Upper Calf Creek Falls

Upper Calf Creek Falls drops 88 feet from a desert ledge into a secluded pool framed by Navajo sandstone in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The setting is more intimate than its larger downstream sibling — a hidden grotto where the water plunges through a narrow slot and fans out across a concave rock face stained with desert varnish in streaks of black and rust. The pool is shallow enough to wade but cold enough to take your breath away.

The trail is a steep 2-mile round trip that drops quickly from the canyon rim to the falls, descending over slickrock with cairns marking the route. The return climb is the real challenge — exposed and steep, gaining all the elevation back in less than a mile. The trailhead sits along Highway 12, and the parking area is small, accommodating only a handful of vehicles.

Spring and fall provide the most comfortable temperatures for the exposed hike, though the falls flow year-round. Upper Calf Creek sees far fewer visitors than the Lower Falls, offering genuine solitude in a remarkable setting. The trail is not recommended for young children due to the steep slickrock sections and exposure. Bring plenty of water — there is no shade on the return climb.