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
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
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
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
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
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
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 […]
New Fee Area: South Overlook Near Quail Creek State Park
March 31, 2023 HURRICANE, Utah — Beginning May 1, 2023, the Utah Division of State Parks will begin enforcing a day-use fee for the South Overlook parking lot near Quail Creek State Park. The overlook and parking lot, located at 451 N. SR-318, Hurricane, Utah, is a popular staging area for visitors. The land is […]
5 Tips to Enjoy the Falls at Gunlock State Park
March 16, 2023 With such a snowy winter for most of Utah, it’s no surprise that the falls at Gunlock State Park are flowing this year! These rare seasonal waterfalls only form when runoff spills over the dam. The waterfalls create a stunning contrast with the arid desert environment and attract a lot of photographers […]
Safety at the Gunlock State Park Waterfalls
UPDATE 3/14/2023: As spring runoff accelerates, it will likely bring down debris, including tree limbs, rocks and dirt, which will accumulate near the top of the dam and spillway. Debris flow presents safety hazards for park visitors and the dam. If debris accumulates, crews will remove it as quickly as possible, which will require visitors […]