Calf Creek Falls in the Grand Staircase

There is quite like visiting a desert oasis. Dry desert heat, beating sun, sand, so much sand! Then suddenly around the corner is a breathtaking, crystal clear, cool waterfall surrounded with green lavish plants. This is the stuff that movies are made of, and also something that can be experienced when you visit the Grand Staircase and hike to the Lower Calf Creek Falls in Escalante National Monument.

The trailhead is located at the Calf Creek campground located off of highway 12, about 15 miles east of Escalante. There is a $5.00 per vehicle fee for a day pass to enter the park. The trail leading to this beautiful waterfall is 3 miles one-way, and it takes approximately an hour and a half to reach the falls.

Set up a campsite near one of the most beautiful hikes that the Grand Staircase has to offer. There is a separate parking fee and overnight camping fee to stay at the Calf Creek campground.

Camping underneath Utah’s clear night skies is an experience all inself, an amazing one at that. Stargazing is one of the main reasons people choose to stay overnight at the Calf Creek Campground.

Photo Credit: U.S. Geological Survey on flickr

Hiking to Lower Calf Creek Falls

The hike is semi-difficult due to the sand on the trail, be sure to wear good hiking boots. The hike can get very hot especially in the summer seasons, be sure to bring an efficient amount of drinking water. Dogs are allowed here, but must be leashed. This hike is pretty easy for almost all ages.

The Lower Calf Creek Falls are about 130 ft. high with a deep natural swimming hole at the bottom. There is ample greenery surrounding the falls which makes the scenery that much more movie-esque. The Lower Calf Falls are the more popular to visit and attracts many visitors each year.

What You’ll Find at The Falls

Once you reach the falls you will be amazed that such a beautiful, clear water oasis exists in such a dry desolate landscape. This really does come as quite a surprise to most visitors! Take a cool plunge into the crisp and clean clear waters. Enjoy swimming, playing and exploring the falls with the whole family.

If you are looking for the perfect hike for the entire family, and a fun, exciting way to cool off and relax, then this is the perfect hike to take. This is also a great introductory hike to the Grand Staircase in general, it definitely gives you an idea of what kind of magnificence to expect from the rest of the monument.

For photographers, the main difficulty will be on the summer days, you will want to take the hike early in the morning so that the sun is shining onto the falls for the best shot.