It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Gunlock State Park gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Gunlock, UT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“1. Stay active. Exercise may be the last thing you want to do when your”
“Always Best Care has some of the friendliest staff. They are quick to learn &”
“Always Best Care has some of the friendliest staff. They are quick to learn &”
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“Lea and her staff are amazing. They have taken care of my dad’s needs without hesitation. Because I live in a different city than my father, the line of communication was always quick. Thank you for all you did for him and me.”
“Leah was so accommodating to our needs. Theresa, the nurse, is amazing. I would recommend them 100%. They treat the patients as if they were family. So glad we found them!”
“MUST READ!! This is the best company to hire for your loved ones who need ongoing caregiver and companion services. Very thoughtful and experienced caregivers and admin staff who care deeply about the details and about customer satisfaction. Brent and Lea have been incredibly supportive and flexible, and caregivers Aarylyn, Sabrina, Lydia, and Hailie have been accommodating, patient, professional and safe. They regularly take my loved one on outings in the community to help her claim her independance and have become a vital part of her healthcare and happiness. LOVE THIS PLACE!!”
“I am a caregiver with ABC, and I am so happy with the company!! They are so flexible and understanding with my schedule:) such genuine people and the clients are amazing!! They truly embody the name of the company... Not just for the clients but also for their employees???? it makes for an amazing place to work ????”
“I am a current client of this provider I have Always Best Care Serving Southern Utah for my husband. We got somebody coming in to help. The caregivers are good. They provide total a.m. care help like getting up and getting dressed. We have different ones and so they're trying to get us some steady people coming in. The scheduling is a little bit hard right now. The care has been good, though.”
“I am a current client of this provider I have Always Best Care Serving Southern Utah for my husband. We got somebody coming in to help. The caregivers are good. They provide total a.m. care help like getting up and getting dressed. We have different ones and so they're trying to get us some steady people coming in. The scheduling is a little bit hard right now. The care has been good, though.”
“Absolutely the best company here in St George! The care goes above and beyond what any family could ever ask for when handling care. They only have the best of the best caregivers that love to help! Their training and communication is top notch. Love this company! I refer all my friends and family! Couldn’t be more proud of an exceptional company!”
“i’ve been working for ABC for about 6 months now & love it! they’re super flexible & have true love & passion for helping others!”
“I've been with ABC 3 years now. They have been gracious and kind whenever I have had to change my schedule or not be able to work a shift. They make me feel like family, and they strive to help the clients feel the same. We love our clients, caregivers and staff.”
“Love working here! Brent and lea are so sweet and understanding towards everyone! They work very hard! Great pay and amazing communication!”
“This is a great company to work for if you’re interested in a flexible schedule. Management is so supportive and will do what they can to make everyday at work a good day. They communicate effectively and quickly to ensure nothing is miscommunicated or misunderstood. Working here as been so rewarding and educational.”
“Always Best Care of Southern Ut is a great company. In November I will have worked with them for three years. I am a senior myself and absolutely love working with them. They always try to make sure the client and the caregiver have a good relationship with each other. They are family owned and genuinely care about both client and employees.”
“I work for Always Best Care and it's amazing they really do care for their clients and they'll go the extra mile to meet their needs ! Not only that but they care for employees i love the flexibility they give us.”
“Always Best Care has definitely been a blessing to our little familys life. As an employer of ABC they have been amazing with flexibility in chosing my schedule so that not only am I able to work but also be home with my kids when I need to be. They are amazing and put their employees first. I love being a member of ABC team.”
“1. Stay active. Exercise may be the last thing you want to do when your arthritis hurts, but many studies show that physical activity is one of the best ways to improve your quality of life. 2. Eat a balanced diet. Studies show that a variety of nutrients may help ease arthritis symptoms. 3. Lose weight. Being overweight puts undue strain on weight-bearing joints such as your knees, spine, hips, ankles, and feet. 5. Use hot or cold packs. By increasing blood flow, hot compresses can ease pain and stiffness. 6. Keep pain under control. Over-the-counter medications can help ease arthritis pain. 7. Talk to your doctor about supplements and complementary medicine. Many supplements have been tested for the treatment of arthritis. 8. Try splints, braces, and other aids. Devices that support painful joints, such as splints, braces, and canes can help ease your discomfort and prevent injury. 9. Seek support. Living with arthritis isn’t easy. Finding other people that you can talk to and share ideas with can help. Check out arthritis support groups online or in your area. 10. Stay positive. Your mental outlook can have a big impact on how you feel, and how well you function. #SelfCare #Osteoarthritis #Arthritis #Disability #GoodHealth #PainRelief #SeniorCommunity #Caregiver #Caregiving #WECANHELP #OlderAdult #SeniorCare #SeniorLiving #SeniorServices #SeniorHousing #AlwaysBestCare #Exercise #SelfManaging #Tips”
“Always Best Care has some of the friendliest staff. They are quick to learn & eager to assist. Great schedulers who are on top of managing the schedules & keeping their employees accountable. I sure appreciate all the help they give!”
“Always Best Care has some of the friendliest staff. They are quick to learn & eager to assist. Great schedulers who are on top of managing the schedules & keeping their employees accountable. I sure appreciate all the help they give!”
“I can leave a long review if I wanted to . I can talk about always best cares credentials and talk about mine. But What’s the point of leaving a review if it sounds like everybody else’s. The bottom line is , that they are great at their jobs from the bottom to the top. They have a process and people in place . They keep accountability and are communicative . Ive represented many companies in the past and still do till this day contract with only the best.. If you feel you want to hear more about this company on a deeper level just lmk. Happy Healthy Safe”
“I like working for ABC because it works well with my busy nursing school schedule! I also like how I get to work on my own, but there are options to work with other CNAs for the care of some of the clients. It’s the best of both worlds! I’ve been with Always best care since 2021 and have thoroughly enjoyed working with the clients I work with!”
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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Gunlock State Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Aragosta Restaurant or visit Silver Reef Museum / Ghost Town, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Gunlock, UT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Gunlock, UT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Gunlock, UT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
ST. GEORGE — The stunning waterfalls at Gunlock State Park are expected to flow this spring. These falls are a rare sight to behold, having occurred only a handful of times within the last decade.The waterfalls are part of a spillway and flow when the reservoir reaches capacity. When the reservoir fills quickly, the additional water flows over the dam and spills down the cliffside, creating waterfalls. The water then flows down the Santa Clara River, where it joins the Virgin River.While the waterfalls ha...
ST. GEORGE — The stunning waterfalls at Gunlock State Park are expected to flow this spring. These falls are a rare sight to behold, having occurred only a handful of times within the last decade.
The waterfalls are part of a spillway and flow when the reservoir reaches capacity. When the reservoir fills quickly, the additional water flows over the dam and spills down the cliffside, creating waterfalls. The water then flows down the Santa Clara River, where it joins the Virgin River.
While the waterfalls have not yet started, the increasing water level indicates they are likely to begin flowing this month, according to a press release issued by the Utah Department of Natural Resources.
“We invite visitors to enjoy this wonderful experience, but want to remind the public to exercise vigilance and safety in the area,” Gunlock State Park Manager Jon Allred said in the news release. “There is inherent risk when recreating outdoors, so safety and situational awareness are paramount.”
While the responsibility rests with individuals and families to use discretion and to recreate safely, Gunlock State Park staff have posted caution signs along trails and on the dam reminding visitors of the hazards. Park staff and rangers will also patrol the area more often to engage with visitors.
“Recreating on the rocks near the waterfalls is dangerous,” the news release 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.”
Because of the waterfall’s popularity, there is a chance that the park will reach its visitor capacity. Once this happens, additional visitors will not be admitted until it is back under capacity. Officials recommend checking the Gunlock State Park website and Facebook page before getting on the road, as capacity closures will be posted there if applicable.
“We are also increasing traffic measures and enforcement in the area to help mitigate congestion,” the news release states. “Parking near the falls and within the state park will be restricted to designated parking areas only and limited to the west side of the road along Gunlock Road. Please utilize the appropriate pay station to pay your entrance fee. Utah State Parks annual day-use passes are accepted.”
Visitors also are asked to continue utilizing the appropriate park amenities — such as trash cans and restrooms — and recreate responsibly by cleaning up after themselves, respecting others around and following safety precautions.
GUNLOCK, Utah (ABC4) – The waterfalls at Gunlock State Park are expected to make a rare appearance later this month as the temperatures warm up and snow begins to melt into the reservoir.Located just northwest of St. George, Gunlock State Park encompasses the beautiful area around the Gunlock Reservoir. The reservoir serves the community as the pe...
GUNLOCK, Utah (ABC4) – The waterfalls at Gunlock State Park are expected to make a rare appearance later this month as the temperatures warm up and snow begins to melt into the reservoir.
Located just northwest of St. George, Gunlock State Park encompasses the beautiful area around the Gunlock Reservoir. The reservoir serves the community as the perfect place for residents to boat, fish, swim, or just hang out on the reservoir’s beach.
The waterfalls are a sight to behold and continue to be an attraction at Gunlock State Park when water overflows at the reservoir. State Park officials said the waterfalls have become a rare occurrence, only happening a handful of times within the last decade.
“When the reservoir fills quickly, the additional water flows over the dam and spills down the cliffside, creating waterfalls,” Gunlock State Park officials said in a release. “The water then flows down the Santa Clara River where it joins the Virgin River.”
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Due to Utah’s heavy snowfall this last winter season, the snowpack in the area is at 227%, according to the Utah Division of Water Resources. Once that snow starts melting and flowing into the Gunlock Reservoir, it is expected to overflow, causing the waterfalls to begin falling. The Department of Natural Resources says the current water level at the reservoir is at 70%.
With the sudden rise of water, State Park officials are expecting an increase in visitors. Especially as the waterfalls were stopped in the wake of COVID in 2020 and didn’t flow again in 2021 due to low snow levels. Due to the expected rise in both visitors and water levels, officials are reminding the public to be safe when visiting the waterfalls.
“Rocks are slick, water is swift, and covered hazards exist in the pools,” said officials in a release. “We strongly encourage visitors to use caution and be observant in the area.”
Gunlock State Park officials have posted caution signs along trails and on the dam to remind visitors of the park’s inherent dangers. Park staff and rangers are also planning to patrol the area more often, to not only keep visitors safe but to talk with them about the park.
If the park does reach visitor capacity, park officials will not admit new visitors until it is under capacity again. Park Officials recommend visiting the Gunlock State Park website or Facebook page to get the latest park status.
GUNLOCK — Sorry, TLC. We’re chasing waterfalls.As predicted, Gunlock Falls is flowing, with some of the heaviest and swiftest levels of water the area has ever seen. While rumors have spread that public access may be cut off, Lead Public Information Officer Devan Chavez with the Utah State Parks said that’s a misunderstanding.“They’ll be closing off some of the areas immediately above and below the falls when debris piles up excessively,” Chavez said. “Because of the hi...
GUNLOCK — Sorry, TLC. We’re chasing waterfalls.
As predicted, Gunlock Falls is flowing, with some of the heaviest and swiftest levels of water the area has ever seen. While rumors have spread that public access may be cut off, Lead Public Information Officer Devan Chavez with the Utah State Parks said that’s a misunderstanding.
“They’ll be closing off some of the areas immediately above and below the falls when debris piles up excessively,” Chavez said. “Because of the high amounts of water, logs can come down now and even more potentially throughout the season.”
Since there’s no way to predict when the debris will pose a risk to visitors or the dam, announcements will be posted online to alert the public of closures.
During the removal process, the public will still be able to see the falls but may not be able to get as close as they like. Once the debris is cleared, the area will open back up. For updated information on the status of the waterfalls, click here.
Seeing the rapid waters crash down the red rock boulders is a rare occurrence, and does not happen every year. Chavez said the last time the falls were seen flowing in 2020, the parks department chose to “shut off” the falls.
“The falls themselves are when the water gets to the top and spills over. There’s a secondary option to have additional water go through the bottom. That was done in 2020 during the pandemic due to the amounts of crowds we were seeing.”
While he said they did experience some littering that year, it mostly came from new visitors to the area that didn’t know about the amenities available on the other side of the park. Once the park posted more signs and brought in more dumpsters, the littering stopped.
Injuries from cliff jumping and slips were also reported that year. In 2019, a man who was reported missing after cliff diving at the falls was found dead the following day.
With the amount of snowpack in the area, he said it’s likely that the falls will flow strong for quite a while. Because of that, the public should exercise extra caution. With the rocks that get slippery during a “normal falls” year, the water moving this quickly can cause additional hazards.
“Swift water danger is very very real,” Chavez said. “So please, don’t do anything that could put yourself or your family in danger. Keep loved ones, especially young ones close by, and be aware of your surroundings.”
Because Gunlock Falls is a very popular place, he recommended people check park conditions before getting on the road to Gunlock State Park. Once the parking area reaches capacity, just like Sand Hollow and other parks, there will be a wait time to get in.
While the responsibility rests with individuals and families to use discretion and to recreate safely, Gunlock State Park staff have posted caution signs along trails and on the dam reminding visitors of the hazards. Park staff and rangers will also patrol the area more often to engage with visitors.
“There’s an inherent risk when recreating outdoors,” Chavez said. “Whether you’re visiting the falls or climbing snow canyon, these things all come with risks. So taking proper safety precautions before you do anything is very very very important.”
Click here to learn more about how to visit the Gunlock Waterfalls safely. Follow the Gunlock State Park Facebook page to stay informed.
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WASHINGTON COUNTY, Utah — The record winter snowpack in Utah brings blessings of many kinds including unveiling nature’s hidden wonders like the waterfalls at Gunlock State Park.These rare seasonal falls only appear when there is enough water to spill out over the dam at Gunlock Reservoir located about 15 miles northwest of St. George in Washington County.They are flowing again this spring and probably will for some time as our temperatures warm up.Speaking of overflowing, state park officials warn that it&rs...
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Utah — The record winter snowpack in Utah brings blessings of many kinds including unveiling nature’s hidden wonders like the waterfalls at Gunlock State Park.
These rare seasonal falls only appear when there is enough water to spill out over the dam at Gunlock Reservoir located about 15 miles northwest of St. George in Washington County.
They are flowing again this spring and probably will for some time as our temperatures warm up.
Speaking of overflowing, state park officials warn that it’s become such an attraction for photographers and recreational visitors that it will be tough to even access the area and when capacity is met you will have no choice but to wait until others have their photos and leave. There are also a few safety tips to keep in mind if you’re planning a trip down.
It’s not uncommon for these fast-moving waters to bring debris down with them and while park workers are always working to remove fallen trees or rocks it’s inevitable that some may find their way into the falls.
So staying a healthy distance from the water is rule number one.
Small children and pets are especially curious about the spectacle and can find themselves in trouble with just a turn of an adult’s head. The rocks can also be very slippery when they are wet.
Just as we talked about with slot canyons this spring, knowing the forecast before you make the 300+ mile drive down from the Wasatch Front is encouraged.
Check Gunlock State Park’s Water Watch on Facebook for any known advisories in the area. This will also help make sure you and your family will bring the right clothing and gear for whatever your adventure plans hold for that day.
Almost a decade ago I was lucky enough to be a part of a group of crazy friends and adventurers that included Chris Dallin, Barbara Riddle, Vaughn Jacobsen, Russ Smith and Bill Francis that decided to visit (at the time) all 43 state parks in 72 hours!
An effort that was recognized and memorialized in a state proclamation by then-Governor Gary Herbert and documented on YouTube for those that want to go along for a wild ride!
Why do I mention this you ask? I don’t want you to make the same mistake we did and not give yourself enough time to explore all that Gunlock has to offer.
So after visiting the falls make sure you take the time to fish, boat or hike on some of the picturesque trails in the area or even better, grab a primitive camp spot on the shoreline of the reservoir.
If you have an extended weekend, Sand Hollow, Snow Canyon and Quail Creek are also nearby.
Find out more by visiting the state parks website and happy exploring!
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‘This corner is notorious:’ Fire chiefs warn motorcyclists about section of Gunlock RoadFire chiefs in southern Utah are warning about a dangerous stretch of road that’s being called “Motorcycle Rock” because of the number of accidents.0 seconds of 2 minutes, 56 secondsVolume 0%WASHINGTON COUNTY, Utah – Fire chiefs in southern Utah are warning about a dangerous stretch of road that’s being called “Motorcycle Rock” because of the number of accidents.“This ...
‘This corner is notorious:’ Fire chiefs warn motorcyclists about section of Gunlock Road
Fire chiefs in southern Utah are warning about a dangerous stretch of road that’s being called “Motorcycle Rock” because of the number of accidents.
0 seconds of 2 minutes, 56 secondsVolume 0%
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Utah – Fire chiefs in southern Utah are warning about a dangerous stretch of road that’s being called “Motorcycle Rock” because of the number of accidents.
“This corner is notorious,” said Gunlock Fire Chief Charley Guthrie. “If we get a call that there’s been a motorcycle accident we can almost guarantee that it’s on this spot.”
The sharp corner has an off-camber slope and is located just north of mile marker 11 on Gunlock Road. The corner comes right after a straightaway and speed is a factor in most of the crashes, Guthrie said.
The most recent crash happened over Memorial Day weekend and resulted in a miraculous rescue of 24-year-old Jacob Nilson of St. George.
Nilson headed out on an afternoon motorcycle ride on Sat. May. 27 on Gunlock Road. He doesn’t remember much about the accident that launched him more than 60 feet into a ravine.
“My left hand was broken and my ribs were broken and my foot was broken,” he said. “So there was no way I was moving out of there.”
Because of poor cell phone coverage in the area, Nilson struggled for more than 90 minutes to get a call to connect with 911.
“I just knew I had to get that call out because there’s no other way I would be alive today if I didn’t get that call out and it was really important that I stay awake that long,” he said. “So I just had to keep trying.”
Once Nilson’s 911 call connected and he described his injuries, he tried to follow the operator’s instructions to put a tourniquet around his bleeding leg using his belt.
“Jake was incredibly fortunate he was able to get a signal out on his cell phone and call for help,” Chief Guthrie said. “Otherwise, he may still be there now.”
When first responders arrived in the area they didn’t see any signs of a crash or spot Nilson. It wasn’t until they looked over the edge of the road and heard him moaning in pain that they found him wedged between a rock and a bush.
“Extremely lucky,” Ryan D’Ambrosio, battalion chief of Dammeron Valley Fire and Rescue, said of Nilson’s rescue. “We’ve seen incidents in the same area with not the same outcome.”
Rescue crews used ropes to get Nilson out of the ravine. He was then transported by medical helicopter to the hospital.
His mom said he’s expected to make a full recovery and thanked those involved in the rescue.
“We’ll always be grateful to those wonderful people for their inspiration and they knew they had some angels on their side,” said Barbara Nilson, Jacob’s mother. “And they knew there was no other way we could have found him or that he could have gotten a call out.”
D’Ambrosio and Guthrie pleaded with motorcyclists to stay safe on Gunlock Road by slowing down.
“Slow down around this turn in gunlock,” D’Ambrosio said. “Our call volumes increase by at least in double in the month of May.”
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