Estimated read time: 8-9 minutes
Thanks to record-breaking snowfall this past winter, Utahns can add yet another fun outdoor adventure to their summer bucket list: chasing waterfalls.
Although most of the snowpack is gone, much of the melting water is still trying to make its way through the mountains to the lowlands. Along the way, it creates some epic scenery.
From crushing cascades in the mountains to rushing rivulets in red rock canyons, here are some waterfalls you don't want to miss this year. Grab the family, hop in the car and hit the road! And make sure to stop at Maverik along the way. With refreshments, food, and some of the best soda fountains around, you won't find a better place to gear up for — and cool down from — an adventure.
Start every adventure with Maverik
Maverik’s got you covered with great values on fuel, food, drinks and more. Check out maverik.com to find a location near you. Maverik — Adventure’s First Stop.Gunlock Falls
If you missed the Facebook images of Gunlock Fallsl this year, you might be the only one. Just 15 miles northwest of St. George the waterfalls at Gunlock State Park only happen when there's enough water to overflow from the dam at the Gunlock Reservoir. This year's snowpack did the trick. In the last 15 years, this has only happened four times.
Reports from hikers in recent days report that while the water volume is diminishing, there is still falling water to see. Just be careful when you get there.
"Due to high amounts of runoff this season, debris may accumulate near the top of the falls," the Utah Division of Natural Resources warns. "This debris presents safety hazards for park visitors and the dam."
Also, be careful around the rocks.
"Recreating on the rocks near the waterfalls is dangerous," the DNR states. "Rocks are slick, water is swift, and covered hazards exist in the pools. We strongly encourage visitors to use caution and be observant in the area."
Lower Calf Creek Falls
Parade magazine listed Lower Calf Creek Falls as one of the best 100 waterfalls in the U.S. Part of its appeal is the swimming hole at the bottom of its 130-foot drop, which is a great way to cool off after hiking through the Grand Staircase-Escalante desert.
You'll need to hike to the waterfall, which is about a 6-mile roundtrip trail. According to the Bureau of Land Management, it takes the average hiker three to four hours. If you're not in the best of shape, you'll be happy to know that there is minimal elevation change, but it can be difficult to walk through the sandy areas. Just keep in mind you'll see a stunning waterfall at the end of your journey!
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The Kanarraville Falls hike in southern Utah includes not one but two of the most photographed waterfalls in Utah. It's a waterfall you've likely seen on travel brochures for Utah — and for good reason. The falls are stunningly beautiful.
The total trip is around 3.8 miles out and back, but it's not suited for everyone.
According to the Utah Office of Tourism, "Descending and ascending the first 10-foot waterfall does require a bit of sure-footedness. You'll have to trust a handmade wooden ladder, ropes bolted to the canyon and other people's slings (if they're still there), where you take risks into your own hands."
But if you're in decently good shape, you should have nothing to worry about.
Also, you'll need a permit to hike here and tickets sell out one to two weeks in advance during the peak summer months, so plan accordingly. You can buy permits at kanarrafalls.com.
Horsetail Falls
This is a beautiful waterfall near Alpine that gets less traffic because it is a challenging climb. It's 4.5 miles roundtrip with nearly a 1,700-foot elevation gain. Large sections of the hike are in the shade, so it's great for hot days.
One reviewer on AllTrails who hiked to the falls on June 24 writes, "Amazing payoff this year! The water is up to your mid-calf in some spots but you can stay dry with some work — my husband managed it — I prefer to get wet. We've hiked this trail many times and knew the falls would be raging but it was even better than we expected on June 24th no less!
Gloria Falls
Nestled in Little Cottonwood Canyon is a hidden gem — Gloria Falls. While it's a known hike to locals, it might be described as hidden because the last part of the trail is mostly up to the hiker to forge. After the massive amounts of snow started melting, the falls were — and are — bursting at the seams with water. It's a relatively short and easy hike.
AllTrails says it's a 2.2 mile out-and-back hike with less than 550 feet in elevation gain. It can be easy to lose track of the trail a few times throughout the hike, so follow the signs and others who are going to the falls, too.
Provo River Falls
Provo River Falls is well-known for its cascading falls and scenic pools. It's also easy to access. Simply take the exit at mile 23.9 off the Mirror Lake Highway and you're there. This is a popular one, but not to fear. There's plenty of room to spread out, explore, and picnic with the whole family.
Stewart Falls
On the east side of Mt. Timpanogos, treat yourself to the picturesque scene of the 200-foot, two-tiered Stewart Falls.
According to Utah.com, the trail is well-marked and easy to follow. Families and adults of all hiking levels will enjoy this relatively easy hike, though it does have a steep decline as you approach the base of the falls.
It's recommended that you start at the Aspen Grove trailhead along the Alpine Loop road. The entire length is 3.5 miles out and back.
Battle Creek Falls
To escape the rising summer heat, head up the hills in Pleasant Grove and you'll find the 50-foot Battle Creek Falls pouring off the mountainside. Utah.com ranks this hike as easy, so bring the kids! It's only 1.2 miles out and back, so it's definitely something you can do on a weekday evening or early weekend morning.
The trailhead starts at the end of Battle Creek Drive. You'll follow the obvious trail into the canyon and walk alongside the creek for most of the hike.
Please be careful because the above-normal water flow can create unstable conditions. Last week a hiker standing below the falls was struck by a dislodged rock. Luckily, his only injury was a bruise.
Best of the rest
This is far from a complete list of waterfalls across the state, especially this year when excess snowpack allows water to flow and fall in areas that usually just trickle. Some other Wasatch Front waterfalls you might want to visit include:
- Grotto Falls
- Donut Falls
- Bridal Veil Falls
- Rocky Mouth Falls
- Bell Canyon Lower Falls
- Adams Canyon Falls
- Scout Falls
- Fifth Water Falls.
A word of caution
It's important to remember that waterfalls, much like anything else in nature, can be very dangerous — especially during a year like this when the water volume is dramatically increased. Be careful — and don't get too close. Watch out for debris and be sure to keep an eye on your little ones and pets. A curious toddler or a free-roaming dog might wander into a dangerous situation if you turn your head for just a moment.
Here are a few more safety tips from the U.S. Forest Service:
- Obey posted warning signs.
- Enjoy viewing waterfalls from a distance and stay on established trails.
- Don't dive or jump off of waterfalls since unseen objects might be just under the water's surface.
- Never swim or wade upstream near a waterfall because you could get pulled over the edge — even if the water seems shallow and calm.
Be safe and have fun in the outdoor adventureland of Utah!
Adventure's First Stop
Wherever you explore in Utah, make sure to fuel up and grab some food at one of the Maverik locations. Maverik's Nitro Card saves you 10 cents off every gallon, every day with additional high-value benefits on its huge selection of tasty food and drinks. Maverik's premium BonFire food made fresh in every Maverik features breakfast and lunch burritos, sandwiches, pizzas, salads and more. New dishes to amp up your spring road trip feature premium hardwood smoked burnt ends including the Burnt Ends and Hatch Green Chili Mac n' Cheese; Burnt Ends Breakfast Burrito; Burnt Ends and Tots Burrito; and later this summer the Burnt Ends Pizza.
To save on every gallon of gas and get special offers on Maverik's fresh-made BonFire food, drinks, and snacks, download the Maverik app to join the Adventure Club and activate your Nitro Card.
