Upper Calf Creek Falls

Upper Calf Creek carries a special form of Native magic, creating an almost vortex-like energy that transports visitors to a long-forgotten past. Its seclusion and loneliness make for a more authentic experience than many of the area’s over touristy spots. The water flowing from Calf Creek comes from the native magic of a nearby spring. This restorative water flows along a shallow valley, pooling into several deep bowls before the upper falls, where its ancient whisper spill over an 88-foot cliff at the head of Calf Creek Canyon. The water continues to deepen for 2.5 miles before it doubles its size below the 126-foot lower falls.

THE CANYON

Part of the allure of Upper Calf Creek is the seclusion and relative obscurity of its canyon. Overgrown with reeds, sage bushes, and tall green grass, walking around the canyon involves a combination of wading through water, climbing through wild desert plant life, and hopping from boulder to giant boulder. It’s an adventure made for the wild at heart.

DIRECTIONS

Perhaps the reason many travelers get lost on their way to Upper Calf Creek is due to the unmarked trailhead. The entrance lies between mile markers 81 and 80 on the west side of UT12, 22.4 miles Northeast of Escalante. The 200-300 yards of road leading up to the trail are rough and dispersed in sand. Low clearance vehicles can park on the side of the road and walk up to the trailhead.