Lava Tube rescue @ Snow Canyon State Park
Lava Tube rescue @ Snow Canyon State Park

Hats off to the Santa Clara – Ivins Fire & Rescue and Washington County Sheriff Search & Rescue who worked together to execute a tricky high angle rope rescue yesterday inside Snow Canyon State Park.

The rescue from the Lava Tube cave was quite technical and took around 4 hours from beginning to end. The High Angle Rope Rescue team extracted the patient approximately 100 yards while a Santa Clara – Ivins Fire & Rescue paramedic attended their medical needs. Officials did not disclose the patients’ conditions.

This incident serves as a stark reminder not explore terrain you are unprepared to negotiate. Canyoneering in Snow Canyon State Park is only allowed with advance permits. Snow Canyon State Park is clear that while canyoneering “Your Safety is Your Responsibility” and encourages visitors to research and review the route descriptions prior to setting out.

Snow Canyon State Park Know Before You Go:

With so much natural beauty found at Snow Canyon State Park, it’s important that we all continue working hard to protect the land and wildlife for current and future generations.

Check out the information below on how you can help!

  • Day-use fees can be paid with cash, card, or contactless payment at our entrance stations or visitor center. Please visit our Park Fees tab for pricing or to pay online with a card. Snow Canyon day-use fees are also valid at exterior lots including: Cinder Cone, Whiterocks, Gila, Snow Canyon Scenic Overlook, and Chuckwalla.
  • Recreate on designated trails only. Find them on our Snow Canyon Brochure. Designated scrambling areas include Galoot Hill, Petrified Dunes, and Whiterocks area. 
  • Dogs must be leashed (max 6 feet long) and under control at all times. Scoop, bag, and bin all waste. See our B.A.R.K Ranger Code below for more information.
  • Park in designated lots only including those located off of SR-18: Cinder Cone, Whiterocks, Gila, Snow Canyon Scenic Overlook, and Chuckwalla.
  • Some park areas are closed seasonally. Please obey all posted closures. Find current closures and other information on our ALERTS tab. 
  • Pack It In – Pack More Of It Out. Help us keep our park beautiful.
  • Camping in designated campground only. Reservations can be made 48 hours to 4 months in advance online through the Reserve tab. Camping within 48 hours is walk up only. 
  • Fires in designated fire rings/grills only. Please follow current fire restrictions.
  • All plants, wildlife, rocks, and natural features are protected; removal or alteration is prohibited.
  • Drones and canyoneering by advance permit only. Please visit our Permit tab for more information. 
  • For Professional Photography, Weddings, and Elopements; Please visit our Permit tab for information and scheduling. 
  • PROHIBITED: Skateboards, rollerblades, and scooters.

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Francis Xavier is a seasoned writer for Unofficial Networks, bringing a lifetime of outdoor experience to his work. Having lived in a ski resort town for years he has a deep connection to mountain culture....