Upper Calf Creek Falls
Utah • 126 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Length
2.2 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
600 ft
About Upper Calf Creek Falls
Upper Calf Creek Falls drops 126 feet into a sheltered desert pool in the heart of Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, in Garfield County, Utah. The falls are one of a pair on Calf Creek that together total 214 feet, according to Wikipedia, and sit on BLM-managed National Public Lands. Because it sees fewer visitors than its more famous lower counterpart, Upper Calf Creek offers a quieter, more secluded canyon experience framed by sandstone walls and stark high-desert scenery. Deer Creek Campground is the nearest developed camping option, about 8.48 km away, making it convenient for overnight backpacking or an early-morning visit to beat the heat. The hike rewards effort with close-up views of the plunge pool and the canyon corridor; seasonal flow is perennial, so the falls are typically running year-round. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the site is popular with photographers and hikers who prefer a less crowded desert waterfall. Pack sun protection and plenty of water, especially in summer, and plan for a steady climb on the return.
The Setting
Upper Calf Creek Falls sits at 5,942 feet within National Public Lands, fed by the Escalante River, in the high mountains of Utah. At 126 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Utah.
Height: 126 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Lower Calf Creek Falls (126 ft) lies 2.5 miles to the southeast.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The hard 2.2-mile out-and-back trail gains 600 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Trail stats: 2.2 miles round-trip (out-and-back), ~600 feet elevation gain, rated hard, reaches a 126-foot waterfall. The route descends relatively quickly from the trailhead into the canyon and includes steep, rocky sections with loose gravel in places, so footing can be tricky; the return is a strenuous uphill. There is little shade on much of the approach, so expect sun exposure and hot conditions in warm months. The trail is on BLM land within the Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument and is best attempted prepared with sturdy footwear, ample water, and sun protection.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 126 feet. Swimming is permitted. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Upper Calf Creek Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Upper Calf Creek Falls?
✅ Swimming is allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are the best times to visit due to milder temperatures. Summer can be very hot, and winter may bring icy conditions on the trail.
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 trail is steep and can be slippery, especially on the descent. Use caution and wear proper footwear. Carry plenty of water to avoid dehydration, and be prepared for exposure to the sun. Avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day in summer.
Current Water Conditions
0 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 67 years of record
1.23 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
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 ESCALANTE RIVER NEAR ESCALANTE, UT (14 km away).
Today
Low
0 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
0 cfs
4/10Wed
Moderate
0 cfs
4/10Thu
Moderate
0 cfs
4/10Fri
Moderate
0 cfs
4/10Sat
Moderate
0 cfs
8/10Sun
Moderate
0 cfs
4/10Best window: Sat — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late January to early April, peaking in March.
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 Boulder hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
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 laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 196 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 126 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 5,945 feet.
The ground changes about 34 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 40 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing southeast, the falls 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
- 5,945 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 196 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- 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 southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Upper Calf Creek Falls is accessed via a trailhead located off Highway 12, approximately 5 miles north of the town of Escalante, Utah. The trailhead is marked but can be easy to miss, so keep an eye out for signage.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly during peak seasons. Parking is free.
Elevation
5,942 feet above sea level
Coordinates
37.855047° N, -111.451982° W
Land Management
Managed by BLM
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction, as the trail can be slippery. Bring plenty of water, especially during the summer, as the trail is exposed and temperatures can be high. Start early in the day to avoid the heat and ensure you have enough daylight for the hike back.
This trail sits at 5,942 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 24% 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.
This challenging 2.2 miles trail gains 600 ft in elevation — come prepared with proper hiking boots and trekking poles. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.
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.
Where to Stay
Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch
Under Canvas Bryce Canyon
Bryce Pioneer Village
Ponderosa Inn
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Deer Creek Campground
5.3 miles away · 0 sites
Deer Creek Campground is a small cozy campground nestled in Deer Creek Canyon at 5800 ft. There are 7 campsites and potable water is not available. This small campground is located along the scenic Burr Trail Road in the Grand Staircase/Escalante National Monument. The campground does not accommodate travel trailers due to site limitations.
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Lower Calf Creek Falls, Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, and the Hole-in-the-Rock Road area are all nearby attractions worth exploring.
Wildlife
The area is home to desert wildlife such as lizards, birds, and small mammals. Be cautious of snakes, especially during warmer months.
Nearby Waterfalls
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