Hiking Lower Calf Creek Falls Overlook
Highway 12
Overview
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Sun 97 | 68 |
Mon 95 | 68 |
Tue 96 | 67 |
Wed 95 | 67 |
Thu 94 | 64 |
| View Full Weather Details | ||||
|
Sun 97 | 68 |
Mon 95 | 68 |
Tue 96 | 67 |
Wed 95 | 67 |
Thu 94 | 64 |
| View Full Weather Details | ||||
Getting started on the hike. Calf Creek is on the right side of the photo.
Lower Calf Creek Falls is one of the most iconic water falls in Utah. You see its image everywhere! The contrast of slickrock and flowing water is dramatic and stunning.
I've hiked the trail to Lower Calf Creek Falls many times over the years. It is always spectacular. I had heard rumors of a short overlook trail from the highway that gives a different perspective on the falls. Finally, in 2025, I had a little extra time to stop and check it out.
This short hike meanders down from the highway to an overlook of Lower Calf Creek Falls from a distance. It is a really neat overlook. I visited in mid-to-late afternoon, and the falls were in deep shade. The view was still spectacular but difficult to photograph. I would recommend a morning visit for hopefully better lighting.
Lower Calf Creek Falls from the Overlook
Getting There
The trailhead is about halfway between mileposts 78 and 79 on Highway 12. There is a small pullout on the east side of the highway here. This is about 11 miles south of Boulder on Highway 12, or about 18 miles north of Escalante, also on Highway 12.
Heading down toward the overlook
Route
From the parking spot, cross the road. Initially, a dirt use trail is easy to follow that heads over to slickrock.
Once on the slickrock, head south and west. You can see Calf Creek to the west and a social trail at the bottom of the slickrock on the west in the dirt that heads toward Calf Creek.
Head west from the bottom of the slickrock on the most used social trail. On my visit, after recent rains, there appeared to be a few trails. The trails all seem to go west to the rim and views of Lower Calf Creek Falls to the north.
Return the same way.
Photos
Maps
| Trailhead |
12S 463776E 4186710N 37°49'38"N 111°24'42"W |
| Trail Off Slickrock |
12S 463533E 4186549N 37°49'32"N 111°24'52"W |
| Overlook |
12S 463384E 4186591N 37°49'34"N 111°24'58"W |