How to Get to Lower Calf Creek Falls

Imagine finding a beautiful waterfall hidden in the Utah desert, where cool water falls down from a 126-foot cliff into a quiet pool below. This place is called Lower Calf Creek Falls, and it’s a spot you won’t want to miss. If you want to know how to get there and what to expect on the hike, this guide will show you step by step. Ready to explore one of Utah’s coolest spots? Let’s go!

Lower calf creek falls trailhead parking

To start, you’ll need to drive to the Calf Creek Recreation Area, which is located along Scenic Byway 12. If you’re coming from the town of Escalante, it’s about 5.5 miles east, while it’s around 11 miles west if you’re driving from Boulder, Utah. Using GPS coordinates 37.7969° N, 111.4132° W can help you find the exact location easily. Once you arrive, there’s a $5 parking fee, which you pay at a self-service kiosk. Facilities at the parking area include restrooms and picnic tables, but there’s no place to refill water, so make sure to bring plenty for your hike.

The hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls is about 3 miles one way, meaning it’s a 6-mile round trip. The trail begins right at the parking lot, with a clearly marked trailhead. You can pick up a trail guide from the kiosk, which will give you information about various points of interest along the trail. The path is relatively flat but has a total elevation gain of about 500 feet, making it manageable for most hikers. However, the sandy and sometimes rocky trail surface can be challenging, so it’s best to wear sturdy hiking shoes for comfort and stability.

 

As you walk along the trail, you’ll pass through areas filled with juniper and sagebrush, giving you a true desert experience. About 1.5 miles in, keep an eye out for ancient Fremont pictographs on the cliff walls to your right. These rock art drawings are between 800 and 1,200 years old and are a fascinating glimpse into the history of the area. A bit further, you’ll come across granaries, small rock structures once used by Native Americans to store food. These are built into the cliffs and can be spotted on your left side as you approach the 2-mile mark. Just before you reach the waterfall, you’ll also pass some beaver ponds, which are often more visible in the morning or late afternoon when the light hits the water just right.

After about 3 miles, you’ll finally reach Lower Calf Creek Falls. The waterfall drops 126 feet into a beautiful pool surrounded by lush greenery, including ferns and moss. The sight of the waterfall is breathtaking, and the cold water is perfect for dipping your feet in after a long hike. The pool area provides a great spot for a picnic, with flat rocks to sit on while you enjoy the view. Just remember to take any trash back with you to help keep the area clean.

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For a safe and enjoyable hike, make sure to bring at least 2 liters of water per person, as there’s nowhere to refill along the trail. Look out for trail markers, which are numbered signs that provide interesting facts about the surroundings and help you track your progress. Good hiking shoes are essential, as parts of the trail can be sandy and uneven. Lastly, don’t forget to protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

 

If you’re up for more adventure after your hike, there are other nearby attractions worth visiting. The Upper Calf Creek Falls Trailhead is located about 3 miles east of the Lower Falls parking area. This hike is shorter but much steeper, leading to another picturesque waterfall. Alternatively, you can visit Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, which is 15 miles west and offers trails that showcase petrified wood and views of Wide Hollow Reservoir. For some unique rock formations, head to Devil’s Garden, situated roughly 12 miles southeast, where you can enjoy exploring unusual sandstone structures.

 

Visiting Lower Calf Creek Falls is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of Utah’s landscapes. From the scenic drive to the waterfall’s refreshing spray, each step along the trail offers something unique. Enjoy the journey, take in the sights, and help preserve this natural wonder by leaving no trace behind. Happy hiking!