Discover the Desert: Chase waterfalls at this stunning Southern Utah state park

Written by Alysha Lundgren
April 29, 2024

ST. GEORGE — Southern Utahns chasing waterfalls this spring are in luck as Gunlock State Park’s “unpredictable” falls are flowing.

Host Sydnee Imlay and her guest Melody Lyman explore Gunlock State Park, Utah, April 10, 2024 | Photo by Aaron Crane, St. George News

In this episode of “Discover the Desert,” host Sydnee Imlay and her guest Melody Lyman followed a red rock desert trail to Gunlock Falls. While the water doesn’t flow every year, the area comes to life when they do, offering a unique experience for tourists and locals alike.

“This is one of my favorite places ever,” Lyman said as the duo readied themselves for the short hike from the trailhead parking lot to the falls.

Gunlock State Park was established in 1970 and is comprised of nearly 250 acres. The park is near the town of Gunlock and about a half-hour from St. George or an hour and 15 minutes from Cedar City. It is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and visitors will pay a fee to enter.

The falls are created by melting snow in the Pine Valley area, park manager Collin Kuehn told St. George News.

Water flows down the red rocks at Gunlock State Park in Gunlock, Utah, April 10, 2024 | Photo by Aaron Crane, St. George News

“On good snow years, we have an excess of water coming into the reservoir,” he said via email. “The falls are essentially our spillway.”

Kuehn said he believes visitors are drawn to the area by its unique aesthetics.

“Seeing water flowing from the desert is a unique experience that is not common to the west,” he said. “Gunlock is a beautiful area with Navajo Sandstone that is characteristic here in Southern Utah. Seeing the two come together is what I believe draws everyone to them.”

The falls aren’t a common occurrence, only flowing a handful of times in the last 15 years, Kuehn said, adding that how long they’ll last can be “somewhat unpredictable.”

With higher-than-average precipitation, Gunlock experienced “some of the heaviest and swiftest levels of water the area has ever seen” in 2023, St. George News reported.

In this file photo, water flows down the red rocks at Gunlock State Park in Gunlock, Utah, March 15, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

While the falls are flowing again in 2024, they’ve done so intermittently without last year’s powerful cascades, according to the park’s Facebook, where would-be visitors can track the falls’ current status.

“This fickle behavior is due to a myriad of natural conditions based on spring runoff, the amount of water in the reservoir, snowpack, and outdoor temperatures,” park staff explained in a mid-April post.

Additionally, Kuehn said that “nature can be very unforgiving,” reminding visitors to practice caution.

“Please respect not only the water but the rock ledges as well,” he said. “Slips and falls can happen to anyone, please do not run across the falls. We want you to get out and enjoy the area, but be cautious and watch after your little ones and pets.”

What else is there to see?

Gunlock Reservoir is open for various activities, including boating, fishing and more, Gunlock State Park, Utah, April 10, 2024 | Photo by Aaron Crane, St. George News

Just up the road from the falls is Gunlock Reservoir, which was built in 1970 for irrigation and flood control. It’s a popular destination for boaters, swimmers and anglers and is available for various other activities, according to the park’s website. The boat ramp is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from November to April and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. from May to October.

“We have a fleet of kayaks and stand up paddle boards that are available for rent,” Kuehn said.

At 3600 feet in elevation in sunny Southern Utah, the reservoir is considered a year-round destination, with hot summers and mild winters, according to the Utah Office of Tourism.

Those interested in fishing at the reservoir will need to acquire a permit, the office states.

Trees grow along the carved red stone at Gunlock State Park, Utah, April 10, 2024 | Photo by Aaron Crane, St. George News

“Gunlock State Park is home to largemouth bass, crappie bluegill, rainbow trout and channel catfish,” the website states. “It’s the perfect spot for fishing, whether you’re a seasoned angler or trying a new hobby.”

A slot canyon adjacent to the falls can be accessed via a 2.1-mile trail. According to AllTrails, the loop is an “easy route” that takes an average of 49 minutes to complete. The site recommends hiking the trail from January to May.

“This is a popular trail for hiking and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day,” AllTrails states.

While exploring the park, visitors can find many plants in bloom this spring and may catch a glimpse of Gunlock’s wildlife. Species that live in the area include various birds, such as roadrunners and mallard ducks, white-tailed antelope squirrels, desert foxes, coyotes and various snakes.

In this file photo, Gunlock State Park Manager Collin Kuehn welcomes visitors to the tiny cottages, Gunlock, Utah, April 4, 2024 | Photo by Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News

“You got to keep an eye out for those guys,” Imlay added.

According to the park, 30 recreational vehicle hookups are available for campers. Beach camping is allowed on the west shoreline, which can be accessed via boat or off-road vehicle. However, camping is not allowed on the day-use beach. It is $35 per night to camp in the park.

Recently, the park celebrated the addition of three cottages as part of its effort to increase its accessibility, St. George News reported.

“This is going to open up doors for people who want to come to the park with all the luxuries at home, and for the price of less than a hotel room, you get a lakefront view, so it’s hard to beat,” Kuehn said at the time.

The cottages can be reserved online with a two-night requirement, and prices start at $175 per night or $1,225 per week, not including taxes and fees, the article states.

Water flows down the red rocks at Gunlock State Park in Gunlock, Utah, April 6, 2019 | Photo by Alysha Lundgren, St. George News

“Gunlock has made great strides in the past few years,” Kuehn said.

Southern Utahns visiting the park should expect to pay a $10 entrance fee, while out-of-state visitors will pay $15. Fees can be paid online or in person. To see a full list of fees and options, visit the park’s website.

As always, be sure to pack food and water before venturing into the desert. And there’s no better way to end an adventure than with a scoop of Handel’s delicious homemade ice cream.

Want free ice cream? Leave a comment on social media and tell the Canyon Media crew where we should hike next for your chance to win.

Photo Gallery

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alysha Lundgren joined the St. George News team in 2022. She began her career as a freelancer, writing resource articles for families of children with disabilities. She's also covered topics such as astronomy, recreation and nature. Originally from Nevada, Alysha fell in love with Utah quickly after moving to Cedar City. In her free time, she enjoys wandering and photographing Utah's gorgeous landscapes or hunkering down in a blanket to play video games or read a good book.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

Free News Delivery by Email

Would you like to have the day's news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? Enter your email below to start!