4 days ago
Petrifying rockfall almost lands on tourists in Utah waterfall in heart stopping video
Two tourists narrowly escaped with their lives after massive rocks plunged from almost 130 feet above them as they were swimming in a Utah national park.
The individuals were cooling off in Lower Calf Creek Falls at Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, near Salt Lake City, when gigantic rocks plummeted from the ledge of the waterfall landing mere inches away from them.
Dramatic video showed what appeared to be two children splashing around and submerging themselves under the water.
Seconds later huge chunks of rock cascaded from the waterfall above, just missing them.
Neither person was injured, but the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is warning visitors to pay close attention to the world above them while visiting the falls.
'Be aware, don't linger,' a video said.
'This is not a backyard swimming pool, but rather a remote and natural place,' National Monument Manager Ade Nelson said in a statement.
'Lower Calf Creek Falls is a world-famous destination, and we want to make sure everyone understands the risks when they visit.'
It comes after an 11-year-old girl had to be airlifted out of the park in June 2024 after she was seriously injured.
The girl had been sitting 25 to 30 feet away from the cliff above when a natural rockfall occurred, striking her in the leg, according to St. George News.
Family members and other tourists were able to create a tourniquet for the girl's leg until rescue crews arrived around 70 minutes later.
'Anyone swimming or recreating on the beach should remain alert,' BLM said.
Nelson said the agency is, 'assessing the situation' to try and figure out a way to 'reduce the risk' of injury from rockfall.
The site will also be evaluated for a safety assessment, alongside the Garfield County Sheriff's Office.
'The safety of our visitors is our top priority,' Nelson said.
The 126-foot falls are accessible by a six-mile hike which can be moderately difficult to traverse due to sandy parts.
The swimming basin at the base of the 126-foot falls is often densely packed in the summertime and weekends
The swimming basin at the base of the falls is often densely packed in the summertime and weekends and can, 'resemble a waterpark with families jam-packed into the small space,' Visit Utah said.
Visitors typically cool off there after the hike with families often seen enjoying picnics and snacks nearby.
