Utah State Parks Blog

Holiday Lights & Events 2022

Posted on: November 3rd, 2022

There’s an unmistakable chill in the air! If you’re ready to start dashing through the snow, bundle the family up and head out to your favorite Utah State Park to make some holiday memories. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful winter hike or a drive through a magically lit winter wonderland, we’ve got you covered! […]

2-Ton Granite Tortoise Unveiled at Snow Canyon State Park

Posted on: October 4th, 2022

October 4, 2022 ST. GEORGE —  A massive surprise is waiting for you at the end of the brand new Tortoise Walk Trail at Snow Canyon State Park: a 2-ton tortoise carved out of granite! The grand opening for the trail was officially held Friday, September 23, 2022, at the Upper Galoot Picnic Area.  The […]

Paleontologists Find Fossil of Ancient Vomited Amphibians

Posted on: September 13th, 2022

 September 13, 2022 150 million years ago, in what is now southeastern Utah, a startled bowfin fish may have vomited up its recent meal of tadpoles and a salamander before escaping whatever had threatened it. SALT LAKE CITY — A team of paleontologists from the Utah Division State Parks, the Utah Geological Survey and the […]

Staying Safe This Labor Day

Posted on: September 2nd, 2022

September 2, 2022 Heading out this weekend to soak up the last sun-filled days of summer? It’s no secret that it’s HOT out there. With Labor Day weekend almost upon us, Utah State Parks has some tips to help you enjoy your extended holiday safely.  General Safety Tips Tell someone where you are going and […]

Decision Regarding Trees at Wasatch Mountain State Park

Posted on: August 17th, 2022

August 17, 2022 SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Division of State Parks has announced that due to safety concerns, the 12 trees within the project area near the Chalet at Wasatch Mountain State Park will be removed. This decision was made after extensive consultation with arborists and additional state agencies. At a project update […]

Project Update for the Campground at Wasatch Mountain State Park 

Posted on: August 10th, 2022

UPDATE: The final decision announced at this meeting can be found here. August 10, 2022 What: Project Update for the campground in the Chalet area at Wasatch Mountain State Park When: August 16, 2022, at 6:30 p.m.Where: Wasatch Mountain State Park Golf Course Clubhouse – 975 Golf Course Drive, Midway, UT  SALT LAKE CITY — […]

The Pond at Willard Bay “Oar-ficially” Opens!

Posted on: August 9th, 2022

August 9, 2022  Check out the video at the bottom of this article! WILLARD BAY STATE PARK — If you haven’t been to Willard Bay State Park in a while, you’re in for a surprise. A brand new pond day-use area is officially open! The park hosted a “paddle cutting” event on Thursday, August 4, […]

Staying Safe in the Heat

Posted on: July 22nd, 2022

It’s HOT out there. While summer might have you wanting to head outside for some fun, venturing out in extreme heat without understanding the risks can put you in a life-threatening situation.  To help you stay safe, the Utah Division of State Parks has put together these 10 tips for safely recreating in the heat: […]

Man Dead After ATV Accident in Sanpete County 

Posted on: July 14th, 2022

July 14, 2022 SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah man is dead following an ATV accident in Sapete County.  On June 23, 61-year-old Donald J. Nicewander of Kearns, Utah, was riding an ATV along the Manti Canyon Road Trail with his friends and family. While riding, Nicewander began having difficulty staying on the trail at […]

Utah Man Dead After Drowning at Sand Hollow State Park

Posted on: July 7th, 2022

July 7, 2022 HURRICANE, Utah — A Utah man is dead following an incident at Sand Hollow State Park in late June.   On June 25, at approximately 11:35 a.m., state park law enforcement rangers were alerted to a possible drowning inside Sand Hollow State Park boundaries, near the jumping rocks area.  According to witnesses, 20-year-old […]