Double Falls waterfall
Nearby gauge (North Fork Virgin River) · 96 ft³/s · Much higher than usual

Double Falls

Utah • Zion National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

Zion National Park NP · National Park Service
Photo Credits (5)
1.
James Marvin Phelps CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr
2.
Ted LaBar CC BY 2.0 · Flickr
3.
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5.

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

2.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Double Falls

Double Falls is a secluded, lesser-known waterfall tucked inside Zion National Park and managed by the National Park Service. Its twin cascades spill into a quiet pool framed by the park’s dramatic canyon walls, offering a peaceful reward for hikers willing to leave the busier viewpoints behind. The setting feels intimate and restorative, ideal for photography, a picnic, or a brief escape into the park’s quieter corners. If you plan to camp, South Campground is the nearest option inside the park, roughly 9.43 km away, so an overnight at Zion makes a convenient base for exploring Double Falls and other nearby trails. As a National Park feature administered by the NPS, visitors should follow park regulations and leave no trace to help preserve this peaceful spot.

The Setting

Double Falls sits at 4,803 feet within Zion National Park, in the mountains of Utah.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The hike is rated moderate and is suitable for hikers comfortable with some uphill sections; expect a mix of level walking and short climbs. Specific surface, grade, and trail-class details are not listed in the park’s summary data, so bring sturdy footwear and be prepared for typical backcountry conditions within Zion National Park.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful hike through desert terrain with the reward of a stunning dual waterfall at the end. The area is remote, so it is important to come prepared with water and supplies.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Double Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Double Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically stronger due to snowmelt and seasonal rains.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Watch for flash flood warnings during monsoon season (July through September). Check with Zion National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 45°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Visitors should be prepared for remote conditions. Bring plenty of water, as there are no facilities nearby. Watch for flash floods during rainy weather, and avoid hiking during extreme heat.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

These readings come from the USGS gauge on North Fork Virgin River, 5.5 miles away, not on Double Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

96 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much higher than usual for this time of year

Based on 38 years of record

7.70 ft

Water depth at gauge

45°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing much higher than usual, expect an impressive display. Water temperature is very cold at 45 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

USGS 09405500
5.5 miles from waterfall
Drainage: 344 sq mi
Altitude: 3,958 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge NORTH FORK VIRGIN RIVER NEAR SPRINGDALE, UT (9 km away).

High confidence
Barely Flowing right now
96 cfs
→ Holding steady
0008181512TodayTomorrowThuFriSatSunMon

Today

Barely Flowing

96 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

94 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

96 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

107 cfs

3/10

Sat

Low

119 cfs

3/10

Sun

Low

112 cfs

4/10

Mon

Low

111 cfs

4/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to early June, peaking in April.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Springdale hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Double Falls Frozen?

Updated about 8 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded

Double Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 65°F to 47°F.

Days below freezing
0 of the last 14
Current cold streak
0 days
Freezing days ahead
0 of the next 7
Flow
100 ft³/s

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Utah.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Double Falls is located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument area. Access typically involves driving on dirt roads, which may require a high-clearance vehicle, especially after rain. Specific directions should be confirmed with local visitor centers or reliable navigation tools.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near the trailhead, but spaces may be limited. Visitors should check local conditions before traveling.

Hours

Elevation

4,803 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.280537° N, -113.024665° W

Land Management

Zion National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Check weather conditions before visiting, as dirt roads leading to the trailhead can become impassable after rain. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and sturdy footwear. Cell service may be limited in the area.

Where to Stay

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

SOUTH CAMPGROUND (UT)

5.9 miles away · 123 sites

Reservable

Overview Reservations for South Campground are available up to 14 days before your arrival and may extend up to two days beyond this 14-day booking window.  For visitors to Zion National Park, South Campground is an ideal place to stay. Located near the park's south entrance, the campground is just a short walk from the main visitor center, the Zion Canyon Shuttle System and the adjacent town of Springdale. The canyon and most of the park's trails are only accessible by shuttle bus from approxima

Book on Recreation.gov

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Other attractions in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument include Calf Creek Falls and the Escalante River.

Wildlife

The area is home to desert wildlife such as lizards, birds, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of snakes, especially during warmer months.

Other waterfalls named Double Falls

3 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.

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