ST. GEORGE — With the melting of snow from Pine Valley Mountain and the surrounding area, spillway-created waterfalls have returned to Gunlock State Park.

With the Gunlock waterfalls making an early appearance this year, officials at Gunlock State Park are urging visitors to be cautious as injuries and fatal incidents have occurred around the falls in the past, Gunlock State Park, Utah, March 1, 2024 | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News

Officials announced over social media Friday that the popular falls were back with an invitation for people to enjoy the sight for another year while also issuing a warning to be cautious.

“Recreating on the rocks near the waterfalls is dangerous,” the post states. “Rocks are slick, water is swift, and covered hazards exist in the pools. We strongly encourage visitors to use caution and be observant in the area. With the changing weather this early in the season, there is the possibility of ice and additional slippery conditions. Please follow the advice of the signage posted in the area.”

The Gunlock waterfalls — which are created when the water level at the Gunlock overflows — have become an increasingly popular attraction as many other recreational spots across the county have become crowded in recent years.

With the increased visitation also came unfortunate incidents where individuals were either injured or killed. This has resulted in officials asking for heightened safety around the waterfalls.

Following the record-breaking winter of 2022-23, melting snowpack caused the waterfalls to swell into a heavy flow earlier than expected.

This year’s overflow is much more calm in comparison. However, safety advisories remain for those who choose to visit the falls.

“Please come out and join us as we watch the falls run for a second consecutive year,” park officials said in the social media post.

As the falls are also located within the state park, visitors will need to pay a fee to be able to enter. Utah State Parks annual day-use passes are accepted.

St. George News Reporter Chris Reed contributed to this story.

Photo Gallery

With the Gunlock waterfalls making an early appearance this year, officials at Gunlock State Park are urging visitors to be cautious as injuries and fatal incidents have occurred around the falls in the past, Gunlock State Park, Utah, March 1, 2024 | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News

With the Gunlock waterfalls making an early appearance this year, officials at Gunlock State Park are urging visitors to be cautious as injuries and fatal incidents have occurred around the falls in the past, Gunlock State Park, Utah, March 1, 2024 | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News

With the Gunlock waterfalls making an early appearance this year, officials at Gunlock State Park are urging visitors to be cautious as injuries and fatal incidents have occurred around the falls in the past, Gunlock State Park, Utah, March 1, 2024 | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News

With the Gunlock waterfalls making an early appearance this year, officials at Gunlock State Park are urging visitors to be cautious as injuries and fatal incidents have occurred around the falls in the past, Gunlock State Park, Utah, March 1, 2024 | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News

With the Gunlock waterfalls making an early appearance this year, officials at Gunlock State Park are urging visitors to be cautious as injuries and fatal incidents have occurred around the falls in the past, Gunlock State Park, Utah, March 1, 2024 | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News

With the Gunlock waterfalls making an early appearance this year, officials at Gunlock State Park are urging visitors to be cautious as injuries and fatal incidents have occurred around the falls in the past, Gunlock State Park, Utah, March 1, 2024 | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News

With the Gunlock waterfalls making an early appearance this year, officials at Gunlock State Park are urging visitors to be cautious as injuries and fatal incidents have occurred around the falls in the past, Gunlock State Park, Utah, March 1, 2024 | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News

With the Gunlock waterfalls making an early appearance this year, officials at Gunlock State Park are urging visitors to be cautious as injuries and fatal incidents have occurred around the falls in the past, Gunlock State Park, Utah, March 1, 2024 | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News

With the Gunlock waterfalls making an early appearance this year, officials at Gunlock State Park are urging visitors to be cautious as injuries and fatal incidents have occurred around the falls in the past, Gunlock State Park, Utah, March 1, 2024 | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News

With the Gunlock waterfalls making an early appearance this year, officials at Gunlock State Park are urging visitors to be cautious as injuries and fatal incidents have occurred around the falls in the past, Gunlock State Park, Utah, March 1, 2024 | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News

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

Mori Kessler serves as a Senior Reporter for St. George News, having previously contributed as a writer and Interim Editor in 2011-12, and an assistant editor from 2012 to mid-2014. He began writing news as a freelancer in 2009 for Today in Dixie, and joined the writing staff of St. George News in mid-2010. He enjoys photography and won an award for photojournalism from the Society of Professional Journalists for a 2018 photo of a bee inspector removing ferals bees from a Washington City home. He is also a shameless nerd and has a bad sense of direction.

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