State Parks Annual Pass?

Posted on: July 13th, 2023

When you purchase an annual pass, campsite or day-use pass for Utah State Parks, you’re gaining access to breathtaking natural landscapes and unforgettable experiences. But did you know that you’re also directly contributing to the betterment of these beautiful parks? The Utah Division of State Parks takes great pride in its self-sufficiency, meaning that every […]

Paleontologists Find Ancient Forest Deposit in Northeastern Utah

Posted on: June 14th, 2023

June 14, 2023 SALT LAKE CITY — A team of paleontologists from the Utah Division of State Parks and the University of Bonn, Germany, recently excavated and are studying a fossil plant locality in northeastern Utah that indicates the presence of a humid forest in northeastern Utah during the Late Jurassic, the time that produced […]

Utah Man Dead After Incident at Palisade State Park

Posted on: June 4th, 2023

June 4, 2023 STERLING, Utah — A Utah man is dead following an apparent drowning at Palisade State Park Saturday evening.  Just after 5 p.m. on Saturday, Utah State Park law enforcement rangers and Sanpete County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Palisade State Park after receiving reports about a drowning in progress.  The man, 18-year-old […]

Red Fleet State Park Closure: Construction & Renovation Project Moving Forward

Posted on: May 12th, 2023

May 12, 2023 VERNAL, Utah — Red Fleet State Park will close on June 1, 2023, for renovations and improvements, with plans to reopen for the 2024 season.  This renovation project was originally slated for the 2022 season but was postponed due to supply chain issues and increased costs. The closure will allow for extensive […]

Staying Safe from Flash Flooding in Utah State Parks

Posted on: May 11th, 2023

May 11, 2023 Utah’s state parks offer visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of the state, from its iconic red rock formations to pristine lakes and rivers. However, with this beauty comes the potential danger of flash flooding; especially in rainy seasons. Flash floods can occur suddenly and without warning, and can pose […]

Three Rangers Recognized for Their Hard Work

Posted on: April 27th, 2023

April 27, 2023 SALT LAKE CITY — Utah is home to some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the country, and the rangers who work here play a critical role in preserving these precious resources and keeping those who visit them safe.  This year, the Utah Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #41 — comprised […]

Sailboat Beach Closing For Deer Creek Intake Project

Posted on: April 27th, 2023

April 27, 2023 DEER CREEK STATE PARK —  The Sailboat Beach Day-Use Area at Deer Creek State Park will be closed to all public access beginning May 1, 2023, for construction as part of the Deer Creek Intake Project. The closure is expected to last until spring 2026.  The project is a critical part of […]

Experience the Magic of the Stars at Utah’s State Parks

Posted on: April 13th, 2023

Utah is known for its stunning natural beauty, but did you know that it’s also home to some of the best stargazing experiences in the country? With its clear, dark skies and minimal light pollution, Utah is a perfect destination for star parties.  With International Dark Sky Week fast approaching (April 15-22, 2023), let’s check […]