Next on our bucket list to explore on our 2026 trip to Utah was Lower Calf Creek Falls in Escalante. This just over 6 mile out and back trail is rated moderately difficult due to the deep sand you must walk through at times to get there. I must admit, the sand was not fun.
Location
Lower Calf Creek Falls is Located 15 miles east of Estalante on Utah Hwy 12. It is an easy drive and it is also easy to find the trailhead.
The Trailhead
The trailhead was easy to find. It is basically part of the campground area and parking is well marked. Follow the signs to the trail and also make sure you sign in at the trailhead.
The Hike
Much of the trail is through sand, sometimes the sand is pretty thick which makes it is a bit harder to walk through but very doable. The trail is not all sand though, it alternates between the sand and packed dirt. The trail is predominantly flat although you will have some areas of ascending and descending with the trail all in all gently climbing about 500 feet total. It is a beautiful trail, following along Calf Creek surrounded by tall sandstone cliffs. Every now and then you will see glimpses of the creek.
I truly enjoyed this trail, in spite of the thick sand. Without the sand I would rate the trail as moderate. I definitely found the sand to be a key factor in the leg fatigue I felt by the time I reached the falls. Although it was a hot day, at least it didn’t feel opressive. The large cliffs and foliage gave a bit of shaded reprieve here and there.
Lower Calf Creek Falls
As always, we heard the falls before seeing them which built up excitement in both of us. When we did see the falls in the distance, we quickened our pace and suddenly the trail didnโt seem as tough. Once up close we were awed by these 126 foot waterfalls. They are spectacular and the beautiful clear water cascading down the cliff into the pool below adds to the splendor. The temperature was considerably cooler here and it felt fantastic as it had been such a hot a hike. Although we saw two brave souls swimming, just getting our toes wet in this frigid water was enough for us. I have no idea as how the two swimmers did so well in the icy water and stayed in as long as they did!
We spent about half an hour or so here at this cool, shady, oasis just relaxing, refueling with snacks and electrolytes, snapping photos and just taking in the beauty of it all. I can’t begin to explain how great it felt to be in this spot, the coolness and the beauty really was amazing.
The Way Back
I must admit, I dreaded returning through the sand on the way back but it didn’t seem as bad as it did on the way out. Having rested and revived myself at the falls must have given me a new wind, in addition, the hike back had the gradual 500 feet descend.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at the lovely Slot Canyons Inn just outside of the town of Escalante. It is a charming family owned, bed and breakfast. I highly recommend this spot as it is comfortable, peaceful, and also quiet. The homemade breakfasts were not just amazing but healthy as well. The owner and manager were extremely friendly and conversation with them was also wonderful. If you are in the area, you can’t go wrong with staying here.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I would mark this as a must do hike in Escalante. Although I complained about the sand, all in all, Lower Calf Creek Falls is a great area of Escalante and another great Utah hike. Actually, any hike that takes me to a 126 foot waterfall in a desert area is a pretty great hike as far as I am concerned.
Planning
I like Utah’s Favorite Hiking Trails by David Day when looking for places to hike in Utah to be helpful You can find the Amazon link here.
Hiking Escalante & Glen Canyon Region by Ron Adkinson. You can find this at Amazon here.
For my favorite hiking gear and snacks, check out My Amazon Store at this link.
Check out My Amazon Store Here for travel gears & gadgets, travel clothing , bags and books.
I’m an Amazon Affiliate and I do receive a commision for qualifying purchases at no cost to you.
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Click on the Below Links for More Utah Fun!
Other Areas in Utah
Leprechaun Slot Canyon June 2026
Bryce Canyon National Park
Fairyland Loop via Tower Bridge Trail June 2025
Bryce Canyon Point to Queen’s Garden Trail, June 2025
Wire-Pass Slot Canyon June 2025
Mossy Cave Trail-Bryce Canyon June 2025
Hiking the Navajo and Peek-A-Boo trail in Bryce Canyon, Oct 2020
Sunrise and Sunset at Bryce Canyon, Utah, Oct 2020
Escalante National Park
Toadstool Hoodoo Hike-June 2025
Backroads and Grosvenor’s Arch-June 2025
Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Slot Canyons, Oct 2020
Zion National Park
Riverside Walk and The Narrows, Oct 2020
Emerald Pools in Zion, Oct 2020
Canyonlands National Park
Dead Horse Point State Park, Oct 2020
Elephant Hill Road, Canyonlands, Oct 2020
Hike the Joint Trail, Canyonlands, Oct 2020
Jeeping the White Rim Road, Canyolands Sept, 2020
Aztec Butte, Canyonlands, Sept 2020
Grand View Point and Grand View Hike, Sept 2020
Mesa Arch in Canyonlands, Utah, Sept 2020
Capitol Reef National Park
Arches National Park and Moab Area
Hunter Arch, Moab Utah May 2026
Petroglyphs and Pictographs Sego Canyon, Utah May 2026
Potash Road Petroglyphs and Dinosaur Tracks May, 2026
Corona Arch Hike, Moab, Utah May, 2026
Copper Ridge Dinosaur Tracks, Moab, Utah May 2026
Sunset at Arches National Park, Utah, Sept 2020
Ten Great Arches at Arches National Park, Utah, Aug 2016
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I haven’t been back to Utah in 24 years. I almost forgot how spectacular that part of Utah can be. And those cooler spots in the middle of the desert were always welcome Thanks for the reminder.
I do love Utah! Something about these special spots makes them worth working for to see !
This waterfall is so elegant!
It is a beauty!
Not a fan of walking in sand, but for those views of Lower Calf Creek Falls, I’d happily brave it! Looks like the water was running quite abundantly, no trickle here! Thanks for sharing another adventure in Utah with us!
Thank you so much for your comments, Rebecca! It was a nice hike and even though I mumbled about the sand I would do it again! Lori
Look at those rocks! And the views of the waterfalls are beautiful. Looks like a great hike!
It was fun and the waterfall!! I couldnโt believe how awesome this waterfall is.
I love this hike! Looks like you had a great day for it!
We did!! I am just glad we can still do the โlongerโ hikes! Lol. A few years ago 6 miles was a short hike to us! This was a beauty though!