Visitors to Lower Calf Creek Falls at Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument had a near miss with falling rocks that was captured on video. Now Bureau of Land Management (BLM) officials are warning about the public about the danger.
Lower Calf Creek Hills is a popular spot for hiking and swimming for people visiting Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, but BLM is warning visitors to be aware that rocks can fall from the cliff without warning and can cause serious injury or death.
There is an overhang at the top of the cliff, and because of that, rocks can land some distance away from the base of the cliff, even into the water, as seen in the video.
The video shows the visitors playing in the water when several boulders fell from the cliff and into the water, between the visitors and the shoreline.
BLM officials said that no one was injured this time, but people have been injured by falling boulders in the past. They advised that anyone swimming or spending time on the beach should stay alert.
“The safety of our visitors is our top priority,” National Monument Manager Ade Nelson said. “Outdoor recreation can be inherently unpredictable. This is not a backyard swimming pool, but rather a remote and natural place. Lower Calf Creek Falls is a world-famous destination, and we want to make sure everyone understands the risks when they visit.”
BLM geologists are going to be working with the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office to assess the safety of the area, and officials will take appropriate actions based on that assessment.
