Hidden Falls in Big Cottonwood Canyon

Hidden Falls

Our boys love waterfalls. So we are always searching for easy waterfall hikes. This hike to Hidden Falls couldn’t be any simpler. It’s hard to call it a hike, but the view is well worth the 2 minute walk and provides the perfect place to start hiking.

Don’t forget that this area is in the watershed, so don’t play in the water. We didn’t know when we first hiked about watersheds since we were first time hikers, but we have become educated and try to let others know, too.

To find Hidden Falls, drive 4.4 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon (UT-190). There is a small lot in the middle of the big “S-turn” where you can park. This lot is just past a larger lot for the Mill B South Interpretive Trail. Once you park you will see a sign with some stairs to the right. Follow those stairs up to the road and walk across the highway.

The sign and stairs in the parking lot.
The sign and stairs in the parking lot.
The trail--there are a few boulders to scramble over.
The trail–there are a few boulders to scramble over.

Once across the highway, stay to the left. There are some stairs to the right for another trail, but don’t head that way. You will already hear the waterfall. In order to get close to the falls, you will need to walk on some rocks, but it is fairly easy–both our boys (6 and 3) were able to do it on their own. In fact, they were climbing all over the place and so was their dad.

Dad showing off his climbing ability.
Dad showing off his climbing ability.
Our boys loved climbing on the rocks by Hidden Falls.
Our boys loved climbing on the rocks by Hidden Falls.
We passed some rock climbers which we heard is pretty common and there is also an old mine located nearby. It is gated, but you can peek in and listen to your echoing voice. We did this hike in the evening and in October. We will definitely be doing this hike, (walk) again– probably every time we drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon.
The mine that is near Hidden Falls.
The mine that is near Hidden Falls.

If you hike Hidden Falls in the Spring, we had a little different experience. Normally when you cross the road, you will see the stairs on the right and you can easily walk across the small stream to the left and walk right up to Hidden Falls. In the Spring, this river is rushing!! I did not want to cross it with my three boys, so we headed to the right, but we didn’t take the stairs. We turned left just before the stairs and climbed over a few rocks until we had a better view of the falls. It was a beautiful waterfall and we had fun spending time by the river, but you won’t be able to walk right up to the waterfall like you can in later summer or Fall.

Hidden Falls
After you climb the stairs, head right up the hill a tiny bit, and then back down toward the river.
Hidden Falls
Follow the trail along the swift river. You could hike this way in the summer and fall, too.
Hidden Falls
You will be able to hear the waterfall the entire time, and see it almost all of the time too.
Hidden Falls
The waterfall was amazing in Spring!

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This Post Has 6 Comments

  1. Tammy

    Love your blog so much! We are so grateful that you share so many awesome adventures! Did this hike tonight and it was great. Thank you!!!

    1. Natalie

      Thanks! Comments like yours remind us why we started all this in the first place!!

  2. Lettie

    This looks fun. I’m wondering – wouldn’t swimming not be allowed since it is a watershed?

    1. Natalie Ockey

      Good point, Lettie. We have altered our post to take out the suggestion about playing in the water– it probably is a bad idea.

      ~R