Upper Calf Creek Falls is an amazing waterfall that requires a short, strenuous hike to reach. This trail is popular because there are swimming holes to cool off, and the waterfall creates a tiny oasis in the southern Utah desert. This trail is quite a bit shorter than its sister Lower Calf Creek Falls, but it is lots steeper, too.
Where is the Trailhead
Upper Calf Creek Falls has a trailhead with a small parking lot right off Highway 12. There is no sign, so it can be tricky to find. We used Google Maps when we started in Escalante since there is limited service at the trailhead. The turn off to the trailhead is between mile post 80 & 81 on the west side of the road. You will drive on a dirt road, but it is very short until you arrive at the parking lot and there is a sign so you’ll know you’re in the correct spot.
The Trail
The trail to Upper Calf Creek is difficult but short. The entire hike with both stops is 2.4 miles. You can shorten this distance by only going to either the waterfall or the pools to around 2 miles. The hike begins on the lip of great slab of slick rock that is tilted down to the bottom of the canyon. From the rim, you can see two tiny lines of green all the way at the bottom. The waterfall sits in the one on the right. There is a vague trail down the slick rock, which runs for the first half mile of the hike. It is almost like climbing stairs. It is best to weave back and forth to save your knees and ankles as you descend.
When you finally reach the sand, the trail levels out, but only a little. There are still a few steep places and eventually the trail curves around to the right. It won’t seem too bad at this point, but you haven’t started back up that slope!
Upper Calf Creek Falls
As the trail parallels the creek, which is still far below, watch for a faint split that is unmarked. The left hand fork leads to the base of the waterfall. We went this way first. Before long you’ve dropped into the thick green bushes at the base of the Upper Calf Creek Falls. The trail becomes a tunnel through the reeds, and the ground is actually spongy. This is the best, and only place to view Upper Calf Creek Falls. The falls is narrow, but tall. We love the green oasis it provides in this hot desert. The trail is 1.0 mile from the top to the base of the waterfall.
The Pools
The right hand fork of the trail is worth exploring, too, since it leads to some swimming holes. As you climb up from the waterfall, head back to the trail split and take the right fork this time. It is 0.4 from the base of Upper Calf Creek Falls to the upper pools, so not too far. There are perfectly crystal clear pools that are surprisingly refreshing since there is no shade anywhere on this hike except at the waterfall viewpoint. The first pool is large and fairly shallow. The second one sits in a bowl almost begging you to jump in for a cool swim. If you decide to jump, please make sure the water is deep enough and be careful. You jump at your own risk.
Finishing the Hike
Of course, the climb back up to the car is exhausting. It is 1.0 mile straight uphill, so not too far, but a climb the entire way. The trail isn’t easy to follow over the slick rock, but avoid straying into the gully on the right and keep left toward the saddle where the car is parked. Take it slow and drink lots of water. We highly recommend doing this in the early morning or late evening to avoid the hot sun on your climb back out. Upper Calf Creek Falls really is worth the steep climb!
For other amazing waterfall hikes, check out our waterfall hikes in Utah post.
