Powder cannon used for baby gender reveals stained red rocks in state park, rangers say

Pristine rock formations that draw visitors to a popular state park in southern Utah turned from red to blue this week. (SNOW CANYON STATE PARK)
Published: Dec. 20, 2024 at 10:56 PM HST

(CNN) - Pristine rock formations that draw visitors to a popular state park in southern Utah turned from red to blue this week.

It’s because someone set off a powder cannon at Snow Canyon State Park.

The powder stained the rocks in a large area of the park and it took rangers hours to clean up the mess.

In order to scrub the rocks clean, the rangers had to hike nearly three miles to the site while carrying over two dozen gallons of water with them.

Officials say the device is similar to what people use on social media for baby gender reveals.

The rangers reminded visitors that those items along with others, like flower petals and confetti, are not allowed at state and national parks.

It’s unclear who set off that device.