Hike Lower Calf Creek Falls in Utah
Lower Calf Creek Falls is an iconic spot in Utah. Growing up, we would visit Escalante, Utah, for their annual Pioneer Day parade. Visiting the falls was just part of the trip. But it had been more than two decades since I last made the hike. So we took a day trip to hike Lower Calk Creek Falls and it didn’t disappoint.
Since so many people are interested in experiencing this iconic Utah feature, here are some tips to help you plan your trip.
Be Prepared – BRING PLENTY OF WATER
The first time I remember hiking to Lower Calf Creek Falls was about 30 years ago. It was late July, and we didn’t start the hike until about 1 p.m. None of the kids brought water. When we arrived at the end of the three mile trail, a cold swim under the waterfall was refreshing. But it was dumb to not have any water with us.
But don’t worry. When we got back into town, my uncle bought us all a drink. We picked sodas – the perfect drink for dehydration…. NOT!
Summer temperatures in this area of Utah can be in the 90s to 100s. It’s recommended that each hiker has two liters of water with them on the hike. There are drinking water stations at the trailhead, so be sure and fill up your containers as appropriate.
Getting to Lower Calf Creek Falls Trailhead
Calf Creek Recreation Area is located along Scenic Byway 12. It’s 13 miles south of Boulder, Utah, and 16 miles east of Escalante. There is a parking fee, but if you have a Federal Recreation Annual Pass, put it in your car’s dashboard and the fee is covered. Otherwise, find the box and make your payment.
The parking area isn’t very large. Do NOT park illegally, as access into and out of the parking area is very narrow. If there isn’t a good place to park, either wait for someone to leave, or come back later.
The parking area does have bathrooms. However, they aren’t open during the off-season. There’s another smaller vault toilet near campsite 10, so if you need to make a pit stop before hitting the trail, head across the suspension bridge to find the bathroom.
Follow the signs along the road – heading north – to get to the trailhead. It’s a good 75 yards north of the parking area.
What to Expect on the Hike
The hike is relatively flat. No major inclines as you follow Calf Creek through the canyon. The terrain varies, so have a good pair of hiking shoes. Plan on hard rocky areas, loose gravel and deep sand along the trail.
Along the trail, you’ll also find markers that note areas of interest. I was told there were guides you could grab at the trailhead so you knew what the numbered posts indicated. However, we didn’t see any of those printed guides. I’m told there are petroglyphs on the rock wall across the canyon, but we couldn’t find them.
As you get about two-thirds of the way to the waterfall, the trail and creek come a lot closer. We were able to see small fish floating lazily in the flowing water. You may also see a lizard or bird in the area.
Be sure and enjoy some of the flowers growing along the trail, too. We saw blooming cacti in yellows, pinks and reds. There were also several wildflowers that added a little more color to the area.
Enjoy Your Time at the Waterfall
When you get the waterfall, here’s where you rip out the hammock and hook it up between two sturdy trees. You just hiked three miles, so there’s no reason you can’t enjoy some time there. Just be mindful of others and don’t hook the hammock on small trees.
You can go wading or swimming in the water. But it’s pretty cold water. Although I’ll admit to being a wuss when it comes to not warm water and swimming.
There are a lot of people there, as this is a popular spot. So if you want to capture a nice photo of the area without people in it, good luck. We did get lucky in our mid-week visit to the area a week before Memorial Day.
I don’t mind dogs. We even saw a few hiking the trails with their humans. But it got a little annoying when the dogs would swim in the water, then stand right next to us and shake it all of onto us. But I’m sure the dogs loved a dip in the pool, too.
Safety Tips for Hiking in Utah
If you don’t like the Utah weather, wait five minutes and it’s likely to change. You really never know what you’re going to get, so you have to be prepared. Here are a few tips to help you:
- Bring plenty of water. Utah temperatures can be in the 90s and 100s during the summer. Two liters of water per person is recommended for this hike, especially in the summer months.
- Wear good shoes. Flip flops or sandals are NOT meant for hiking.
- Wear proper attire. While shorts and a tank top may seem comfy, it provides little protection from the sun. A hat is important, too.
- Wear sunscreen. SPF 30 works great.
- Bring snacks. We enjoy fruit leather, granola bars, chips, crackers, etc.
- Make sure you have plenty of water. I’m mentioning this again because it’s that important.
- Stay on the trail. Don’t venture off the trail if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Afternoon thunderstorms are notorious during the summer months. Be ready for that. We were dumped on while hiking in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park one summer and it made the hike pretty miserable. The lightning made us nervous. So like I said – be prepared for almost anything.
The Details
Address: Along Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 – 13 miles south of Boulder, Utah, and 16 miles east of Escalante.
Cost: $5 parking fee per vehicle. The National Parks Annual Pass includes parking here. Simply place the card on the dashboard of your vehicle.
Website: https://www.blm.gov/visit/lower-calf-creek-falls-trail
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