Lower Calf Creek Falls
Lower Calf Creek Falls is a gorgeous colorful 126ft waterfall nestled deep in the Grand Staircase National Monument. The falls sits in a very peaceful cove at the head of Calf Creek Canyon. The green and yellow colors that line the contours of the column of water comes from algae growing on the sandstone that thrives on the falls' year-round flow. From the town of Escalante, drive some 15 miles east along Utah 12 as it passes through a wonderland of sandstone and slickrock formations (some of them very reminiscent of Jabba the Hut). When you see the well-signed turnoff for the Calf Creek Recreation Area, take it to its car park area down the hill and pay the day use fee. Once on the trail, you'll be hiking about 5.5 miles return on a mostly flat but sandy trail. The sand along with the desert heat of Southern Utah combine to make this hike deceptively more strenuous (especially in summer). But even so, just about anyone is capable of doing the hike and it is an extremely popular spot to go swimming so you're likely going to have company. This hike will probably take at least 3 hours return. Bring lots of water to avoid dehydration. To help keep you occupied along the trail, there are signposts that are keyed to interpretive brochures that you can pick up at the trailhead. The displays highlight and discuss aspects of the area such as the ecosystem, the remnants of Native American presence, and some unusual facts such as the site where watermelons used to be grown. Tell us about your experience with this waterfall. [Back to top] [Go to next waterfall: Upper Calf Creek Falls] [Go to the Utah Waterfalls Page] [Go to the American Southwest Page] [Return from Lower Calf Creek Falls to the World of Waterfalls Home Page]
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Angled view of the pretty waterfall
Angled view of the pretty waterfall from the other side
