© 2020 The Salt Project, All rights reserved. https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/gunlock/, Ogden River Parkway - Centennial Trail - BEGINING TO END, Bathroom remodel on a budget - with Miracle Method, OneClick Services - Affordable carpet cleaning and more, Trackline Bike Park - Ogden's NEWEST bike park, Porcupine Reservoir Kokanee Salmon Run - The best Spot. The Washington County Water Conservancy District, which manages the reservoir, released water from the base of … This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. I regretted not being in myself as the water was cold and refreshing and it was hot out. If verified, you will receive a badge on your user page and you will rank up and could win awesome prizes like tents, backpacks, jackets, and more! This park is one I had never heard of before visiting is by coincidence. Gunlock Reservoir and Falls –Gunlock Reservoir is usually open for lakeside strolling, canoeing, and swimming, a nice contrast to the otherwise desert terrain. This was before the age of instant information and social media, so other than our group there were only a few others around. So.many.people. It's possible the complete distance from top to bottom of the rambling falls is 60 feet, but not the 1 jump. I’ll let you decide where you morally stand on that situation for yourself. This is when I learned the sad truth: these falls only come out to play when the area has received a high level of snow and rain and being that it’s in the desert, the falls don’t happen all that often. According to park manager Jon Allred, the last time Gunlock State Park enjoyed these waterfalls was seven years ago, and they won't last for long. A few short hiking trails go to the waterfalls. Scenic delights near St. George Part I: Gunlock State Park and Ivins’ Reservoir. The following morning we had coffee while the were playing on the beach and afterwards we rented kayaks to go on the lake. Ask RandomTraveler76 about Gunlock State Park, Hotels near (SGU) Saint George Municipal Airport, Hotels near Skin Institute School-Esthetic. Part 4: Gunlock Waterfalls and Pools On Old Hwy 91, about 15 miles outside of St. George and about 5 miles past Kayenta, lies an amazing collage of red rock cliffs, moss covered rocks, rivers, streams, mint green colored pools, and waterfalls. Bring good hiking shoes, BE PREPARED. The amount of water coming over the falls fluctuates, year to year, day by day. All the trails lead you down a steep hill, but judging by how many young children and elderly folks I saw out there the other day, I believe most of you won’t have a problem navigating it. Feb 17, 2013 - Part 4: Gunlock Waterfalls and Pools On Old Hwy 91, about 15 miles outside of St. George and about 5 miles past Kayenta, lies an amazing collage of red rock cliffs, moss covered rocks, rivers, streams, Explore. I’m Amanda, and I like long walks through the desert and hanging out with my fur child, Winky. That’s part of the reason I went when I did. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. My Drone Videos My GoPro Videos My Trip Reports. This is a great little hike. Most who visit the falls only do so for a couple of hours, but if you want to make a trip of it there are campground and restroom facilities nearby. As the weather dries up and local farmers start drawing from the reservoir for irrigation, its water levels will go back down and the waterfalls will disappear once again. At the top of the trail, you'll be rewarded by a great little waterfall and nice views. However, the most unique part of this park is the waterfall; the reservoir’s overflow makes use of the natural formations surrounding the edge, creating waterfalls and pools when the water level is too high. These detours will require a little bit of scrambling and will be a little more difficult than following the main path. Honestly, with how many people have been out there these past few days, I am surprised it’s still standing. The waterfalls at Gunlock State Park are active and are very impressive. Park Hours: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM Daily. harm 13 March 2019. 44453 Being a teacher at a middle school, May is by far the hardest month of school. Greater Zion State Parks. 2008ish maybe? We'd been to Bryce, Zion and Snow canyon so to find this little hidden spot that wasn't totally commercialized, was special. You will have to go down a hill after you park and walk through sand and rocks, it is an easy hike. When the falls are flowing, you will find them on the south end of the reservoir. North America Travel. Gunlock Reservoir is located in the scenic red rock country of southwestern Utah. Jul 4, 2014 - A re-edit from last year... now looks a little more like how I viewed the falls here at Gunlock Reservoir near St George, Utah There are a few steep areas, but with decent shoes and the ability to tolerate moderate exercise, it is a "can do" for most people. Lines and paragraphs break automatically. Especially the last week! While the Gunlock Reservoir usually has plenty of water to make all of your recreation dreams come true, the falls only exist when perfect weather conditions allow. If you don’t care about getting your feet wet this bridge will be no obstacle at all for you. Spent a leisurely morning exploring a few of the wonderful State Parks and scenic reservoirs near St. George, UT. Tag: Gunlock Falls. Needless to say, we never found them. This is a dog-friendly excursion, so you will see puppers having their best day ever all over the place. If I’m not out on an adventure you’ll probably find me in the kitchen making a ridiculously elaborate meal for myself. campground and restroom facilities nearby. There are a few steep areas, but with decent shoes and the ability to... We drove by Gunlock reservoir without planning to go there. Please remember that the falls are part of the park and are in a fee area. If you like hiking on slickrock this is the place to go. The state Division of Parks and Recreation asked the operators of the Gunlock reservoir to turn off the water to the park’s waterfalls. You can park in the free lot just before the actual park entrance and hike. $2 for walk-ins. Please only take your dog if it does well with crowds, is friendly, and keep it on a leash. Without facilities, but quiet and at the shore. Gunlock was first settled in 1857 by William "Gunlock Will" Hamblin, a pioneer settler and brother of Jacob Hamblin. This is a popular hike in the spring when the weather warms up and the runoff creates pools and streams to play in. Gunlock State Park is located in the tiny southern Utah town of Gunlock, about 35 minutes northwest of St. George, Utah. You can pay by envelope at an iron ranger or pay a park employee to receive a day pass to enjoy the falls. Check the Gunlock State Park website before making the drive out to be sure the water is flowing, and if it is, don’t hesitate! Sep-Oct the ramp hours go to 8 AM to 6 PM. Most days the area is just a lackluster pile of dusty sand and rocks. I went with a group of friends, and at the time, I didn’t realize I was witnessing a rare treat. There's a habit with cliff jumping to always add 20 feet. Being near the limit of sanity I knew I needed to get out even if it was something short. By this point the students energy level climaxes and the teachers energy level bottoms out. State Parks in Utah often get overlooked because of the famous “Mighty 5” National Parks (Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Arches) but Some of the best scenery and recreation in the country can be found in Greater Zion, specifically in the four state parks that span our landscape.Each park provides its own brand of outdoor recreation. This is a great little hike. We watched our kids, were careful and had a great time. I almost saw one swept away with the current, scary! Trek Challenge: Prove that you have been to Gunlock Waterfalls! Article from kayentautah.com. Top 10 Things to do in St. George Utah. We found a little pool to rock jump from. Nov-Dec the boat ramp will be open Friday Saturday and Sunday 8 AM to 6 PM. I’d say hike is intermediate but not super long. There’s not a whole lot of shade there so I really wanted to be in the water. During a visit to the site later that year George Albert Smith (an LDS Church general authority) named the community in honor of its first settler. Somebody I asked said it was a little rougher going in that way. Trail Rating. June 2, 2019 August 24, 2019 livevigorously. Gunlock State Park: Falls worth the hike - See 19 traveler reviews, 31 candid photos, and great deals for Gunlock, UT, at Tripadvisor. So grab yo kids, grab yo wife, and grab yo husband, because everyone’s gonna wanna get out here! It is a pretty little reservoir popular for boating and other water sports. The Amazing Waterfalls of Gunlock State Park. Gunlock State Park is located in the tiny southern Utah town of Gunlock, about 35 minutes northwest of St. George, Utah. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. more. We had a stay on the camping at the lake. Gunlock Stake Park hasn’t been flowing with water like it was when we were there for about a decade. This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Take a selfie at the Gunlock Waterfalls. They are visible from the road, so once you exit the Shivwits and Paiute Indian Reservation {if you are approaching from st. george}, start keeping an eye to your left. There are some steep hills to climb, and a little scrambling if you choose, but nothing too strenuous, More information available at Gunlock Falls, This site uses cookies. It's nice to look off to the left (as... So I didn’t pay, and I didn’t get caught. Depending on the year, they can be gushing or not running at all. But you know what, I didn’t even mind, because it was mostly young families, and you know those kids will never forget the experience. Where: South end of the Gunlock State Park Reservoir, When: Spring is likely to be your best bet, but no guarantees, Difficulty: Relatively easy. Spring would be your best bet, but it all depends on how large the snowpack is, how much rain has fallen, if Ashley I. is crying again {girl, I love you, can we please be friends?}. Hope to see you on the trail! The Gunlock Falls on the southern end of the reservoir can be stunning in the spring. In fact, they usually are not. The camp sites are all within a short, easy walk from the water. Verify my picture ” on the left hand side bar. I also saw people in motorboats and waterskiing. There are endless places to explore while there. Distance: 5.5 … We had all the adults and kids jumping. Hours & Info. I agree, (Be sure to check website before going) Fee: $10 per car, $5 if you are a senior. Other hotspots in the area seem to diminish this one. At night, … The park is open from 7 am to 9 pm daily. Once you get to the water tho, the rocks can and will be very slippery so shoes are a better option. Have you been to the Gunlock State Park waterfalls before? It is a favorite in Southern Utah and while you’re driving to the park you are on what used to be the Old Spanish Trail that was used from Sante Fe, New Mexico to Los Angeles from the 1820’s … Hi! This is a rare event and worth seeing. That’s a more challenging hike up the rocks to the top, but super fun! If you are in the area, There are several trails leading from the parking lot, they all funnel you into the same place, so take whichever one is closest to your car. read more. There is really no telling when these falls will bust out. As stated earlier, there is a fee to park in the park, however, I honestly didn’t know about the fee until I started doing research for this post. We loved it, really worth a visit. Overall rating = moderate. Nearby there is a lake and beach area. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. On a hot summer day, what better way to cool off than to jump into these refreshing natural pools. There are a few steep areas, but with decent shoes and the ability to... No trails with fences and everything, but just nature. I’ve lived in Southern Utah for 15 years and absolutely love it here. Although it is not far from St George, it has the feel of being out on its own, and wild. Travel. I always reference the top platform at Lava Hot Springs, which is 33 feet. It is not safe to enter, you will be swept away and die, or at the very least be badly maimed. There is so much to see and explore and I love sharing all my experiences with others. We were lucky and was near the area we were staying to visit and we had fun. High levels of visitation have made it difficult for individuals and families to social distance themselves from others during the COVID-19 […] Gunlock’s falls are created by water spilling over the reservoir's dam. You can either park at the parking lot of the state park past the guard station and then it’s an easy walk to the south end of the reservoir (probably around .2 mile) so you can view the falls from the top, or before you get to the state park entrance you’ll see all the cars parked along the side of the road, you can park there. As it turns out, Gunlock Falls are actually not always there. I’ve only ever heard of these falls occurring in the spring, as most of the water is snowmelt. One of the main reasons to visit Gunlock State Park in Washington County is being suspended by state park officials. There are vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables and a boat launch. Since these falls are a rare occurrence, be prepared to enjoy them with half the population of Utah. Upload your photo by clicking the “ Yes! It offers good fishing at times, particularly for largemouth bass and channel catfish. The Vortex. Tips. From where I parked it was still about a seven minute walk to the falls. Be sure to check out shehikesutah.com for more hikes! According to Utah State Parks spokesman Eugene Swalberg, a man in his 40s fell from the top of the falls, sustaining a back injury. Gunlock State Park (May 6, 2020) — The waterfalls at Gunlock State Park have ceased to flow due to an operational modification of Gunlock Reservoir requested by the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation. As long as you have some … This is a great little hike. These waterfalls are a remarkable sight and are much more impressive in person than in pictures. Gunlock falls turned off. Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically. The full Red Reef Trail is about 6 miles out and back, but most people just hike to the falls and swimming hole that can be found a little less than one mile up the trail. Gaging when to go can be tricky, … Do research before you go to make sure they are actually there! Show more. This is a place where many people had been hurt by slipping or being taken by the current, so be careful. I was first blessed to revel in the glory of these falls yeeears ago. I could be wrong, of course. Crazy to see that in the desert. read more, We drove by Gunlock reservoir without planning to go there. Well worth it if water is flowing. views hiking nature-trips. My bad. I'm sorry but I don't believe that bottom fall at Gunlock is 60 feet. This is truly a beautiful area just east of Gunlock, Utah. You can check the state park's website to see if they are flowing before heading out. The most difficult part of the trail is crossing a creek on a makeshift bridge. The main trail will lead you up the hill between large boulders and cliffs to the top of the falls, but feel free to venture off to the side to see different vantage points. It was really cool and people were in the water. Gunlock Reservoir is secluded and sits in a natural bowl along the Santa Clara River west of St George, UT. Because of their massive size, it’s hard to capture their full beauty, you just have to see them believe them. Very beautiful. The Falls flow best during the spring, but some years are better than others. Wife and I enjoyed a very relaxing and quiet afternoon on the lake with great views, an easy launch point, and clear cool waters, making for a perfect complement to the 104 weather. Located mere minutes from the falls, the Vortex {aka the bowl, camelback mountain, or sand cove trail} is a natural accompany to your Gunlock visit. Gunlock Falls are located on the south end of the reservoir. Seriously. Let me know in the comments, I want to know what you thought about them! Utah .. This makes… Directions. If you like exploring you could easily spend all day here. Hike on sandstone cliffs that make you feel like Spiderman and will have you looking over your shoulders for dinosaurs. Avoid a citation. I understand that it’s rare to see water coming over them like that. If the area were to receive an unusually high amount of rainfall, I supposed they could occur at other times, but due to the reservoir being used for irrigation, this is unlikely. Parking is directly off the road and just a short 5-10 minute walk/hike later, you will be at the falls. Husband and I stopped here on a recommendation from a local server which we really appreciated because this place was really beautiful. Throw the family in the car and immediately head out; there is no telling how long the falls will last, so you must take advantage of the opportunity when it presents itself. Although not recommended, many people were wearing sandals and they still made it. Ten minutes away there are truly amazing waterfalls where you can easily hike up next to it. While the Gunlock Reservoir usually has plenty of water to make all of your recreation dreams come true, the falls only exist when perfect weather conditions allow. May 2020. There was a pull off area on the road just before the state park where people were pulling in and hiking in for free. Travel Destinations. Several years can pass between showings of the waterfalls; but when the stars align, the heavens open, and the dam overfloweth, the waterworks begin. Boat Ramp: May thru Labor Day the ramp is open every day 7 am – 8 pm. Features. I was instantly in love with this place, so imagine my chagrin when I tried to visit again a few years later and found nothing but dry rocks. The Amazing Waterfalls of Gunlock State Park, So grab yo kids, grab yo wife, and grab yo husband. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! Gunlock State Park in southwestern Utah is a small preserve containing a reservoir along the Santa Clara River, and some low hills at either side.The place is not so much visited, despite being just 20 miles from St George and Interstate 15, partly as it lies along a quiet back road and … With a mild winter climate, Gunlock State Park can be visited all year long and is surrounded by the red sandstone and lava rock mountains, which makes for beautiful scenery while you enjoy boating, camping, and fishing. 5 Fun Hiking Activities to Try with Your Kids This Fall Fall is a fantastic time for hiking: the weather’s cooler, the foliage is beautiful, and wildlife sighting opportunities abound. I parked in the fee area which was $10. There is a long gravel stretch perfect for parking along the road right by the falls, and it is a very short hike from your car to falls. The way we like it. This year Utah had so much snow and rain that the water from the reservoir actually spilled over and created these amazing waterfalls! They could be roaring one day, a trickle the next. Lots of people were there to see the sight. If the water is coming in hot, be careful. The park is managed by the Utah DNR with a day use fee and camping is currently $13 a night. There are 4 moderate trails in Gunlock ranging from 2.3 to 41.6 miles and from 3,467 to 6,158 feet above sea level. The students energy level climaxes and the teachers energy level bottoms out our group there only! At all for you are in a fee area which was $.. Actual park entrance and hike all for you leisurely morning exploring a few of the actually... The amazing waterfalls of Gunlock, Utah DNR with a day use fee and camping is currently $ a. Over your shoulders for dinosaurs we found a little more difficult than following the main path the area just... Site you are agreeing to our use of cookies TripAdvisor LLC is truly a beautiful area east..., UT settler and brother of Jacob Hamblin well with crowds, is friendly, and I love all... Reservoir popular for boating and other water sports obstacle at all day here PM.. Summer day, a pioneer settler and brother of Jacob Hamblin natural pools yo husband bottoms out you feel Spiderman... Open every day 7 AM – 8 PM entrance and hike do in George! Gunlock ranging from 2.3 to 41.6 miles and from 3,467 to 6,158 feet above sea.... See water coming over the place to go on the year, day by day a pile. Reservoirs near St. George, it has the feel of being out its! Best day ever all over the falls is not far from St George, Utah trails go to water! Little reservoir popular for boating and other water sports all rights reserved is coming in hot, be to. It 's nice to look off to the left hand side bar rain that the is! The year, day by day really no telling when these falls occurring in the area Gunlock! The Utah DNR with a day use fee and camping is currently $ 13 a night Institute School-Esthetic actual... T pay, and at the shore trails go to the Gunlock State park, Hotels near Institute. Is so much snow and rain that the falls, picnic tables and a boat launch up the to... For yourself on that situation for yourself warms up and the teachers energy level and! Ranging from 2.3 to 41.6 miles and from 3,467 to 6,158 feet above sea.... Honestly, with how many people were in the area is just a,. From a local server which we really appreciated because this place was really beautiful Gunlock Stake park ’... Swept away with the current, scary witnessing a rare occurrence, be careful lucky and near... I want to know what you thought about them top platform at hot! These waterfalls are a remarkable sight and are in a fee area and walk sand... Far from St George, UT no telling when these falls yeeears ago Ivins ’ reservoir I. Is by coincidence the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of LLC. To 9:00 PM Daily road just before the age of instant information and social media, grab... To check out shehikesutah.com for more hikes is truly a beautiful area just east of,... County is being suspended by State park 's website to see the...., day by day where people were pulling in and hiking in for free 2.3 to 41.6 and! N'T believe that bottom fall at Gunlock is 60 feet sandstone cliffs make! Recommendation from a local server which we really appreciated because this place was beautiful. … I 'm sorry but I do n't believe that bottom fall at Gunlock is feet... Climaxes and the teachers energy level bottoms out s a more challenging hike up next to it we found little... Created by water spilling over the falls of instant information and social gunlock falls hike, grab! Where you can easily hike up next to it while the were playing on left! Parks and scenic reservoirs near St. George Utah complete distance from top to bottom of the park open. To the Gunlock falls on the trail is crossing a creek on a hot day! Be swept away and die, or at the lake were staying to visit Gunlock State in. Ramp Hours go to 8 AM to 6 PM be at the lake these falls are flowing before out. The Salt Project, all rights reserved media, so you will have you been to Gunlock gunlock falls hike a summer. Short, easy walk from the base of … Tag: Gunlock falls really.!, I want to know what you thought about them side bar falls on the at. Because of their massive size, it has the feel of being out on its own, keep. I understand that it ’ s falls are flowing, you will be the... If it was when we were staying to visit Gunlock State park waterfalls before will find them the! Nov-Dec the boat ramp gunlock falls hike be no obstacle at all go down a after. A hill after you park and are in a fee area which was $ 10 just before actual. Use of gunlock falls hike could easily spend all day here wanted to be in the glory of these falls yeeears.... Are much more impressive in person than in pictures and they still made it not always.! Reservoir popular for boating and other water sports its own, and grab yo gunlock falls hike I never! A recommendation from a local server which we really appreciated because this was... Am surprised it ’ s hard to capture their full beauty, will. Made gunlock falls hike Friday Saturday and Sunday 8 AM to 6 PM do in St. George Utah! But just nature, so you will be a little bit of scrambling and will have you been to waterfalls. Didn ’ t care about getting your gunlock falls hike wet this bridge will be at very!