Heavy Rain Blamed for Rockslide That Sent Visitors Fleeing in Utah
A popular hiking and biking trail in Utah’s Provo Canyon will stay closed through the winter after a massive rockslide sent boulders crashing down a mountainside near Bridal Veil Falls, forcing witnesses to run for safety.
The rockslide struck on Friday, Oct. 23, following a stretch of heavy rain in the region. No one was hurt, but the falling rocks damaged trees, electrical equipment and a section of paved trail.
What Happened at Bridal Veil Falls
Bailee Hamilton and her husband, Emerson, had stopped at Nunns Park after the first slide to check whether anyone had been hurt. While they were there, a second slide began.
The couple turned and ran as fast as they could as boulders tumbled down the mountain and a large cloud of dust filled the air. Hamilton told local station ABC4 that the slide was far from a minor trickle of debris.
“They were big rocks coming down the mountain,” she said.
Hamilton also described seeing a mother with a stroller fleeing the falling rocks. Video of the slide shows large boulders thundering downhill as people scramble out of the way.
Why Heavy Rain Can Trigger Rockslides
The slide followed a soaking rain. Some rain gauges in Provo Canyon recorded more than an inch of rain in the 24 hours before the slide, according to National Weather Service data cited by AccuWeather.
Heavy rain can set off rockslides in several ways. Water saturates the soil, which adds weight to slopes. It also seeps into cracks in rock faces, increasing pressure from within, and it can weaken the material holding loose rocks in place. Once that support gives way, gravity does the rest.
Steep canyon walls like those in Provo Canyon are especially vulnerable, since loose rock can tumble a long way before coming to a stop.
Trail Closed Through Winter
The Utah County Sheriff’s Office closed about a quarter-mile of trail near Bridal Veil Falls, warning that rocks were continuing to fall in the area. The closure came about a week earlier than the trail’s planned seasonal closing.
Officials said the area will stay closed through the winter, with cleanup planned for the spring. Hikers, runners and cyclists who use the Provo River Parkway should plan alternate routes and pay attention to posted closure signs.
Bridal Veil Falls is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Provo Canyon. The multi-tiered waterfall and the paved trail alongside the Provo River draw visitors year-round, making the closure a notable loss for locals and tourists alike.
A Wet, Wild Week in Utah
The rockslide came during a stormy stretch for parts of the state. Days earlier, the town of Hurricane in southern Utah was hit by flash flooding for the second time in 10 weeks, as heavy rain swept across the Southwest.
That pattern of repeated heavy rain can leave slopes saturated and unstable, raising the risk of rockslides and mudslides even after the rain stops.
Staying Safe on the Trail After Heavy Rain
Rockslides can happen with little warning, but a few precautions can lower your risk when exploring canyons and mountain trails after a storm:
Check trail conditions first: Look for closures and alerts from park officials or the local sheriff’s office before you head out.
Respect closures: Closed trails are often closed because rocks are still falling, even if the path looks clear.
Watch and listen: Small rocks falling, cracking sounds or a rumbling noise can signal a larger slide.
Avoid lingering below steep slopes: Don’t stop for breaks directly beneath cliffs or loose rock faces, especially after heavy rain.
Move quickly to the side: If you see rocks falling, get out of the path of the slide and move toward higher, stable ground if possible.
The trail near Bridal Veil Falls may be off-limits for now, but officials say cleanup in the spring should get it back on track for next season.
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