Want to see more hiking posts? Click here. The only thing you’ll regret is the time spent in front of the screen instead of outside ;-). And Sarah wrote about her visit to Escalante in this post. 

Last weekend we visited Escalante National Monument and spent a magical 36 hours camping and hiking in the Calf Creek area. Come along as I share a few photos from our hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls. 

Calf Creek Recreation Area

This area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, so there are relatively few resources as compared to national and state parks, but we really like it that way ;-). On Saturday morning we were able to score a campsite at the Calf Creek Campground. The sites are all first-come, first-served ($15/night), and the place was packed on this late June weekend.

In addition to the campground, the area includes a day-use space with picnic tables and grills. On a Saturday morning, the day-use lot filled up relatively early with hikers hoping to beat the mid-day sun and heat.

Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail

This is a 5.5 mile out and back trail with about 500 feet of elevation gain. The trail includes a combination of open sunny areas interspersed with zones of shade from low-growing Gambel oaks. We were pleasantly surprised by how many shady zones there were.

Being in an open desert area, we expected to have the sun beating down on us the entire time, but there’s enough water and shade to support a healthy tree population.

At the trailhead you can pick up a trail guide, which corresponds to 14 numbered waypoints along the trail. At each marker you’ll learn about ecological, geological, or cultural items of importance.  It was definitely fun for the boys to follow along and look for the markers knowing that when they got to number 14 they’d be at the waterfall!

In the photos below we’re at the point where you can look across the valley and see petroglyphs. The paintings are of three figures in a row, see if you can find them near the bottom middle of the second photo below (that’s basically what it looked like to us from the trail). If you’re having trouble, check out this close-up shot from Trip Advisor.

Just as the boys were starting to lose steam, the noise from the falls was getting louder, providing the perfect motivation to keep moving. And it’s such a magical site the moment you emerge from a section of oaks and turn the corner to see the falls! At over 100 feet tall, it’s a stunning sight in the middle of the desert.

Full disclosure : my photos are totally deceiving. This is one of the most popular hikes in Escalante and there were loads of other hikers along the trail and at the waterfall. I’m just a magician when it comes to capturing the illusion of seclusion.

At the falls we had a great time relaxing and cooling off. The water is chilly, so I got in up to my ankles and called it a day. The rest of my family is much braver and had a great time splashing around and playing in the sand.

After cooling off, relaxing, and snacking, it was time to head back down the trail and to our campsite. 

Before You Go

• As I mentioned earlier, the parking lot fills up early, at least on weekends. Cars were parked along the shoulder for the full length of the entrance road, and that seemed to be fine with the one volunteer trying to help manage the area.
• There is a parking fee for the day-use lot, BUT if you have a national parks pass, you just have to place that on your dashboard.
• Bring PLENTY of water. It’s a hot hike, and you’re likely to drink more than you expect. Drinking water faucets are available at the trailhead and near the parking lot.
• Expect a crowd. Unfortunately, on a summer weekend, this won’t be a nice and quiet hike… I’d love to go back and see what the crowds are like during the off-season.
• The bugs weren’t bad, but the sun is always an issue. Wear sunscreen and maybe a hat too.