Lower Calf Creek falls

So called for its use as a natural pen for calves in the early 1900’s, the Calf Creek is a south flowing tributary of the Escalante river. Located in the canyon carved by the Calf Creek are two spectacular emerald waterfall pools – the Lower Calf & Upper Calf Creek falls. The trailhead is located 15 miles north east of Escalante on highway 12 towards Boulder.

The Lower Calf Creek falls is a perfect introductory hike for first time visitors to Escalante National monument – it is easy, well marked (despite being managed by BLM) and has little elevation gain . Perhaps the most challenging part is that a majority of the hike is in open sun and requires walking through desert sand & slick rock. Hiking shoes, plenty of water and a hat are a must have for this hike.

Midway to the waterfalls, you will come across prehistoric rock art that I have dubbed “Los Tres Hermanos” – striking petroglyphs of three headdress wearing men holding hands carved into red sandstone. 

The vegetation changes gradually from sagebrushes, tall grass and rabbitbrushes at the start of the hike to shady juniper, box elders, birch and oak trees towards the end. The desert sand finally winds through a creek into a series of small beaver ponds and finally opens up to a beautiful oasis at the end with a perfect payoff. You will find yourself in a spectacular 126 feet waterfall tumbling down slick rock into a cosy emerald plunge pool. The pictures here do not do it justice – it is almost too sublime to be true. We were lucky to get here during sunset, and had the whole place just to ourselves. 

Be aware, however, that this is the exception, and not the norm. This is a very popular hike, and is typically crowded over weekends and holidays. Start the hike early, and you will be able to easily find parking, beat the sun as well as escape the crowds.