Upper Calf Creek Falls Utah
A hidden desert oasis in Utah featuring a refreshing waterfall and swimming hole, offering a secluded escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Upper Calf Creek Falls Utah
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden desert oasis in Utah featuring a refreshing waterfall and swimming hole, offering a secluded escape.
"A rewarding and scenic hike with a refreshing swimming hole, making it a must-visit desert gem."
Start Early for Heat Relief
Hike before sunrise to avoid brutal heat & hot sand. Bring booties for pets! :athletic_shoe:
Download Offline Maps
No cell service here! Download your trail map beforehand. :iphone:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Upper Calf Creek Falls
Escalante, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
A secluded desert oasis with a refreshing waterfall and swimming hole, offering a less crowded alternative to its famous counterpart.
Refreshing Swimming Hole
At the base of the falls
Plunge into the cool, clear waters of the pool beneath the falls for a perfect way to cool off after the hike.
Scenic Desert Trail
Trail to Upper Calf Creek Falls
Enjoy stunning desert landscapes and unique rock formations on this rewarding, albeit steep, out-and-back hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Steep Descent, Rewarding Views
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Start Early for Heat Relief
Hike before sunrise to avoid brutal heat & hot sand. Bring booties for pets! :athletic_shoe:
Download Offline Maps
No cell service here! Download your trail map beforehand. :iphone:
Hydration is Key
Bring PLENTY of water, especially for the steep final climb. :droplet:
Swim if You Dare!
The upper pool is deep enough to jump into – water is cold but refreshing! :cold_face:
Tips
from all over the internet
Start Early for Heat Relief
Hike before sunrise to avoid brutal heat & hot sand. Bring booties for pets! :athletic_shoe:
Download Offline Maps
No cell service here! Download your trail map beforehand. :iphone:
Hydration is Key
Bring PLENTY of water, especially for the steep final climb. :droplet:
Swim if You Dare!
The upper pool is deep enough to jump into – water is cold but refreshing! :cold_face:
Register at Trailhead
Sign in and out at the trailhead register as a thank you to rangers. :memo:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Upper Calf Creek Falls as a rewarding and scenic hike, highlighting the refreshing swimming hole and beautiful desert oasis. While the steep final climb and lack of shade are noted challenges, especially in the heat, the secluded nature and natural beauty make it a worthwhile adventure for those prepared.
"Easy but super fun and scenic! Very enjoyable and rewarding hike."
Charles Bearman
"We really enjoyed this hike. We were blessed with overcast and a breeze, so we didn't roast. The pools above the falls are beautiful and a great place to relax, cool off, and enjoy a break. The upper pool was even deep enough to jump off the ledge into when we went, so come prepared to swim if you dare brave the cold water. There isn't really a good way down to the bottom of the falls. There are some Cairns and what look like trails, but they aren't well-marked and we gave up. Not sure if those are reall trails to be honest. They confused us a bit. The last push back up to the parking area is the steepest climb, so make sure you have plenty of water and take a rest of you need to, especially when it's really hot out."
Kadan Westra
"Fairly quick hike down. Please be sure to register at trailhead with time started and completed as a thank you to the rangers for scouting and marking the trail. Should be rated as moderate as without the markers finding the way down would be hazardous. Smartphones will not have signal here so be sure to download this trail beforehand. Really nice oasis and waterfall awaits you at the end."
Charles Warren
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is unmarked on Highway 12, about 22 miles east of Escalante, just past mile marker 81. Look for an unmarked dirt road on the left. It's easy to miss, so keep a close eye out!
The trailhead is accessible by car via a dirt road, but it's recommended to have a vehicle with decent clearance. The road can be rough in places.
The drive from Escalante is about 22 miles east on Highway 12. The turn-off for the trailhead is an unmarked dirt road, so pay close attention to mile markers.
No, there are no official signs for the Upper Calf Creek Falls trailhead on the main road, making it a true hidden gem.
While GPS can help you get close, cell service is unreliable. It's best to have the trail downloaded on an app like AllTrails and be aware of your surroundings and mile markers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No specific permit or ticket is required for Upper Calf Creek Falls itself, as it's located within Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. However, standard monument access rules apply.
Upper Calf Creek Falls is accessible year-round during daylight hours. There are no set operating hours, but hiking in the dark is not recommended.
There is no direct entrance fee for the Upper Calf Creek Falls trailhead. However, you are within Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which may have associated fees or require passes for certain activities.
Yes, it's highly recommended to register at the trailhead by noting your start and completion times. This helps rangers track visitors and maintain the trail.
Upper Calf Creek Falls is in a National Monument, not a National Park. While some passes might offer benefits, it's best to check specific pass inclusions for National Monuments.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is approximately 2.1 miles out and back, making it a relatively short but steep trek.
The hike is generally considered moderate due to the steep descent and final ascent, which can be challenging, especially in heat.
There is very little shade on the trail until you reach the falls. Be prepared for direct sun exposure for most of the hike.
Yes, the pool at the base of the falls is deep enough for swimming and is very refreshing on a hot day.
Typically, there are no developed facilities like restrooms or water fountains at the Upper Calf Creek Falls trailhead. Come prepared with all your necessities.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the beauty of the falls and the surrounding desert landscape.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the falls and the oasis. Consider a polarizing filter to manage reflections in the water and enhance colors.
The trail itself offers scenic desert views. Once at the falls, you can capture shots from the pool's edge or from slightly elevated points around the oasis.
To capture the steepness, use a lower angle and include elements that show scale, like hikers or the vast desert backdrop.
Look for reflections in the water, the contrast between the desert and the oasis, and the textures of the rock formations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure everyone has plenty of water and snacks. The swimming hole at the falls is a huge hit with children, offering a fantastic way to cool off and play. Consider bringing water shoes for easier navigation in the pool. While the trail is marked, keeping a close eye on children, especially on the steeper parts, is essential. 🐶 Pet-Friendly Adventures
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the scale of the falls and the surrounding canyon. Don't forget a polarizing filter to manage reflections in the water and enhance the vibrant colors of the desert landscape. Look for interesting textures in the rock formations and the contrast between the dry environment and the cool water. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trail to Upper Calf Creek Falls
The final push back up to the parking area is the most strenuous part of the hike. This steep climb can be particularly brutal in the summer heat, leading some hikers to take frequent breaks. Starting your hike very early in the morning, even before sunrise, is a common strategy to mitigate the heat and enjoy a more comfortable ascent.
While the hike is described as less than 7 miles round trip, the terrain and elevation changes make it feel more challenging than its distance might suggest. The reward at the end, however, is a beautiful desert oasis with a waterfall and a refreshing swimming hole, making the effort well worth it for many adventurers.
+1Experiencing the Oasis: Waterfalls and Swimming
For the adventurous, the upper pool is reportedly deep enough to jump off ledges into, offering an exhilarating experience. However, it's important to assess the depth and any potential hazards before making a jump. While there are mentions of trails leading to the bottom of the falls, some reviewers found them poorly marked or confusing, suggesting that enjoying the falls from above and swimming in the upper pool is the most straightforward experience.
Remember to bring quick-drying clothes if you plan to swim, and always be mindful of the water temperature and your own comfort level. The contrast between the dry desert heat and the cool, inviting water makes this oasis a truly special destination.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit