Hiking Sand Creek Falls
Torrey
Overview
|
Mon 82 | 63 |
Tue 82 | 63 |
Wed 81 | 61 |
Thu 79 | 58 |
Fri 78 | 59 |
| View Full Weather Details | ||||
|
Mon 82 | 63 |
Tue 82 | 63 |
Wed 81 | 61 |
Thu 79 | 58 |
Fri 78 | 59 |
| View Full Weather Details | ||||
The cliffs to the north from the hike.
I have heard Sand Creek Falls compared to Calf Creek Falls in its beauty. This, in my opinion, is a pretty big stretch! The falls are short and beautiful but don't even come close to the stunning Lower Calf Creek Falls. Sand Creek Falls, on the other hand, sees very few visitors and offers an off the beaten path feel that you will certainly never encounter at Calf Creek!
The falls hike can be done year around, though would be difficult with much snow on the ground, and can be blistering hot during peak summer season. The pictures in this description are from a Thanksgiving trip. The ice and plunge pool at the bottom of the falls were an exquisite treat.
Looking up the falls, dramatic colors.
Getting There
On the west side of the town of Torrey, turn north onto Sand Creek road. This is well signed. Reset your odometer as you turn onto Sand Creek Road off of highway 24. (The main road through Torrey)
- 0.75 miles - Junction, go left onto the dirt road. ( 12S 462190E 4240290N / 38°18'36"N 111°25'57"W )
- 1.5 miles - North / South Route Jct just after crossing Sand Creek. Go right. ( 12S 461321E 4241240N / 38°19'06"N 111°26'33"W )
- 2.3 miles - Junction. Go left toward Sand Creek. ( 12S 461481E 4242320N / 38°19'41"N 111°26'26"W )
- 2.5 miles - Minor side road. Stay left on the main road. ( 12S 461237E 4242402N / 38°19'44"N 111°26'37"W )
- 3.6 miles - Junction. Southern route joins up here. Head right on the main road as it soon passes some water system equipment. ( 12S 460009E 4242943N / 38°20'01"N 111°27'27"W )
- 3.9 miles - Junction, stay left on the main road. ( 12S 459755E 4243432N / 38°20'17"N 111°27'38"W )
- 4.5 miles - Junction. Go left, crossing Sand Creek quickly. ( 12S 459299E 4244265N / 38°20'44"N 111°27'57"W )
- 5.25 miles - Trailhead on the right. ( 12S 459188E 4245387N / 38°21'21"N 111°28'02"W )
Group photo at Sand Creek Falls
Close up of the cliffs.
Route
From the trailhead, follow the trail as it almost immediately crosses Sand Creek. This was clearly an old road at some point but has washed out badly in sections. Follow the trail as it meanders up along Sand Creek. The trail is deeply rutted in several sections; it was likely used (or is still used) to move livestock from the valley up to Thousand Lake Mountains.
The red and white cliff ahead to the left is stunning and dramatic. For orientation, the falls are on the far right side of this cliff band, just at the top of the red (Wingate) sandstone layer.
The trail steepens, and passes through an old fence at about 1.2 miles. This is an important landmark. About 0.1 miles past the fence (a few minutes) begin looking for a cairned side trail on the left. This is also the point you should be able to hear the falls and even catch a glimpse of them.
There were (as of 2016) two side trails here. Both are steep and a mix of human and animal prints. Pick either one and follow it as it descends to Sand Creek. The falls are visible at several points on the way down. A little bushwacking may be required to get to the base of the falls, depending on which social trail you chose!
Photos
Maps
| Trailhead |
12S 459187E 4245387N 38°21'21"N 111°28'02"W |
| Old Fence |
12S 459554E 4246964N 38°22'12"N 111°27'47"W |
| Side Trail |
12S 459632E 4247080N 38°22'16"N 111°27'44"W |
| Falls |
12S 459509E 4247136N 38°22'17"N 111°27'49"W |