Lower Calf Creek Falls

Lower Calf Creek Falls consistently makes the top 10 waterfalls in the United States and we couldn't pass up the opportunity to see it in person. It is in the Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument in southern Utah. The hike is 6 miles round trip over sand and slickrock, but is fairly flat. Shade is scarce unless you go very early in the morning or late afternoon when the canyon walls block the direct sunlight. We went in the mid-afternoon and were exposed nearly the entire way. There were a few points along the trail where we could access the creek and wet our cool towels and hats down to deal with the heat. Even though the surrounding area looks like the typical southwestern desert landscape, the canyon floor is actually a wetlands area. We saw geese and ducks swimming in beaver ponds and tall reeds you would find on more temperate lakes. As we approached the falls we could hear it echoing off the canyon walls. Once we rounded the last corner we could see the waterfall and it took our breath away. It is 110 feet high and has a pool deep enough to swim in at the bottom. The water is crystal clear, but is also freezing cold. It also seeps through the sandstone walls that surround the pool. Jed and H found out that they get very slick and make for a decent waterslide. B and H spend most of the time building a dam with sand and stones to trap the water running down the sides of the rock face. Wendy spend most of her time relaxing in under the shade trees on the sandy beach. It truly is a paradise in the middle of the desert. July and August can get very hot in southern Utah, so plan accordingly. We went through 2 liters of water each. You don't feel like you are sweating that much since it is so dry, but make sure to replenish the liquids and electrolytes you are losing. Also, bring a shade hat. You'll be glad you did. Activity rating: 0-10 Kid fun: 8 Difficulty: 4 Cost: $5 recreation pass (free for Annual Pass holders)