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BIG COTTONWOOD CANYON — A 22-year-old man fell about 45 feet while hiking in the Donut Falls area Saturday.
It is the second fall near the waterfall in seven days, with the first being fatal for a Salt Lake County woman last week.
Officials have said that increased run-off and shale rock on the popular trail has made it more slippery.
"There's a lot of water coming down because there's still some run off from the snow pack up there and then the mist makes those rocks very slippery," said Unified Police Lt. Justin Hoyal. He said the man was hiking across the falls and lost his footing and fell.
"This is a great place to come and hike, to go for a walk, but you've got to be careful in this area," Hoyal said. "These rocks are very slippery right now with the mist that's coming up and laying on these rocks. It makes them very, very slippery."
The man, who was hiking with friends from a church group, was conscious and alert throughout his mountainside rescue.
Hoyal said the man, whose name was not released, endured head and back injuries and was taken to the hospital in serious condition. He is expected to recover.
