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.
The Setting
Lisa Falls sits at 6,529 feet along the Dry Creek, in the high mountains of Utah.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.3-mile out and back trail gains 100 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
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
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently 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
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit Lisa Falls, as the water flow is strongest during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Watch for flash flood warnings during monsoon season (July through September).
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.
Current Water Conditions
0 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 7 years of record
3.62 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
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 DRY CREEK AT 300 N, AT ALPINE, UT (13 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
0 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
0 cfs
3/10Sun
Low
0 cfs
4/10Mon
Low
0 cfs
4/10Tue
Barely Flowing
0 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
1 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
1 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early May to mid June, peaking in June.
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 Granite hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
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.
Hours
Elevation
6,529 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.
This trail sits at 6,529 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 26% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.
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Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen
UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)
Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.
Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets
You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.
ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses
High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.
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
Carpe Montem - Modern, Views, Large Deck, Hot Tub, Private
Best Western Plus Landmark Inn
Hyatt Place Salt Lake City/Cottonwood
Hampton Inn Salt Lake City Cottonwood
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
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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.
Cities near Lisa Falls
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