Lower Calf Creek Falls Hike Guide

February 23, 2021 The Virtual Sherpa Comments 0 Comment

Lower Calf Creek Falls is a popular hike located within the Grand Escalante National Monument in Southern Utah. The waterfall is 126ft tall and flows all year round with fewest crowds in the winter months. The hike to the falls involves some rolling hills through the canyon where the waterfall starts. This is a GREAT quick hike and one that I would highly recommend all year round.

Lower Calf Creek Falls Quick Facts

Virtual Trail Guide: Lower Calf Creek Falls

Lower Calf Creek Falls Rating: ★★★★★ (4/5 Stars)

Distance: 6.3 Miles RT

Elevation Start: 5,354ft

Highest Point: 5,502ft

Total Elevation Gain: 625ft

Estimated Time to Complete: 2-3 Hours RT

Difficulty: Easy Difficulty System Explained

Class: Class 1 What does this mean?

Season: Year Round (best to avoid in mud season though)

Weather: Check the Weather Forecast

Directions to Lower Calf Creek Falls

Trailhead: Lower Calf Creek Falls

Getting Here: Lower Calf Creek Falls is located in between Boulder and Escalante, UT within the Grand Escalante National Monument. Whether you are coming from the north or south, take UT12 until you reach the pulloff for the parking area. Head down the hill and park in the lot. The TH starts about 100 yards up the road on the left.

Fees: There is a $5 fee (as of 2021) to hike here. Payments must be made at the TH in cash.

Parking: The parking area can fit about 10-15 cars and has non-plumbing bathrooms that are open seasonally (usually not in winter).

Summary

Lower Calf Creek Falls Camping: There is a campground located at the trailhead that you can read more information about here. If you don’t want to camp here, there are plenty of options for dispersed camping in the area.

Dogs: Lower Calf Creek falls is a dog friendly hike, be sure to bring lots of water in the summer months.

Make it a Loop: This is an out and back hike. If you wanted to, you could head up the road to hike to the upper falls as well but that would involve a 10-15 minute drive.

Trail X Factors: The hike can get very muddy in the later winter and spring months or after a heavy rain. The entire trail is dirt and can be a real nasty scene if you happen to hike here during those circumstances. Although this hike is fairly remote, it can see higher traffic during the summer months so if you are looking for seclusion and heading there in the summer, be sure to head there early.

Hike Tip(s): Be sure to bring some cash for this hike as the fee is paid in cash only as of 2021. Some of these hikes are slowly rolling out credit card forms, but it’s best to be prepared in case they do not have them. In addition to the fee, be sure to take care of your business before arriving to this hike if you are hiking during the winter as the restrooms are seasonal.

Best Views: If you are into desert hiking, you will enjoy this hike. If not – it will be pretty bland until you get to the falls themselves. Once at the waterfall though, it’s pretty stunning. There are SO many beautiful photo options here and I ended up soaking in the falls (pun-intended for 20+ minutes).

Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail Route

Gear Needed

Hiking Boots or Trail Runners
Backpack
Protection from Sun
Water
Optional: Map of area or GPS – I use the Garmin inReach
Optional: Hiking Poles
Optional: Camera
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My Trip to Lower Calf Creek Falls: January 2021

After hiking some slot canyons in the morning, I decided to end my day with another hike, this time a waterfall. I had pretty low expectations for Lower Calf Creek Falls but the hike very much delivered. The distance ended up being a bit more than I had read about but it was secluded and quiet.

After a bit of monotonous desert/canyon hiking I arrived at the waterfall and was blown away. Typically, winter waterfalls are hit or miss due to waterflow from above but these ones were gushing. This was certainly a bonus hike on this day and it was one I would absolutely revisit.