- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Green River Today
By the People, for the People
Hikers Rescued After Flash Flood at Goblin Valley State Park
Several people were caught and washed down the canyon in a 'terrifying ordeal', but rescuers were able to reach them.
Apr. 2, 2026 at 2:51am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
A group of hikers were rescued on Wednesday after being caught in a flash flood just outside of Goblin Valley State Park in Utah. The hikers were in Little Wildhorse Canyon, located just outside of park boundaries, when the flash flooding occurred. Several people were caught and washed down the canyon, but rescuers were able to reach them and the hikers were treated for minor injuries.
Why it matters
Flash flooding can be extremely dangerous, as runoff water from storms can quickly collect in canyons and trap hikers. This incident highlights the importance of checking weather forecasts and being prepared when hiking in canyons, as well as the vital role of park rangers and emergency responders in conducting rescues.
The details
According to a social media post from Goblin Valley State Park, the hikers were caught in flash flooding in Little Wildhorse Canyon, which is located just outside of park boundaries. Several people were caught and washed down the canyon, which officials described as a 'terrifying ordeal'. Fortunately, rescuers were able to reach them, and they hiked out to the trailhead where they were treated for minor injuries.
- The incident occurred on Wednesday, April 2, 2026.
The players
Goblin Valley State Park
A state park in Utah known for its unique rock formations and popular hiking trails.
Emery County Sheriff's Office
The law enforcement agency that responded to the rescue operation.
Emery County EMS
The emergency medical services that provided medical treatment to the rescued hikers.
Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement
The law enforcement division of the Utah Department of Natural Resources that assisted in the rescue.
Emery County Search and Rescue
The volunteer search and rescue team that helped in the rescue operation.
Green River State Park rangers
The park rangers from a nearby state park who also responded to the scene.
What they’re saying
“These hikers, along with dozens of others who braved the canyons today, were truly lucky.”
— Goblin Valley State Park
“Pay attention to the weather you see unfolding and be ready to change your plans. We promise, it's not worth the risk!”
— Goblin Valley State Park
What’s next
Park officials are reminding visitors to always check weather forecasts before hiking canyons to avoid similar dangerous situations in the future.
The takeaway
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and potentially life-threatening nature of flash flooding in canyons, and the importance of being prepared and heeding weather warnings when hiking in these environments.
