Lower Calf Creek Falls — 126ft Horsetail in Utah

Lower Calf Creek Falls is a 126-foot horsetail waterfall in Garfield County, Utah, reached by a moderate hike over 6 miles.

Lower Calf Creek Falls is a 126-foot horsetail waterfall in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in southern Utah — among the most rewarding day-hike waterfall destinations in the Southwest. The 6-mile round-trip trail follows Calf Creek through deep red-rock canyon, passing ancient Fremont and Anasazi rock art panels and granaries on the way. The pool at the base of the falls is bracingly cold and ringed by maidenhair ferns hanging from the seeping cliff face — a desert oasis. BLM day-use fee at the trailhead.

What to expect

Drive Highway 12 (the famous Scenic Byway between Boulder and Escalante, UT). Park at the BLM Calf Creek trailhead. Pay the day-use fee at the iron ranger. The 6-mile round-trip trail is moderate — sandy, mostly flat, but long. Carry 3+ liters of water (the desert sun is intense). The falls and pool at the end are the reward. Pair with the Escalante area's other slot canyons (Lower Calf Creek leads into Escalante's broader hiking network) or the Grand Staircase scenic drives.