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Upper Calf Creek Falls

Boulder, Utah

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

1.76 miles

Elevation Gain

571 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Thomas Burton

Upper Calf Creek Falls is a short but difficult 1.76 mile hike round trip, which leads to a large waterfall (130ft) and a few smaller ones. Lots of pools to swim in and some short cliff diving.

Finding the trailhead for the Upper Calf Creek Falls can be a little difficult. Head east out of Escalante and follow highway 12 for about 20.6 miles. There will be a dirt turnout on the left hand side that leads to a dirt parking lot and a trail sign with registration for the Upper Calf Creek Falls hike. The sign can be hidden behind some trees so be on the lookout. We missed the turnout the first time on the freeway and backtrack a little bit to get it right.

Once you are at the trail register area, there is a steep descent down the hogs back, a steep sandstone rock formation in Escalante. You will descend on sandstone so there is no trail, but there are plenty of cairns to lead the way.

Eventually you will come to a fork in the trail. The lower trail that heads left will lead to the lower larger waterfall. This waterfall is 130 feet tall but can be a little difficult to photograph. There is a decent swimming pool here but it can be very difficult to get into and out of the water and there are better pools up above. Be careful - there is poison ivy surrounding this waterfall.

The trail to the right that leads uphill will lead to the upper waterfalls. There is better swimming at the upper falls as well as some really short cliff jumping. The interesting thing about the upper pools is they will seem shallow but they have a ton of potholes that are about 6 feet deep.

Once you have gotten tired of swimming head back to the car the same way you came. The trail taking you back up is very steep - be sure to hydrate and set a comfortable pace, especially in the summer. This trail is a lot less crowded than the nearby Lower Calf Creek Falls trail and is dog friendly!

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Family Friendly
Scenic
Waterfall
Swimming Hole

Reviews

The hike is short but steep. There is a nice swimming hole at the base of the main falls. There is another swimming hole above the main falls with a smaller waterfall. This is a popular area for jumping and swimming.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Backpack Death Hollow in Grand Staircase-Escalante

Drive the Burr Trail Scenic Backway

Camp at Deer Creek Campground

Lower Calf Creek Falls

Hike to Escalante Natural Bridge

Backpack the Escalante River