Unearth the hidden gem of Utah’s Lower Calf Creek Falls hike in Escalante! This trail is a hiker’s paradise, boasting stunning red landscapes, towering cliffs, and lush greenery. Prepare for a mesmerizing photo-fest as you cannot help but snap away.
Our concise guide reveals all the essentials for this remarkable journey: pack wisely, secure park permits, take a refreshing dip, and seize the perfect time to embark. Don’t dare miss out on this unforgettable experience!
With Utah’s scenic wonders at your fingertips, get ready to be captivated by the photogenic charm of Lower Calf Creek Falls. Get ready to hike, snap, and make memories that will last a lifetime!
Quick Headlines
Where Is The Lower Calf Creek Falls Hike Located?
Discover the hidden gem of Lower Calf Creek Falls Hike! Nestled in the scenic Escalante/Boulder region, it’s just a hop, skip, and jump (or a 4.5-hour drive, to be precise) from vibrant Salt Lake City. And if you find yourself in charming Escalante town, it’s a mere 20-minute drive away!
How to Get To the Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail by Car?
Ready for a wild adventure? Embark on a swift adventure from Escalante to the Lower Calf Creek Falls trailhead, just a breezy 20-minute drive away. Follow the scenic route of UT-12 E, enjoying the breathtaking sights along the way until you reach the charming Calf Creek junction.
How to Get To the Lower Calf Creek Falls Trailhead without A Car?
Escalante to Calf Creek is a no-go on public transport. Time to channel your inner road warrior and snag a rental car. Our go-to for hunting down the best deals from all the rental companies is Rentalcar.com. It’s like the superhero of comparison sites.
Finding The Trailhead
Just take a delightful stroll along the path, meandering past the charming Calf Creek campsites. You will soon stumble upon the elusive trailhead adorned with a quirky sign-in and out book. So lace up those hiking boots and let the excitement unfold!
How Long Does It Take To Hike The Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail?
Our adventure lasted just over 3 hours, which included indulging in a delicious lunch and capturing epic snapshots by the majestic waterfall. We spent trekking a brisk 2.5 hours, while the average hiking enthusiast usually takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours to conquer this trail. So, we rocked it in record time!
How Hard Is The Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail?
Embark on the Lower Calf Creek Falls hike, where the adventure awaits! A trail that’s delightfully easy to moderate, with just one tiny challenge that catches you off guard—the scorching heat! Brace yourself as you navigate through sandy terrain reminiscent of those epic beach strolls or spontaneous sprints.
When Is The Best Time To Hike To Lower Calf Creek Falls?
The key to an awesome hike is to rise and shine before that scorching sun takes over. It’s the smart move, especially on this super popular trail. The earlier you begin, the better your shot at having the magnificent waterfall all to yourself.
We embarked on the Lower Calf Creek Falls trail in early April, right in the heart of Spring. Mornings were refreshing, but things seriously sizzled once that sun unleashed its fiery fury on those rocky surroundings.
Swimming In The Waterfall
Feel free to plunge into the magnificent waterfall! But beware, the trail leading there is a scorching affair, leaving you to roast like a sizzling sausage if you forget your swimsuit. And remember the waterproof sunscreen, a knight in shining armor against water contamination.
And to add to the enchantment, since it was early April, a refreshing mist from the cascading water blessed us with a chill in the air. It was as if nature herself provided the perfect air-conditioning for our feast.
The Lower Calf Creek Falls Hiking Trail
The hike starts with a tiny climb, and you’ll encounter a mix of rocky surfaces, dirt, and sand underfoot.
Before long, you’ll find yourself strolling alongside a creek, a refreshing respite from the scorching sun. This is none other than Calf Creek, and you’ll continue following its flow until you reach the falls. Prepare to be dazzled by the crystal-clear water—it practically begs you to jump in!
As I yearned for shade and a breather from the heat. With a burst of excitement, we quickened our pace, and the majestic falls unfolded before us, surpassing all expectations.
Believe me when I say this: Lower Calf Creek Falls is an absolute beauty behemoth. Prepare to be awestruck—it’s a sight to behold!
Which Is Better – Lower Or Upper Calf Creek Falls?
There are two breathtaking waterfalls to behold the magnificent Lower Calf Creek Falls and its charming sibling, Upper Calf Creek Falls. Our time was limited, so we had to pick just one, and after drooling over stunning pictures, we settled on the Lower Falls.
Lower Calf Creek Falls is the superstar of the duo, boasting a jaw-dropping 126-foot waterfall that gracefully tumbles down, forming a dreamy pool at its base. This natural wonder has gained quite a reputation and attracts hordes of visitors. The hike covers approximately 10.2 kilometers or 6.33 miles round trip, so be prepared to stretch those legs.
Let me introduce you to the lovely underdog, Upper Calf Creek Falls. This hidden gem may be smaller, measuring about 88 feet in height, but it offers a more intimate experience away from the crowds. The Upper hike is a shorter jaunt, around 3.4 kilometers or 2.1 miles round trip.
Final Thoughts
To be honest, when Dave and I ventured into Escalante, we were plagued with doubts. Adding an extra day to our already distant itinerary seemed like a colossal blunder. How amazing a hike to a waterfall could be? Well, prepare to be floored because the Lower Calf Creek Falls hike shattered our doubts and soared beyond our wildest dreams!
Read more: The Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the World
