Hidden Waterfall Oasis in the Utah Desert - Upper Calf Creek Falls

Upper Calf Creek Falls is a hidden desert oasis. The hike is mostly slick rock descent (and ascent) with the creek hidden from view for most of the hike, and the falls hidden until the very last steps. Unlike its bigger sibling, Lower Calf Creek Falls, Upper Calf Creek is relatively less visited. On this hike, I didn't pass a single person on the trail (though I did meet a nice couple when I returned to the trailhead).

Also in contrast to its bigger sibling, the Upper Calf Creek Falls hike has expansive views as you descend down to creek level - you're not in a narrow canyon most of the hike. However, when you do arrive at the falls, you're in a much smaller and more intimate grotto.

The falls plunge into a clear and cold pool (great for a swim on a hot day) surrounded by lush vegetation (by desert standards) - a stark contrast to the barren slick rock you've just traversed. Keep an eye out for fish in the pool or the output stream.

Ascend back up from the falls to the main trail, and continue up stream to visit some tranquil pools of still water before retracing your steps back up the sandstone to the trailhead.

Located between Boulder and Escalante, this is a great hike to start or round out your day.

0:12 - Parking lot to trailhead
0:30 - Trailhead
0:48 - Descending slick rock - starting the hike
1:39 - Trail stats and discussion
2:34 - Sandy level section
3:46 - Creek comes into hearing range
4:29 - First view of the falls
4:54 - How to descend to the falls
5:44 - Tree tunnel to the falls
6:01 - Enjoying the falls
7:35 - Back to the main trail
7:51 - Hiking to the upper pools
8:15 - Pool #1
9:00 - Pool #2
9:30 - Falls views from above
10:32 - Starting the hike back
11:11 - Ascending slick rock slabs to the trailhead
11:59 - Last view out to the vista
12:16 - Back to the parking lot
12:38 - Debrief and hike stats

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