Lower Calf Creek Falls

Lower Calf Creek Falls plunges 126 feet from a desert alcove into a crystalline pool of impossible turquoise, the water colored by dissolved minerals and the reflected light of the surrounding sandstone. The setting defies expectations: in the heart of the arid Grand Staircase-Escalante, this oasis of cascading water, hanging gardens, and ancient pictographs feels like a desert mirage made real. The pool at the base is large and deep, perfect for swimming beneath the falls on a scorching Utah afternoon.

The trail is a 6-mile round trip along Calf Creek, a sandy and relatively flat path that passes through a narrow canyon of red Navajo sandstone. Interpretive signs mark points of interest including granaries, pictographs, and unique geological formations. The sandy surface makes for slower walking than the distance suggests — plan on 3 to 4 hours for the full round trip. Shade is limited, so bring plenty of water and sun protection.

Spring and fall offer the most comfortable hiking temperatures, though the swimming pool makes summer visits worthwhile despite the heat. The trailhead is on Highway 12 between Boulder and Escalante — one of America's most scenic drives. A $5 day-use fee applies at the trailhead.