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Lower Calf Creek Falls

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.7 (45)
  1. Areas
  2. UT
  3. …Southwestern Utah
  4. …Escalante
  5. Phipps-Death Hollow
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“A premier route through a spectacular canyon to a memorable waterfall. ”

Tilman Giese
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Map Key

5.8

Miles

9.4

KM

Out and Back

5,621' 1,713 m

High

5,350' 1,631 m

Low

404' 123 m

Up

404' 123 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers

Overview

Lower Calf Creek Falls is one of the geological gems nestled in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, a region rich with natural wonders. The hike to the waterfalls is relatively short with minimal elevation gain, but nearly the entirety is through sand, which can make for slow going. The terminus of the hike is a majestic 130-foot tall waterfall cascading into a pool practically made for swimming. - Overview by Brent Uhrig, Outdoor Project

Description

The trail starts on the left just before the road dips down to ford Calf Creek. You'll follow the canyon upstream over rocky slopes and sandy surfaces with impressive canyon walls on either side. A brochure that's available at the trailhead provides more information on history, geology, and vegetation at over a dozen key points throughout the trail.

Look closely for the visual evidence of ancient inhabitants in this canyon. These include the ruins of a storage granary and a panel of entrancing pictographs. Look for them about halfway to the falls on the far right side of the canyon wall.

Most of the time, the trail loosely follows Calf Creek as it winds through towering Navajo sandstone canyon walls. The trail ends at the 126-foot waterfall that plunges into a green deep pool. The surrounding amphitheater is a great place to relax and enjoy, often offering you the convenient choice of sitting in either sun or shade. Then of course there is the water for swimming.

Contacts

Land Manager: BLM Utah - Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

Shared By:

Tilman Giese with improvements by Robert Dryden
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 45 votes

#1

in Phipps-Death Hollow

#232

Overall
  4.7 from 45 votes
5 Star
76%
4 Star
22%
3 Star
2%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Phipps-Death Hollow

#28

in Utah

#232

Overall
7 Views Last Month
3,625 Since Jun 11, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate
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Photos

Lower Calf Creek Falls and its impressive colorful alcove.
Jun 11, 2017 near Escalante, UT
Calf Creek Falls
Sep 6, 2016 near Escalante, UT
Small side canyons line the way.
Jun 11, 2017 near Escalante, UT
An impressive hole in the canyon wall with a massive overhanging ledge along the Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail.
Jun 11, 2017 near Escalante, UT
A sandy stretch of trail between impressive canyon walls on the Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail.
Jun 11, 2017 near Escalante, UT
View from the trail.
Apr 1, 2023 near Escalante, UT

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Check-Ins

Jun 1, 2024
Becky Pipes
Gorgeous trail with intriguing educational notes along the way. Loved the variety of red rock formations, beautiful wildflowers, and blooming cactus 5.8mi — 2h 52m
Apr 16, 2024
Lonny Stern
Stopped for the view. Stayed for the waterfall. It was worth it. Air was much chillier by the waterfall; might want a raincoat.
Nov 25, 2023
Grace Gordon
Apr 1, 2023
Stewart Carnes
Oct 5, 2022
Mark Berlinger
May 10, 2022
Jordan Hansen
Super fun, easy grade and surprising waterfall 6mi — 4h 00m
Apr 7, 2022
Christine Bostick
Beautiful hike to an amazing waterfall.
Mar 30, 2022
Emily Wytiaz
6.2mi

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