Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail Guide: How to Hike Escalante’s Stunning Desert Waterfall (Utah)

Lower Calf Creek Falls is one of the most stunning (and surprising!) hikes in southern Utah. 

Tucked away in the Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, the Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail leads you through desert canyons and sandy stretches to a breathtaking 126-foot waterfall cascading into a turquoise pool—a rare sight in the desert.

We completed the Lower Calf Creek Falls hike as part of our Utah Mighty Five road trip, stopping in Escalante after exploring Bryce Canyon and before heading to Capitol Reef.

Even though we weren’t sure what to expect, the trail quickly became one of our favorite adventures of the trip. Between the Fremont rock art, vibrant fall colors, and the sheer beauty of the waterfall itself, Lower Calf Creek Falls was absolutely worth the detour.

In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about hiking to Lower Calf Creek Falls, including trailhead information, parking and fees, the best time to visit, trail tips, where to stay (including info on Lower Calf Creek Falls camping), and other nearby hikes in Escalante.

Lower Calf Creek Falls sits just off Scenic Byway 12 between Escalante and Boulder, Utah and is one of the few active waterfalls in the southern Utah desert.

The trailhead starts at Calf Creek Campground, which has first-come, first-served sites and basic facilities.

If you’re road-tripping the Utah Mighty Five, this is the perfect stop between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef. We left Bryce in the afternoon, hiked to the falls, then continued on to Torrey that evening.

Fun fact: Calf Creek has both an Upper and Lower waterfall. The lower falls are more accessible, and the trail is one of the most popular hikes in the entire Escalante area.

Parking at the Lower Calf Creek Falls day-use lot costs $5 per vehicle (valid for the day). Hiking itself is free.

Bring cash in case the self-pay station’s card reader isn’t working.

The trail is open year-round, but conditions shift dramatically with the seasons:

• Spring (Mar–May): Ideal temps, flowing falls, and wildflowers.
• Summer (Jun–Aug): Very hot (90°F+). Start early, bring lots of water, and expect crowds. Swimming in the pool at the base of the falls is refreshing but chilly!
• Fall (Sep–Nov): My favorite time to hike here. We visited in late October and loved the golden foliage + cooler temps. It was in the 50s when we started hiking (in the late afternoon)—great for the trail but a little cold near the waterfall, so no swimming for us! There were also no crowds.
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Quiet and peaceful but chilly. The trail can be icy in spots, and swimming isn’t an option.

👉 For the best mix of weather and fewer crowds, aim for spring or fall.

A Broad Recommendation: The Lower Calf Creek Falls trail is popular (for good reason!). If you’re visiting in summer, consider hiking early in the morning or midweek to avoid the crowds.

The Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail is a 6-mile, out-and-back hike through desert canyons, sandy stretches, and cottonwood groves.

Here’s what you’ll see along the way:

• Fremont petroglyphs & granaries dating back to AD 700–1300
• Beaver ponds and wetlands—a unique sight in the desert
• Towering Navajo sandstone cliffs with streaks of mineral deposits
• Colorful desert vegetation that changes with the seasons

The hike is rated moderate—not because of steep climbs, but because of the deep sandy sections that make walking more tiring.

Personally, I felt that the beginning of the hike was most strenuous, as it’s rocky and uphill, but trudging through sand in hiking boots is also no joke.

We were already tired from hiking in Bryce Canyon earlier that day and almost turned back, but I’m so glad we didn’t—the waterfall payoff was absolutely worth it!

Most hikers complete the trail in 2.5–3.5 hours, depending on pace and time spent at the waterfall.

At the end, the canyon opens up to reveal Lower Calf Creek Falls plunging from a 126-foot-tall mineral-streaked Navajo Sandstone cliff into a deep, turquoise pool.

In the summer, you’ll likely find kids, dogs, and adults alike cooling off in the pool at the waterfall’s base. In the late fall, you’ll find us playing around in front of the falls taking pictures with our Fugetek selfie stick & tripod—haha.

This is the perfect spot for a picnic or a quick rest before heading back the way you came.

🥾 Pro tip: Consider using trekking poles to help with sandy sections.

• On-site: Calf Creek Campground ($10/night, first-come, first-served). Small, rustic sites conveniently located near the trailhead.
• Escalante: Lodges and B&Bs (Escalante Outfitters, Canyon Country Lodge).
• Tropic (near Bryce Canyon): Red Ledges Inn is a budget-friendly and convenient option for both Bryce Canyon + Escalante. We stayed here the day before and paid less than $60 for the night.
• Torrey (near Capitol Reef): We stayed at the Broken Spur Inn & Steakhouse after hiking Lower Calf Creek Falls and paid just under $120 for the night. With cozy rooms and a yummy steakhouse, this is a great spot to relax + refuel after the hike!

• Arrive early: Parking fills quickly, especially in summer.
• Bring water: At least 2–3 liters per person. No refills available on the trail. I used my RTIC insulated water bottle throughout our trip, and it kept my tea warm in the mornings and water cold throughout the day!
• Wear sturdy shoes: Sandy sections can be tough in regular sneakers. I wore my Merrell Moab 2 boots throughout our trip, and they worked out great!
• Pack layers: The trail can be hot, but the waterfall area is shady and cool. Here is the daypack I used for all of our hikes—it holds a ton!
• Download maps: We used AllTrails + offline Google Maps, since service is spotty.
• Leave no trace: Pack out trash + clean up after pets.

The Escalante area is one of Utah’s best-kept secrets for hiking. If you have extra time after the Lower Calf Creek Falls hike, you’ll find everything from family-friendly walks to adventurous slot canyons nearby.

Here are a few worth adding to your list:

• Upper Calf Creek Falls: A steeper, shorter trail leading to a smaller but beautiful waterfall. Much less crowded than the lower falls.
• Escalante Natural Bridge: An easy, family-friendly hike (4.5 miles round-trip) to a giant sandstone arch spanning the Escalante River.
• Escalante Petrified Forest State Park: Short trails showcasing colorful petrified wood that’s millions of years old, plus a small reservoir for kayaking or swimming.
• Devil’s Garden: A quick, fun stop with whimsical sandstone hoodoos and arches. Great for kids or those looking for an easy walk.
• Zebra Slot Canyon: An adventurous slot canyon known for its wavy, zebra-like stripes, narrow passageways, and fun scrambles. Best for confident hikers.
• Peek-a-Boo & Spooky Gulch Loop: A popular combination hike that lets you explore both slot canyons in one loop. Expect tight squeezes and a bit of climbing.
• Coyote Gulch: A backpacker’s dream, featuring natural arches, waterfalls, and lush desert scenery.
• Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch: The gateway to the longest slot canyon in North America, where towering sandstone walls stretch for miles.

A Broad Recommendation: Many Escalante trailheads sit off rough dirt roads. If you plan to explore beyond Lower Calf Creek Falls, make sure your vehicle can handle washboard terrain, and always bring extra water and offline maps.

Lower Calf Creek Falls is one of the most rewarding hikes in southern Utah.

The mix of desert landscapes, cultural history, and a surprise waterfall makes it a perfect stop on a Utah Mighty Five or Southwest road trip.

For us, it was the perfect transition between Bryce and Capitol Reef—quiet, scenic, and rewarding.

If you’re planning a Utah Mighty Five or Southwest road trip, don’t skip this stop. It’s one of those trails that lingers in your memory long after the road trip ends.

👉 Ready to plan your trip? Pair this hike with my 1-day Bryce Canyon itinerary or my 1-day guide to Capitol Reef for the ultimate adventure!

XOXO Sara at Travel A-Broads