Desert waterfall cascading 126 feet into a shaded pool, reached by a scenic canyon trail with pictographs and stream crossings.
General Information
Trailhead amenities include restrooms and water (seasonal)
Camping: $15 per night (first-come, first-served)
How to Get There
From Escalante (13 mi): Drive east on UT-12 for 13 miles, then turn right into the signed Calf Creek Campground parking area.
Overview
The Lower Calf Creek Falls is one of Utah’s most iconic desert hikes, leading to a 126-foot waterfall tucked into a lush canyon oasis. The 6-mile round-trip trail follows Calf Creek through a corridor of Navajo sandstone, with interpretive signs highlighting ancient pictographs, beaver ponds, and desert flora. The trail is mostly flat but sandy, and hikers are rewarded with a cool, shaded pool at the base of the falls—perfect for a refreshing dip in warmer months.
Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the trailhead includes restrooms, water (seasonally), and a small campground. The hike is popular year-round, but spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions. Dogs are welcome on leash, and hikers should bring plenty of water and sun protection. With its blend of natural beauty, cultural history, and accessibility, Lower Calf Creek Falls is a must-see destination in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for Lower Calf Creek Falls, which are released under the https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.