Funnel Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainAbout Funnel Falls
Funnel Falls is a tucked-away, picturesque waterfall in Utah that rewards visitors seeking a quieter, scenic outing. The cascade and its immediate surroundings offer a compact but photogenic setting—ideal for short hikes, photography, and a peaceful break from busier trailheads. Because it’s lesser-known, you’ll often find a more solitary experience compared with higher-profile falls. The falls lie on state-managed land — listed as The State of Utah Forrest, Fire and State Lands; Sovereign Lands 14 with the designation SOTH — and are managed by the Utah Division of State Lands and Forestry (SDNR). Because the site sits on sovereign lands, check SDNR access guidance before you go. The nearest developed camping is the Westwater Canyon Recreation Site, roughly 11.1 km away, so plan logistics accordingly if you’re making this part of a longer trip.
The Setting
Funnel Falls sits at 4,219 feet within The State of Utah Forrest, Fire and State Lands; Sovereign Lands 14, in the mountains of Utah.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
This route’s length and modest climb make it a manageable half-day outing for hikers in reasonably good condition. There is no USFS trail number associated with this route and formal USFS data (surface type, grade percentages, and technical class) are not documented for this trail. Hikers should be prepared for typical backcountry footing and variable trail conditions; bring sturdy footwear, water, and basic navigation resources, and confirm current access details with SDNR before heading out.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a peaceful and scenic waterfall experience, though the exact trail conditions and accessibility may vary. The area may feature natural beauty typical of Utah's landscapes.
Accessibility
Accessibility information for Funnel Falls is not documented. The trail may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Funnel Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Funnel Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as water flow is likely to be stronger due to snowmelt.
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).
Safety Information
Trail conditions may be uneven or unmarked. Visitors should exercise caution, especially near the waterfall. Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Dolores River, 13.8 miles away, not on Funnel Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
667 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 40 years of record
8.43 ft
Water depth at gauge
52°F
ColdBracing — limit time in water
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 a bracing 52 degrees F, limit your time in the water. Mineral content is typical.
Water Quality
Conductance
Dissolved minerals in the water
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge DOLORES RIVER NEAR CISCO, UT (22 km away).
Today
Moderate
853 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
841 cfs
6/10Tue
Moderate
740 cfs
8/10Wed
Moderate
806 cfs
6/10Thu
Moderate
761 cfs
8/10Fri
Moderate
695 cfs
8/10Sat
Moderate
683 cfs
8/10Best window: Tue — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to early July, peaking in May.
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 Loma hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Funnel Falls Frozen?
Updated about 2 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing
Funnel Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 63°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
- 748 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
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
The ground through the falls loses about 249 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 4,214 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 389 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 430 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 4,214 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 249 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Funnel Falls is located in Utah, but specific directions to the site are not widely documented. Visitors may need to consult local hiking resources or maps for precise access details.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability near Funnel Falls is unclear. Visitors should prepare for limited or informal parking options.
Elevation
4,219 feet above sea level
Coordinates
38.993598° N, -109.147890° W
Land Management
Managed by SDNR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring a detailed map or GPS device, as directions to Funnel Falls may not be well-marked. Check local conditions before visiting.
Where to Stay
Red Cliffs Lodge Moab
Balanced Rock Inn
Unique Grand Junction Guest Suite with Gas Fire Pit!
Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
Westwater Canyon Recreation Site
6.9 miles away · 0 sites
The Bureau of Land Management's Moab Field Office manages Westwater Canyon. A contact station and ranger residence is located at the put-in. River Rangers conduct permit and equipment checks, provide information, and patrol the Canyon. Trash service is available and drinking water may be available March-November. Please do not depend upon this water source for your trip's water needs as the system is not always operational. The closest services (i.e., gas, telephone) are in Mack, CO and Thompson
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Grand Junction, Utah
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Grand Junction, Utah on SoakingSprings.
Explore Utah springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions may include other natural landmarks and hiking trails in Utah. Research local guides for more information.
Wildlife
The area may feature typical Utah wildlife, such as birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of potential encounters with snakes or other wildlife.
Cities near Funnel Falls
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