Lisa Falls
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.3 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
100 ft
About Lisa Falls
Lisa Falls is a picturesque cascade tucked into Little Cottonwood Canyon, offering an easy and rewarding outing for families and nature lovers. The falls spill over smooth granite slabs into a tidy pool below, and because the walk in is short and gentle it’s a popular stop for visitors exploring the canyon. The setting feels intimate without requiring a long trek, making it a great option for a quick photo stop or a brief nature break on a longer day in the Wasatch front. The route to the base of Lisa Falls is a 0.3-mile out-and-back with about 100 feet of elevation gain, rated easy—accessible for most hikers who can manage a short uphill on a dirt-and-rock tread. If you’re planning to make a day of it, the nearest overnight option is the Storm Mountain Day Use Area, roughly 5.8 km away. Bring sturdy footwear for the mixed surface and expect a short, family-friendly experience with plenty of scenic reward for relatively little effort.
Trail Description
Trail length: 0.3 miles (out-and-back) with approximately 100 feet of elevation gain; difficulty: easy. The trail is short, well-marked and follows a gentle incline through a forested stretch of Little Cottonwood Canyon before opening to the waterfall. Surface conditions are a mix of packed dirt and exposed rock, so shoes with good traction are recommended. This is a straightforward, family-friendly route best suited to hikers looking for a quick scenic stop rather than a long backcountry trek. The tread is most commonly a singletrack footpath; expect modest grades rather than steep sections. For those wanting nearby services, the Storm Mountain Day Use Area lies about 5.77 km from the trailhead.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a serene and scenic experience with the sound of cascading water and views of the surrounding granite cliffs. The waterfall is most impressive during spring and early summer when water flow is at its peak.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible due to its rocky and uneven terrain.
Seasonal Closures
The trail is open year-round, but snow and ice may make access difficult during winter months.
Safety Information
The rocks near the waterfall can be slippery, so exercise caution when approaching the water. Be aware of changing weather conditions, as storms can develop quickly in the canyon.
Location & Access
Getting There
Lisa Falls is located in Little Cottonwood Canyon, approximately 30 minutes from Salt Lake City, Utah. To reach the trailhead, drive along Little Cottonwood Canyon Road (UT-210) and look for a small pullout on the right side of the road, about 2.8 miles past the canyon entrance.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is limited to a small pullout near the trailhead. Arrive early, especially on weekends, as spaces fill up quickly.
Elevation
6529 feet above sea level
Coordinates
40.572727° N, -111.727707° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be rocky. Be cautious near the waterfall, as the rocks can be slippery.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
For this easy 0.3 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Find hotels, lodges, and B&Bs near the trailhead
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
Storm Mountain Day Use Area
3.6 miles away · 20 sites
Overview Storm Mountain Day Use Area is just 3 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon, conveniently close to Salt Lake City. Big Cottonwood Creek runs alongside the site. Visitors enjoy fishing, hiking and biking.Recreation Big Cottonwood Creek flows through the area, offering trout fishing. Hiking and mountain biking are popular activities on canyon trails.Facilities The picnic area contains four group sites and several single sites, most of which are accessible. All contain picnic tables and campfire r
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Granite, Utah
East Jordan Canal
East Jordan Canal flows at 73°F through Salt Lake County near South Jordan, emerging 23 meters from Alta Creek Circle at 4,395 ...
Crystal Hot Springs
Crystal Hot Springs near Bluffdale emerges at an extraordinary 187°F, ranking among Utah's absolute hottest thermal springs, th...
Warm Ditch Spring
A 115-degree spring in Wasatch County's Heber Valley, emerging 67.8 degrees above ambient temperature just 64 meters from Jerry...
Midway Hot Springs
Midway Hot Springs at the Homestead Crater flows at 100°F inside a beehive-shaped limestone dome created by millennia of minera...
Midway Hot Springs
Midway Hot Springs flows at 104°F along Mountain Spa Lane, emerging 88 meters from the road at 5,650 feet elevation in the Hebe...
Midway Hot Spring
Midway Hot Spring flows at 115°F in Wasatch County's Heber Valley, running 67.4°F above ambient temperatures at 5,650 feet elev...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Granite, Utah on SoakingSprings.
Explore Utah springsFrequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Lisa Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Lisa Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
Best Seasons to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit Lisa Falls, as the water flow is strongest during these seasons.
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other attractions in Little Cottonwood Canyon include Snowbird Ski Resort, Alta Ski Area, and the Albion Basin for wildflower viewing in summer.
Wildlife
Visitors may encounter wildlife such as birds, squirrels, and occasionally deer. Be cautious of potential encounters with larger animals like moose or bears.
