By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News | Photos courtesy of Goblin Valley State Park

April Fools’ Day was no joke for several hikers in Goblin Valley State Park as flash floods swept away multiple individuals in Little Wildhorse Canyon.

Located just outside of park boundaries, park rangers from Goblin Valley were dispatched to rescue the lost hikers. Alongside park officials, members of the Emery County Sheriff’s Office, Emery County Search and Rescue team, Emery County EMS and representatives from Green River State Park and Division of Natural Resources Law Enforcement also responded.

Described by the park in a social media post as a ‘terrifying’ ordeal, rescuers were able to reach the hikers and “hike them out to the trailhead where they were treated for minor injuries.” 

Of the minor injuries, park officials said the individuals were ‘very lucky’.

“These hikers, along with dozens of others who braved the canyons today, were truly lucky. We had an 80% chance of rain and heavy clouds,” shared the park. “Please take this as a reminder- always check weather forecasts before hiking canyons, pay attention to the weather you see unfolding, and be ready to change your plans.”

The park also asked for the public to give grace to the individuals involved in the incident: “Everyone makes errors in judgment at some point. These incidents give us all the chance to plan better and be prepared next time.”

The statement closes,” We promise, it’s not worth the risk!”