Upper Jump
Utah • Canyonlands National Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (3)
About Upper Jump
Upper Jump is a quietly scenic cascade tucked inside Canyonlands National Park in southeastern Utah, managed by the National Park Service. Set against the park’s dramatic backdrop of eroded buttes, mesas and canyons carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers, the fall offers a peaceful destination away from the park’s busier overlooks. Canyonlands, established in 1964, preserves this colorful desert landscape—making a short visit to Upper Jump a nice contrast of water and sandstone in an otherwise arid setting. The approach to Upper Jump is a moderately paced outing rather than a roadside attraction: the commonly recorded route is a 2.4-mile out-and-back with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain. The hike is rated moderate and tends to be less promoted by the park, so expect a low-key experience that rewards hikers who come prepared with water, sun protection and basic navigation. As this site lies within Canyonlands NP and is managed by the NPS, consult park resources before you go for access updates and seasonal considerations.
The Setting
Upper Jump sits at 5,620 feet within Canyonlands National Park, fed by the Colorado River, in the high mountains of Utah.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Trail type: out-and-back; length: 2.4 miles (recorded); elevation gain: approximately 350 feet; difficulty: moderate. Managing agency/land unit: National Park Service — Canyonlands National Park. The park’s published data for this approach lists distance, gain and difficulty but does not include a formal trail surface, grade or technical class for the route. Because official surface/grade/class information is not documented, hikers should be prepared for minimal maintained infrastructure and potential routefinding; bring a map/GPS, adequate water, and footwear suitable for uneven natural tread. Check Canyonlands National Park information before heading out for current conditions and access notes.
What to Expect
Expect a remote and tranquil setting with natural beauty. The waterfall may vary in flow depending on the season, with spring and early summer likely offering the most impressive views.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Upper Jump?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Upper Jump?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are likely the best times to visit, as the waterfall may have a stronger flow due to snowmelt.
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 Canyonlands National Park for current conditions.
Safety Information
Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks, uneven terrain, and potential flash floods during rainy seasons. Always inform someone of your plans before heading out.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 17 miles away
5,900 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 3 years of record
27.70 ft
Water depth at gauge
68°F
CoolRefreshing for swimming
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a refreshing 68 degrees F, good for a quick swim. Mineral content is elevated.
Water Quality
Conductance
Dissolved minerals in the water
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge COLORADO RIVER AT GYPSUM CANYON NEAR HITE, UT (27 km away).
Today
Moderate
6372 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Moderate
6585 cfs
5/10Thu
Low
6052 cfs
6/10Fri
Low
5769 cfs
6/10Sat
Low
5719 cfs
6/10Sun
Low
5598 cfs
6/10Mon
Low
5528 cfs
6/10Best window: Thu — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to mid July, 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 Monticello 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.
1-meter lidar shows Upper Jump dropping about 138 feet in a single sheer step. The brink sits at about 5,621 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 153 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 78 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 5,621 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 138 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The exact location of Upper Jump is not widely documented. Visitors are advised to consult local hiking guides or maps for directions. It may require navigating unmarked trails or backcountry routes.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear. Visitors should prepare for limited or no designated parking areas near the trailhead.
Elevation
5,620 feet above sea level
Coordinates
38.041655° N, -109.764569° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring a detailed map or GPS device, as the trail may not be well-marked. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and prepare for varying terrain. Check weather conditions before visiting.
This trail sits at 5,620 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 22% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.
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.
Where to Stay
Cozy Glamping Pod for a Nature Escape in Monticello, Utah
Abajo Lodge
Canyon Rim Domes - A Luxury Glamping Experience!!
Canyonlands Motor 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
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground
8.8 miles away · 26 sites
Overview The Needles is a remote district located within the southern portion of Canyonlands National Park in southeastern Utah. The Needles District is 1.25 hours driving time from Monticello, Utah, and 1.5 hours from Moab, Utah, and sits at an elevation of approximately 4,900 feet (1494 m). The Needles Campground offers limited services and is best suited to tents and small, self-contained campers and RVs. If you are looking for group campsites, visit the Needles District Group Campground page
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Upper Jump, Utah
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Upper Jump, Utah on SoakingSprings.
Explore Utah springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other natural attractions in Utah, such as Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon, may be worth exploring.
Wildlife
The area may host a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of potential encounters with snakes or other wildlife.
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