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Contact: Amanda Rowland, 435-772-0160
SPRINGDALE, UT – A significant rockfall occurred at the upper end of the Taylor Creek Trail late Friday afternoon, April 2, 2021. No one was injured. The rockfall occurred beyond the second homestead cabin but did not impact Double Arch Alcove. Park staff monitored the rockfall area and debris field to assess site stability and determine the necessary repairs. The trail maintenance has been completed and recent rockfall area signage has been posted. Taylor Creek Trail is now completely reopened.This rockfall is evidence of natural geologic processes in action! Zion National Park experiences rockfalls because of the steep canyon walls and characteristic geology of the area. This natural process helped to create the beautiful canyon country.
Rockfalls can be caused by precipitation, thermal-cycling, plant growth within rocks, windstorms, seismic activity, and even lightning strikes! Rockfalls are difficult to predict and usually happen without warning. When scientists examine the area they are looking for fresh “tracks” of rocks rolling down the rock face, fresh scars on cliffs, eyewitness accounts, and impact to the trail and other resources. In this case, the rockfall scar was found to be about 390 meters (1,280 feet) up on the north side of the canyon wall in the Navajo Sandstone.
While you are hiking in Zion National Park what should you do if you witness a rock fall?
• Be aware of your surroundings, pay attention to warning signs, stay off closed trails, and keep away from cliff edges. If you are at the base of a wall or when a rock fall occurs above, seek shelter immediately behind the largest nearby boulder or move away from the cliff.
• Inform park staff if you witness a rockfall, by calling the Park Information line at 435-772-3256 and/or email information and photos to zion_park_information@nps.gov,
• Learn and understand more about rockfalls. Continue to learn about this geologic process happening in national parks that you visit.
To learn more about Zion Geology please check out these resources:
• The Utah Geologic Survey interactive geologic map of the state.
• Learn more about Zion's sedimentary rock layers.
• Print out your copy of the Zion Geology brochure
The geology of Zion National Park continues to shape and change this beautiful landscape, making each area unique and special to visit.