This post is part of our record of fun things to do along the way. We are hoping that the information in these short posts, will help you in planning awesome adventures of your own… and help us in remembering and recording some of the things we’ve done while on the road
The hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls is a popular hike, and for good reason. The easy, six mile hike follows along the lush Calf Creek riparian zone past pictoglyphs, lush bottom lands and ancient ruins. There are opportunities to explore less visited side canyons as well. In addition, it is one of the few national monument/park hikes that allow dogs.
It is quite a civilized spot. The canyon is easy to reach via paved roads. The trailhead has bathrooms, a picnic area and a campground. There is a day use fee to park here and use the trail, and a helpful trail guide with numbered spots along the way to help you learn about the natural history of this area.
When we visited Calf Creek Canyon, it was late September and chilly. Even so, there were many people along the trail, about half with leashed dogs. The trail itself never veers too far from super-scenic highway 12, which adds to the sense of busy-ness. If you like remote, lonely hiking this spot probably isn’t for you. It felt a little crowded to us, but the beautiful canyon and stunning waterfall made it worthwhile nonetheless.
I imagine this place is buzzing in hotter weather, when the chilly grotto at the end would be a welcome relief from the heat. When we were there, the humid, shady area around the falls felt positively frigid!
This hike is a great introduction to canyon hiking. The trail includes a bit of rock scrambling but is easy to follow and there are stunning views all along. If you are planning to visit Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, this might be a good starter hike before heading into less “developed” canyon hikes to the South.
