Upper Calf Creek Falls

Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Utah, USA

About Upper Calf Creek Falls


Hiking Distance: 2 miles round trip scramble
Suggested Time: 1.5-2 hours

Date first visited: 2006-09-16
Date last visited: 2018-04-02

Waterfall Latitude: 37.85533
Waterfall Longitude: -111.45252

Waterfall Safety and Common Sense

Upper Calf Creek Falls was a little known 88ft waterfall that was further upstream from the wildly popular Lower Calf Creek Falls.

I think the big reason why this waterfall was rather hidden in obscurity was because it wasn’t easy to find (at least it wasn’t when we first found it back in 2006).

Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_125_04022018 - Upper Calf Creek Falls
Upper Calf Creek Falls

As a matter of fact, it took me three tries before I finally managed to find it.

Yet even on that third attempt, we almost got lost looking for it despite starting at the correct trailhead (see directions below).

Furthermore, as you can see from the photo above that this waterfall had noticeably lighter flow than its more famous downstream counterpart, which also made it less photogenic.

Nevertheless, accessing Upper Calf Creek Falls involved a round trip hike and scramble of 2 miles.

Upper_Calf_Creek_Fail_001_05252003 - The landscape of Calf Creek Canyon on one of our attempts in May 2003 when we got lost looking for the Upper Calf Creek Falls
The landscape of Calf Creek Canyon on one of our attempts in May 2003 when we got lost looking for the Upper Calf Creek Falls

It involved a bit of an upside down trajectory so it started with a steep descent, but it ended with a steep (and unshaded) climb at the very end.

Given the amount of route-finding and ways to experience the waterfall, I’d budget at least 2-3 hours for this hike.

Upper Calf Creek Falls Trail Description – the trailhead and steep descent

Once we managed to reach the correct trailhead and parking area (see directions below), we were greeted by a trailhead register.

The register was basically a stand that revealed a pencil and notebook when opened, where we’d let the authorities know when we set out and return in case we get lost.

Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_006_04022018 - Mom filling out the trailhead register at the start of the hike to Upper Calf Creek Falls. We did notice the infrastructure improved a lot on our April 2018 visit compared to our September 2006 visit or even our failed May 2003 visit
Mom filling out the trailhead register at the start of the hike to Upper Calf Creek Falls. We did notice the infrastructure improved a lot on our April 2018 visit compared to our September 2006 visit or even our failed May 2003 visit

Behind the register, we had to scramble down a steep sandstone incline with volcanic boulders.

The incline on this descent was steep enough where wearing hiking boots would be a good idea to get better traction.

On our first successful attempt at reaching Upper Calf Creek Falls, many of these boulders seemed to be thoughtfully lined up to help us find our way down.

I figured that they were placed there perhaps by the Bureau of Land Management or BLM, who were the administrators of this section of land.

Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_013_04022018 - Mom making the steep initial sandstone descent from the trailhead down towards Calf Creek Canyon
Mom making the steep initial sandstone descent from the trailhead down towards Calf Creek Canyon

Those boulders would also help us going back up as well, where it was probably even easier to lose the trail and get lost.

Of course, when Mom and I came back here in 2018, there were more obvious cairns (stacks of rocks) set up in the sandstone sections where it was not possible to blaze a trail.

Upper Calf Creek Falls Trail Description – hiking and scrambling through the sandstone wilderness

Once we were at the base of the initial steep friction pitch decline, we then proceeded along a mix of sandy trail and other sandstone stretches marked with rock cairns.

We had to pay careful attention here because it was pretty easy to lose the trail (especially those rock cairns).

Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_052_04022018 - Mom traversing the sand and sandstone wilderness en route to the Upper Calf Creek Falls after the initial steep descent
Mom traversing the sand and sandstone wilderness en route to the Upper Calf Creek Falls after the initial steep descent

In fact on our first successful visit, my Mom and I almost got lost here as we were further downstream along Calf Creek Canyon than we were supposed to be.

Ultimately, the path became more trail-dominant with shorter sandstone sections.

After rounding a bend, which made us skirt alongside Calf Creek Canyon instead of towards it, we would eventually reach a fork.

As of our April 2018 visit, there were rock cairns set up on the left fork, which descended and eventually went to the base of Upper Calf Creek Falls.

Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_072_04022018 - Mom facing a trail fork (hard to see in this photo) where the cairns to her left led to the base of the Upper Calf Creek Falls, while the continuation of the trail to her right went to the waterfall's top
Mom facing a trail fork (hard to see in this photo) where the cairns to her left led to the base of the Upper Calf Creek Falls, while the continuation of the trail to her right went to the waterfall’s top

The slightly more obvious trail on the right ascended, and it would eventually lead to the top of Upper Calf Creek Falls.

Upper Calf Creek Falls Trail Description – accessing the base of the waterfall

On the descent, the path eventually hugged sandstone ledges where the mild dropoff exposure dropped into Calf Creek Canyon.

Opposite the canyon, there was what appeared to be a very large alcove or cave, where another branch of Calf Creek (or at least a spring) seemed to be coming from.

Since this spring was still downstream of the Upper Calf Creek Falls, I suspected that this might help to explain some of its noticeably light flow compared with the Lower Calf Creek Falls.

Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_075_04022018 - Mom on the final approach to Upper Calf Creek Falls. Notice the cave or alcove opposite the canyon, which I suspect had a creek or spring that sourced part of Lower Calf Creek, which the upper falls didn't benefit from
Mom on the final approach to Upper Calf Creek Falls. Notice the cave or alcove opposite the canyon, which I suspect had a creek or spring that sourced part of Lower Calf Creek, which the upper falls didn’t benefit from

By the way, we were already starting to glimpse part of the very top of the Upper Calf Creek at this point.

Anyways, on the approach, we had to negotiate one slight obstacle where the trail could appear to be lost on the final approach to the falls.

Once we got past that obstacle, we then passed through some overgrowth, where we were finally within the quiet confines of the Upper Calf Creek Falls and its plunge pool.

Unlike the Lower Calf Creek Falls where there was a gentle beach-like area around the fringes of its plunge pool, Upper Calf Creek Falls wasn’t so friendly for lingering.

Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_145_04022018 - Mom negotiating a somewhat tricky obstacle en route to the base of Upper Calf Creek Falls
Mom negotiating a somewhat tricky obstacle en route to the base of Upper Calf Creek Falls

Instead, its amphitheater had more of a swampy and muddy terrain (not to mention buggy) fringing the plunge pool.

So while it was more tranquil and serene here, it wasn’t exactly as inviting for a dip as the more famous waterfall further downstream.

There was also an overhang or alcove where we could appreciate the lower parts of the plunging waterfall and its colorful algae-covered wall from an angle.

Upper Calf Creek Falls Trail Description – accessing the top of the waterfall

When Mom and I had our fill of the base of the Upper Calf Creek Falls, we then backtracked to the fork.

Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_167_04022018 - Context of Mom on the trail leading to the top of the Upper Calf Creek Falls
Context of Mom on the trail leading to the top of the Upper Calf Creek Falls

Then, we followed the ascending path that we had skipped earlier.

The remainder of this trail was easier to follow as it stayed on the rim of Calf Creek Canyon.

It eventually ended at an inviting pool between a small cascade and the very top of the steep plunge of the main waterfall itself.

While it was tempting to peer over the dropoffs to improve the view of the Upper Calf Creek Falls from its top, we definitely kept back.

Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_172_04022018 - Contextual view of the top of Upper Calf Creek Falls including a swimming hole and an upper cascade upstream from its brink
Contextual view of the top of Upper Calf Creek Falls including a swimming hole and an upper cascade upstream from its brink

After all, we knew it was a direct fatal plunge if we strayed too close to the edge.

As a result, we didn’t find the views of the waterfall to be as interesting from up here as opposed to its base.

However, the pool at the top of the falls was probably the main appeal for making the effort to come here.

This is especially the case if it’s a hot day.

Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_186_04022018 - Looking over the top of the Upper Calf Creek Falls
Looking over the top of the Upper Calf Creek Falls

After having our fill of this spot, Mom and I then returned back the way we came to the trailhead.

Upper Calf Creek Falls Trail Description – returning to the trailhead

During the return hike to the trailhead, the trail started off as somewhat obvious to follow.

However, as the sandstone sections became more prevalent, we had to pay careful attention to the thoughtfully-placed rock cairns so we don’t lose the trail.

Plus, the steepness of the climb meant that our calves were burning, our knees were sore, and we were breathing heavily by the time we made it up to the trailhead again.

Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_220_04022018 - Mom hiking back through the sandstone wilderness towards the trailhead of Upper Calf Creek Falls
Mom hiking back through the sandstone wilderness towards the trailhead of Upper Calf Creek Falls

Each time Mom and I have successfully done this hike, it was during the shoulder seasons of Spring and Autumn.

I can only imagine how brutal this sun-exposed ascent would be on a hot day in the Summer.

Overall, we spent about 2.5 hours away from the car to take in Upper Calf Creek Falls from both its top and bottom.

However, this roughly two-mile round-trip excursion could be done relatively comfortably in two hours.

Authorities

Upper Calf Creek Falls resided in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument near Escalante in Garfield County, Utah. It is administered by the Bureau of Land Management. For information or inquiries about the reserve as well as current conditions, visit their website.

Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_002_04022018 - It looked like they finally put a sign identifying the Upper Calf Creek Falls as of our April 2018 visit. This photo and the next several shots were taken during that day
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_021_04022018 - Mom on the steep descent on the sandstone and slickrock at the start of the hike en route to the Upper Calf Creek Falls during our April 2018 visit
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_027_04022018 - After the initial steep descent, we then traversed a short section of sandy trail before reaching the next sandstone stretch en route to the Upper Calf Creek Falls on our April 2018 visit
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_032_04022018 - On the next extensive slickrock section, we once again had to pay attention to rock cairns like this one to help navigate our way both going to the Upper Calf Creek Falls as well as coming back! This was how we saw them during our April 2018 hike
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_035_04022018 - Context of Mom making her way through the sandstone wilderness en route to Upper Calf Creek Falls during our April 2018 hike
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_037_04022018 - Looking back at the descent we had made thus far to the Upper Calf Creek Falls on our April 2018 hike.  The rock cairn shown in this photo was especially important to indicate where the final ascent up to the trailhead needed to be made
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_061_04022018 - Mom rounding a bend as we were starting to skirt Calf Creek Canyon en route to Upper Calf Creek Falls during our April 2018 hike
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_147_04022018 - Me descending what at first appeared to be a dangerous obstacle
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_078_04022018 - Side view of this little obstacle en route to the base of Upper Calf Creek Falls where we thought the trail disappeared (when heading to the falls), but it turned out there was an additional step on the ledge with the shrub growing on it. This was how we saw it on our April 2018 hike
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_081_04022018 - Finally back at the Upper Calf Creek Falls as seen in April 2018
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_101_04022018 - Direct look at the Upper Calf Creek Falls as seen on April 2018
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_104_04022018 - Contextual direct look at the Upper Calf Creek Falls showing its plunge pool and its full drop as seen on April 2018
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_125_04022018 - Broad look at the Upper Calf Creek Falls as seen on April 2018
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_142_04022018 - Angled view of part of Upper Calf Creek Falls from within the overhang or alcove during our April 2018 visit
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_155_04022018 - Mom continuing to make the ascent back up to the fork after having had her fill of the base of the Upper Calf Creek Falls during our April 2018 visit
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_158_04022018 - Again, rock cairns were useful on the return to the fork from the base of Upper Calf Creek Falls during our April 2018 visit
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_161_04022018 - Mom ascending up towards this bend on our way back to the fork so we could pursue the top of the Upper Calf Creek Falls during our April 2018 visit
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_196_04022018 - This was perhaps the cleanest view of the top of Upper Calf Creek Falls that I could get from the canyon rim during our April 2018 visit
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_177_04022018 - This was the nice pool immediately upstream of the Upper Calf Creek Falls as seen on our April 2018 visit
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_202_04022018 - Looking towards the Upper Calf Creek Falls from the canyon rim as seen during our April 2018 visit
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_208_04022018 - Just as the sun was breaking through the clouds, this look back from the Upper Calf Creek Falls on our April 2018 hike made it seem like these clouds were ready to dump moisture on us
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_217_04022018 - Mom hiking on some slickrock en route to the trailhead for Upper Calf Creek Falls on our return hike in April 2018
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_223_04022018 - Looking back across the sandstone wilderness as we were making our way back up to the Upper Calf Creek Falls Trailhead at the end of our April 2018 hike
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_234_04022018 - Looking up at Mom laboring her way up the final ascent back to the Upper Calf Creek Falls Trailhead in April 2018.  Notice how forward leaning she was, which should help indicate how steep this slope was
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_241_04022018 - Mom just about at the top of the ascent to return to the Upper Calf Creek Falls Trailhead to end our April 2018 hike.  Again, notice how steep the sandstone slope was
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_242_04022018 - Mom completing the trailhead register before returning to our parked car at the Upper Calf Creek Falls Trailhead in April 2018
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_243_04022018 - Mom heading back towards the parking area for the Upper Calf Creek Falls Trailhead to end our April 2018 hike
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_001_09152006 - The trailhead register at the start of the Upper Calf Creek Falls hike (as seen back in September 2006). In our latest visit in 2018, we noticed this register was accompanied by a larger sign introducing the area to the would-be hiker
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_004_09152006 - Mom on the steep descent on the sandstone and slickrock at the start of our Upper Calf Creek Falls hike during our September 2006 visit
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_005_09152006 - Mom almost at the bottom of the initial steep descent to Upper Calf Creek Falls as she followed the thoughtfully placed volcanic boulders as seen on our September 2006 visit
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_007_09152006 - Approaching the lush oasis of Upper Calf Creek Falls as seen in September 2006
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_011_09152006 - Checking out Upper Calf Creek Falls directly from across its plunge pool during our September 2006 visit
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_025_09152006 - Context of Mom checking out the Upper Calf Creek Falls as seen in September 2006
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_033_09152006 - Broad look at the Upper Calf Creek Falls twisting in the wind as seen during our September 2006 visit
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_039_09152006 - Context of the Upper Calf Creek Falls as seen over some trees surrounding its amphitheater as seen in September 2006
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_042_09152006 - Looking back at the approach we took to get to the bottom of the Upper Calf Creek Falls in September 2006
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_045_09152006 - Another look back at the path we took to get to the bottom of Upper Calf Creek Falls in September 2006.  It took Mom and I a little while to figure out the correct path, but it was quite a relief to finally start to see the elusive Upper Calf Creek Falls when we finally did figure it out
Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_046_09152006 - Trying to find our way back up the friction pitch to our car at the end of our Upper Calf Creek Falls hike in September 2006


The turnoff for the trailhead of Upper Calf Creek Falls is unsigned (at least as of our latest visit in April 2018).

It is between mile markers 81 and 80 (actually very close to mile post 81) along the UT12 a few miles north of the Calf Creek Recreation Area.

According to my GPS logs, this turnoff was about 5.7 miles north of the Calf Creek Recreation Area turnoff or roughly 21 miles east of Escalante.

Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_001_04022018 - The seemingly recently-improved unpaved road leading to the Upper Calf Creek Falls Trailhead
The seemingly recently-improved unpaved road leading to the Upper Calf Creek Falls Trailhead

In our first successful visit to the falls back in September 2006, the unsigned spur road was pretty beat up with some muddy puddles though Mom’s high clearance SUV was able to handle it.

However, on our April 2018 visit, it appears that this unsigned spur road had been tamed considerably.

It was actually not in bad shape on that short spur to the now-signed trailhead parking area.

That said, if this spur road would degenerate back into dicey territory for low clearance passenger vehicles, then we would leave the car at the start of the spur road.

Upper_Calf_Creek_Falls_18_004_04022018 - The Upper Calf Creek Falls Trailhead is now signposted and seemingly widened to accommodate quite a few vehicles
The Upper Calf Creek Falls Trailhead is now signposted and seemingly widened to accommodate quite a few vehicles

Then, we would walk the remaining 1/4 mile to the trailhead.

For context, Escalante was about 28 miles (40 minutes drive) south of Boulder, 65 miles (about 90 minutes drive) south of Torrey, 39 miles (about 40 minutes drive) east of Tropic, and 184 miles (over 3 hours drive) northeast of St George.

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Video starting with an angled view of the falls with plunge pool before descending towards the muddy base whilst examining the area from there


Long video starting off at the pool atop the Upper Calf Creek Falls before glancing over the brink of the falls then walking towards a partial view of the falls' top


Sweep from a viewpoint of the top of the falls

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Tagged with: grand staircase, escalante, garfield, utah, waterfall, scramble, boulder, calf creek



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Johnny Cheng

About Johnny Cheng

Johnny Cheng is the founder of the World of Waterfalls and author of the award-winning A Guide to New Zealand Waterfalls. Over the last 2 decades, he has visited thousands of waterfalls in over 40 countries around the world and nearly 40 states in the USA.
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