Lower Calf Creek Falls

Lower Calf Creek Falls

(Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument) This hike is truly a fun adventure that will make you feel like a rugged outdoors wanderer and it’s not very difficult at all. Plus, it ends with one of the most gorgeous desert waterfalls you’ll ever see. If you're looking for a weekend escape to get away from it all and be in nature, this little adventure just might be for you. 

Red rock walls on both sides of the trail

Lower Calf Creek Falls is about six miles roundtrip through sand and red rock, but it is worth every step. The trail feels like you're in the middle of nowhere. In a way, you are. The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument isn't the easiest place to get to. However, the drive to the trailhead is spectacular. It's just off Scenic Highway 12 between the towns of Escalante and Boulder. Even if you just do the drive, you will not be disappointed. 

Jordan and Heidi joined me for this hike

I love this hike. In fact, when one of my closest friends told me he and his wife were visiting Southern Utah for the first time and wanted to stay in Escalante for a night, this is the hike I thought of right away. Jordan and Heidi live in Raleigh, North Carolina, so I figured this hike would give them a great taste of the Utah red rock desert and an idea of what the area is like. They’re way more in shape than I am but I kept up with their pace well enough. When I needed a quick break, I just made pretend I wanted to take pictures of the beautiful scenery 😂

Petroglyphs carved into the canyon walls across the creek

The trail begins near the Calf Creek Campground, which was improved in the summer of 2024. The trail now begins at the end of the campground instead of at the beginning of it. Just a little change that's good to know about if you have been here before the upgrade.

One of several trail markers

The trail is relatively easy to follow. You really can’t get lost because you make your way along a little creek between towering red rock cliffs. For the first mile or so, the trail is level for the most part. The sand gets softer as you continue on. On the way back when you're more tired, the sand can really start to slow you down. The sand also gets really hot in the summer, so make sure it’s not too hot for your dogs paws if you're bringing a good boy or good girl along. Dogs are allowed! You might have to carry them through the sandy parts if it’s too hot, though. There are several spots to take a break in the shade. 

You’ll walk through a lot of sand on this trail

One of the best parts of this hike is you’ll always have amazingly beautiful scenery all around. You’re never without a view. You could take a hundred pictures like I did and say with each picture that it just doesn’t do the area justice. It really is tough to capture the feeling of the place in a photo. 

Sandstone walls surround the entire hike

I have done this hike alone, where you can just ponder time and existence, and I have now done it with friends. The spontaneous conversations that happen along the trail with friends are part of the everlasting memories. Jordan, Heidi, and I talked about our jobs, our childhoods, cooking, books, movies, what the heck she sees in Jordan, sports, and a little of everything. There’s plenty of time to just talk about whatever on a hike like this. Or you don't have to say anything at all. The silence is just as awesome.

Jordan taking a picture of the waterfall

The Reward: A 126-Foot Waterfall in the Desert

You can start to hear the falls before you see them. When you reach the falls, there’s a decent chance you’ll stop in your tracks and just stare. I sure did the first time I saw them. Same for the second time. Jordan and Heidi stopped, stared, and smiled as well. Lower Calf Creek Falls is a stunning 126-foot waterfall that feels like it almost doesn’t belong here in the middle of a sandstone cliff canyon wall in the desert. The water falls into an emerald-color pool many people go in. The mist feels great on a hot day and the trees near the small beach give plenty of shade. 

The sounds of the waterfall

After the 3-mile hike in, it’s a perfect spot to sit on a rock, or a fallen tree, or just the sand itself and take it all in. You can swim or just dip your toes into the water. Heads up, though, the water is cold. Refreshing, but cold! Dogs love this spot and many of them want to get into the water to cool down as well. 

Side view of Lower Calf Creek Falls

The beach at the waterfall can get crowded. It’s a small area that everyone doing the hike is coming to see. Lower Calf Creek Falls is also now Instagram popular, which draws a lot of people. You can't blame them for wanting to see this. However, if you want to have more of the place to yourself with less crowds, consider starting your hike early in the morning. 

Jordan and I, friends for almost 30 years

This hike will always be even more special to me now that I brought Jordan on it. We have been friends for almost 30 years. I wished he lived closer so I could take his money in poker more often. We had a great time and it went too fast. 

Jordan starting the hike back to the trailhead

Lower Calf Creek Falls is an adventure that will have you talking for months, if not years. It’s a place to unwind and disconnect from the every day busy lifestyle and just enjoy being peacefully in nature (except, there was one point where Heidi’s cellphone started making a noise because she received text messages, which we have no idea how that happened!) I suspect no matter how many times you hike this trail, Lower Calf Creek Falls is always going to be calling your name.

Lower Calf Creek Falls From The Beach

Hiking Tips

Time Your Visit: Start early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday desert heat, especially if you’re hiking in summer.

Hydrate: Don’t underestimate the dry Utah air. Bring plenty of water. It’s a good idea to bring more than you think you’ll need.

Trail Etiquette: Keep in mind this is a popular trail, especially on weekends. Be patient and kind to fellow hikers, and leave no trace behind.

Camera Ready: Whether it’s your phone or a full camera setup, the falls and surrounding canyon provide incredible photo opportunities. Don’t miss out!

Beautiful views along the whole trail

Post-Hike

After your adventurous hike, it’s worth it to drive Scenic Highway 12 between Escalante and Boulder. There’s a small section just above the Calf Creek Recreation Area that is as beautiful as it gets, but it’s also white-knuckle driving with steep dropoffs on both sides. I drive in the middle of the road when I can 😂

Tiny home at Escalante Escapes

Make It a Weekend

If you want to stay in the area a little longer and check out other spots, spend the night! Book a night at a hotel, cabin, or campsite. Jordan and Heidi rented a tiny home from Escalante Escapes. It had everything; washer/dryer, fire pit, TV, shower and bathroom, and air conditioning for those hot summer months. You’ve already made the trip to get out here. It’s far from everything. Why not stay a little bit longer and explore beyond Lower Calf Creek Falls? You won’t regret it.  

The view outside the tiny home Jordan and Heidi rented

Lower Calf Creek Falls Trailhead:

Google Maps Link

Us along the trail

I drew a J and H in the beach with a stick. For Jordan and Heidi :)

Parts of the trail with shade

Jordan helping Heidi down some rocks. He’s such a gentleman!

Trail marker

Rocky surface and sand surface throughout the trail

Sandcastles on the beach