Utah police said human remains were discovered near a public hiking trail and "had been there for an extended period of time."

Human remains were found near a hiking trail in southern Utah over the weekend, and authorities say it appears they have been there for quite some time.

A hiker in Utah has stumbled across human remains on a much-loved local trail. A popular spot for hikers and trail runners in Utah, the Bone Wash Trail and Elephant Arch area is home to several miles of scenic desert trails and wildlife.

Human remains that had been decomposing “for an extended period of time” have been discovered just off of a public hiking trail in Utah, police said. The Washington City Police Department