Lower Calf Creek Falls in Escalante Utah ~ Adventures in Southern California

Lower Calf Creek Falls

Lower Calf Creek Falls is one of the best hikes in Escalante National Monument in Southern Utah. This massive national monument is filled with colorful sandstone cliffs, slot canyons, waterfalls, and some of the best scenery in the American Southwest. The trailhead for Lower Calf Creek Falls is located right off Scenic Highway 12, about fifteen miles east of the small town of Escalante. The road to the parking lot is paved, so you can do it with any vehicle. Parking costs $5 at the self-pay kiosk, so bring a $5 bill. America the Beautiful pass holders can park for free. There's also an awesome little campground right next to the creek with 13 campsites for $15 per night. It's first come, first served, and there are bathrooms near the trailhead.

The hike is 6 miles round trip and I'd rate it as moderately difficult. It's not particularly steep, but there are plenty of up and down sections, some crumbly spots on the trail, and long stretches of sand. We actually found the sand much easier to walk on when it was a little damp because it was more compacted. A lot of this trail is exposed to the sun, but there are some shaded sections. It's also dog friendly, but dogs need to be leashed. There are some pretty sharp cacti growing along the trail that you definitely don't want your dog stepping on. You really have to watch for the cactus in the sunny sections. Bring plenty of water, especially during the warmer months.

One of the best things about this hike is the huge variety of scenery. The trail follows Calf Creek through a gorgeous canyon surrounded by massive sandstone walls. There are sections with thick vegetation, open desert, towering cliffs, and beautiful views of the creek. The trail is easy to follow, and you can see how much water is flowing through the creek before reaching the waterfall. Fall is an especially great time to visit because the changing leaves turn bright yellow and orange. The waterfall itself drops 126 feet into a pool surrounded by sandstone cliffs.

The nearby town of Escalante is a great place to stay while you're exploring the area. It's a small town with a few restaurants, hotels, and outdoor outfitters, surrounded by incredible scenery. My favorite restaurant in town was Escalante Outfitters, which serves some excellent homemade pizza and craft beer. They have an awesome porch and an outdoor area which is dog friendly. The town has several really fantastic glamping resorts, including Ofland Escalante, formerly known as Yonder Escalante, with mini cabins, vintage Airstream trailers, and an outdoor movie theater which plays a new movie every night at 7:30. They have a food truck on site that served amazing smash burgers and the massive outdoor jacuzzi was incredible. I can't say enough good things about this campground.

One important thing to know is that Escalante is a very seasonal town. Many restaurants, glamping resorts, and privately operated campgrounds close sometime in November and don't reopen until spring, with some waiting until late spring or early summer. If you're visiting outside the main tourist season, definitely check what's open before booking your trip. Escalante Outfitters, for example, is scheduled to close for the 2026 season on November 17. The Calf Creek campground itself is open year-round, although winter weather can make camping pretty cold. I'd recommend visiting in September or October when the weather is cooler, the fall colors are beautiful, and most businesses are still open.