Is swimming allowed at Scout Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Scout Falls.

Live Conditions · 23 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Scout Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Scout Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Scout Falls.

Utah

By Armen Suny · Last verified May 2026

Uinta National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (4)

lihue1946 CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

AndreyZharkikh CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

utfisher CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

4.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

820 ft

About Scout Falls

Scout Falls is a tucked-away cascade accessed from the Timpooneke approach within the Uinta National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service. A short spur — the USFS Salamander Flat Trail (Trail #2150) — leads directly to the falls, making this a rewarding destination for hikers who want scenic payoff without a long off-trail scramble. The setting is lush and photogenic, and the combination of a forested approach and a brief, steeper access spur gives visitors a true backcountry feel while remaining accessible for experienced day hikers. The usual route to Scout Falls is an out-and-back of about 4.4 miles with roughly 820 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate. If you’re planning to linger, Altamont Campground is nearby (about 2.05 km from the trailhead), providing convenient camping for an overnight trip. Because the final approach is on a very short USFS spur with native tread and a Class 3 rating, come prepared with sturdy footwear and basic route-finding awareness.

The Setting

Scout Falls sits at 8,150 feet within Uinta National Forest, in the high alpine of Utah.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Bridal Veil Falls, the tallest waterfall in Utah at 607 feet, lies 5.9 miles to the southeast. Also nearby: Stewarts Cascades (200 ft, 2.9 mi).

Bridal Veil Falls Stewarts Cascades

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Salamander Flat (#2150), a 4.4-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 820 feet of elevation gain. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

SALAMANDER FLAT #2150

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

USFS Segment

0.01 mi

Trail Description

Out-and-back route, total distance ~4.4 miles, elevation gain ~820 ft, difficulty: moderate. The main approach follows native-material tread and moderate climbing to the falls. The direct access spur is the USFS SALAMANDER FLAT Trail (Trail #2150) — recorded at 0.01 GIS miles — with a surface of native material and a Class 3 rating per USFS data. Expect natural, unpaved trail surface on the entire route and a short, steeper scramble on the Salamander Flat spur to reach the waterfall.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Scout Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $6.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Scout Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Scout Falls is in late spring or early summer when the waterfall is at its fullest due to snowmelt. Fall is also a great time to visit for cooler temperatures and colorful foliage.

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). Check with Uinta National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Be cautious on rocky sections of the trail, especially near the waterfall, as they can be slippery. Check weather conditions before your hike, as storms can develop quickly in the mountains.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Moderate

23 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

35 66 152 247

Based on 93 years of record

6.25 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.

About This Gauge

AMERICAN FK AB UPPER POWERPLANT NR AMERICAN FK, UT

USGS 10164500

3.1 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 51 sq mi

Altitude: 5,937 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Scout Falls is accessed via the Timpooneke Trailhead, located in American Fork Canyon. From Interstate 15, take the Alpine-Highland exit and follow signs to the Timpooneke Campground. The trailhead is located near the campground.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Timpooneke Trailhead, but it can fill up quickly during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

8150 feet above sea level

Coordinates

40.417176° N, -111.639922° W

Land Management

Uinta National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start your hike early to avoid crowds and ensure parking availability. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be rocky and uneven in places. Bring plenty of water, especially during summer months.

This trail sits at 8,150 ft — the air is noticeably thinner

High Altitude

Some visitors experience headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath at this elevation. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and consider supplemental oxygen if you're coming from a lower altitude.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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.

Boost Oxygen 10L Canister (2-Pack)

Portable supplemental oxygen for quick relief from headaches and shortness of breath.

Altitude Rx OxyBoost Complex

Antioxidant formula designed to support your body's natural altitude acclimation.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 4.4 miles and 820 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. 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.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Where to Stay

Carpe Montem - Modern, Views, Large Deck, Hot Tub, Private

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

ALTAMONT

1.3 miles away · 2 sites

Walking distance Reservable

Overview Altamont Campground is located along the beautiful Alpine Loop Scenic Byway high in the Wasatch Mountains. The Mount Timpanogos Wilderness Area is adjacent. Visitors enjoy hiking the nearby Timpooneke Trail to the summit of Mount Timpanogos.Recreation Hiking is very popular in the area. The 15-mile round-trip Timpooneke Trail begins across the road at the Timpooneke Campground and climbs to the summit of rugged Mount Timpanogos. Aspen Grove Trail is nearby, leading to the summit as well.

Book on Recreation.gov