GUNLOCK, Utah ( ABC4 ) — For the second year in a row, rushing water from mountain snowmelt was flowing through the red sandstone chutes of Gunlock Falls in southwestern Utah.
“Having it not only as often as we’ve seen it in recent years, but two back-to-back years, is a very big deal, especially this early in the season,” said Devan Chavez, a spokesperson with Utah State Parks.
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He described the falls as a “very rare” amenity for Gunlock State Park, which is located roughly 20 miles northwest of St. George. The falls are a spillway for Gunlock Reservoir, flowing into the Santa Clara River.
Last year was a record snow year across Utah, so it wasn’t a surprise that the falls were flowing come springtime. The rushing waters helped bring more than 269,000 visitors to the park.
“Water does drive visitation, and having a good water year means a good outdoor recreation year for Utah parks,” Chavez said.