Cascade Springs on the Alpine Loop

One of the first adventures we ever did with our young family was walk the trail at Cascade Springs. It is one of our favorite places to visit in summer and fall. Even the drive up to Cascade Springs along the Alpine Loop is beautiful. This trail is also one of our most recommended easy hikes because dogs, strollers, and wheelchairs can enjoy this area.

Where is Cascade Springs?

There are two ways to get to Cascade Springs. First, you can come along the Alpine Loop from either American Fork Canyon or Provo Canyon. About halfway around the loop there is a sign that says, “Cascade Springs, left, 7 miles.” Take this road over to the Cascade parking areas.

The other way is from Midway. Make your way to Cascade Springs Drive from Center St in Midway and follow this drive through the canyon over to Cascade Springs. There is an upper and lower parking lot. Either one will let you walk the two loops around Cascade Springs.

Lower Loop

Cascade Springs has a very simple trail. It is paved or a boardwalk the entire way. We have pushed a stroller along this trail, but the beginning is a little steep on the way down from the lower loop. If you bring a wheelchair or stroller, make sure to go down the trail closer to the pit toilet because it is wider and less steep. Along the lower loop, the boardwalks weave in and out of the little springs and falls. Make sure to hold little ones hands since there are no railings. We spied a family of ducks, several fish, and tons of butterflies. There are a few benches to sit and enjoy the area, too.

At the top of the lower loop before you head to the upper loop, there is a large cascade that flows underneath a bridge. This waterfall is definitely not the traditional waterfall that drops over a ledge, but the cascade is beautiful. You can get a great view when you stand on the bridge.

The connecting trails between the two loops are the steepest parts of the trail. So it might be easier for wheelchairs and strollers to just do one loop, or walk one, and then move cars to the other parking lot to do the other loop. One connecting trail also has stairs.

Upper Loop

The upper loop is a little more open with wider areas of the springs flowing. We especially like the upper loop during the fall because the trees are beautiful orange and red. This area is also pretty flat from the parking lot and around the loop, so it is a little easier for strollers and wheelchairs. There are cute little bridges and we enjoy the interpretive signs. They have lots of interesting information and are written for kids to enjoy.

When we visit Cascade Springs, we like to walk both loops. We usually walk counter-clockwise around the springs, past the waterfall, up the hill to the pond, and then back down to the springs. But you can hike any direction and along whichever loops you’d like. The total loop is around 1 mile. This hike is appropriate for pretty much anyone.

Other Information

At the parking area, there is a real bathroom (running water and a sink), but it is only seasonally open. There is also a pit toilet. You have to pack all trash out and you may not eat at the springs. Dogs are allowed on leash along this trail, but not in the water. To visit Cascade Springs, there is a day use fee. It is $10 and you can pay it in an envelope in the parking area. It also covers the fee to drive the Alpine Loop. Your National Parks pass will cover this fee, so make sure to display.

Cascade Springs is a beautiful spot to explore. If you are looking for other easy waterfalls to visit, check out our Easy Waterfall Hikes in Utah.