Calf Creek Recreation Area, Utah

The Calf Creek Recreation Area in southern Utah is famous for the Calf Creek Falls – a must-see landmark that won't fail to impress. To reach the Falls is an event in itself, as you walk past Navajo Sandstone cliffs, beaver ponds, and ancient rock art sites.

The main reason you should visit Calf Creek Recreation Area is for the beautiful Calf Creek Falls. A marvel of nature, the Falls are a gorgeous sight to take in after hiking through the recreation area to get there.

The hike to the Lower Falls is about 5 ½ miles roundtrip. It's a fairly steady hike up to the 126 foot Falls, but that doesn't mean it's easy. The trail is very sandy, which makes for difficult walking, especially during the summer months. Once you reach the spot, however, your efforts will be well rewarded.

Upstream you'll find the Upper Falls, which are more difficult to reach. The hike toward this section of the falls extends for one mile over sandstone slickrock from the Escalante-Boulder highway about 5 ½ miles north of the campground.

Although the Falls are the main attraction of this destination, the trail has a lot of interesting features to offer as well. Enjoy the beauty of Utah juniper trees and cedars, pinyon pine trees, and more. And don't forget to look out for remnants of the Anasazi and Fremont civilizations that inhabited this region in the past.

Reach the Calf Creek Recreation Site and Campground by travelling along Utah Highway 12, 15 miles east of the Town of Escalante.