Calf Creek Falls: Grand Staircase-Escalante Gem

Taking Scenic Byway 12 south from Capitol Reef National Park and nearby Resort, we entered Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.  We explored at Calf Creek Falls and chose the longer Lower Calf Creek Falls hike with the taller waterfall instead of the shorter Upper hike. I understand the Upper Calf Creek Falls Trail is beautiful though and a challenge on the return!

Lower Calf Creek Falls

With over a million protected acres, our research paid off in narrowing our exploration down to one amazing hike, Lower Calf Creek Falls. This 6 mile round trip hike has an incredible 126 foot high waterfall reward at the end. 

Trail Guide

So with hiking stick in hand and energy chews shared, we took off on the sandy hike. Yes, a lot of the trail is sandy and makes the walking a little more strenuous, but grab your trail guide for 14 points of interest to break up the hike. You will be searching the cliffs for petroglyphs, granaries and all kinds of things making Lower Calf Creek Falls an experience and not just a hike. 

Geese

Also, as you follow Calf Creek along the trail look for trout and geese. We saw several geese on the creek bank at one point. 

Plant Life

All along the trail you’ll notice wildflowers and cacti. Several of the cacti had large pink blooms that were closed up. I would love to see these with open blooms. Look closely and you might spot a heart shaped cactus too. Our travel buddy, Cathy, was very observant and captured so much of the native plant life. 

Rock Formations

Towering rock formations backdrop the Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail. Mineral streaked cliffs and layered red/white rock, variously formed with constant erosion, add another level of interest to this 6 mile hike drawing your focus upward. 

Falling Rocks

Hiking I notice all sizes of rocks scattered about and always wonder how long ago they fell and exactly where they broke off from. Some of the rocks are very large, which is a reminder to be aware of the possible danger on the trail. We actually experienced a falling rock on a hike in Zion NP just a day or so later.  Thankfully no one was hurt. The disruption happened in a curve of a narrow rock-side part of the trail, making  harder to get out of the way. 

The Waterfall

Of all these things we were able to see, the almost 130’ cascading waterfall into the pool at the end, was the most incredible. It’s breathtaking! The cold water was welcomed after our July trek on the hot and sandy desert trail. 

We enjoyed spending some time here wading in the pool and sitting on the rocks just taking it all in. There is lots of green vegetation contrasting the rocks and thriving in the mist of the falls. To the bottom right of the steaming water is a cave in the rock. It is all surrounded by a sandy beach area. This is a beautiful site you do not want to miss in Utah. 

Wild Turkey

Before we started our hike back on the trail, we spotted a wild turkey momma and her babies trailing behind. Apparently, accustomed to people she was surprisingly close to us. 

Return Reward

After a nice recuperating break at the stunning falls, we take the same trail back. It’s still hot and sandy, but the return hikes usually end up being completed a little faster. Lunch was our reward for the return hike. 

The Burr Trail

For lunch we had planned to eat at Hell’s Backbone Grill. With all of the good reviews and recommendations, we were disappointed to find that it wasn’t open yet. Our disappointment was very short lived as we decided to try The Burr Trail next door. It was fantastic! 

Gems

I feel like we made the most of our time in Grand Staircase-Escalante, finding not just one gem, but two! The hike and incredible waterfall was unforgettable and the food was fabulous. Admiring the spectacular scenery, while driving through this National Monument, was an added bonus. 

On To Bryce Canyon NP

Continuing through Escalante National Monument, we drive toward our next destination, Bryce Canyon. This would be our 4th national park as we hit the Utah Mighty 5. We were in for a treat!

This post may contain affiliate links and we may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.