Lisa Falls | Wasatch Front

Canyoneering Lisa Falls - Wasatch FrontHiking Lisa Falls - Wasatch Front Lisa Falls

Wasatch Front

Overview

RATING: 3C
MAPS: Dromedary Peak, UT

Sat

Sunny, with a high near 40. West southwest wind around 2 mph.

40 | 24

Sun

A chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 37. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

37 | 26

Mon

Snow likely before 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 26. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

26 | 19

Tue

Mostly sunny, with a high near 26.

26 | 13

Wed

Mostly sunny, with a high near 34.

34 | 15

View Full Weather Details
SEASON: Late spring through early fall
GEAR: Standard Technical Gear, 60 m rope
RAPPELS: 1+

Sat

Sunny, with a high near 40. West southwest wind around 2 mph.

40 | 24

Sun

A chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 37. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

37 | 26

Mon

Snow likely before 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 26. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

26 | 19

Tue

Mostly sunny, with a high near 26.

26 | 13

Wed

Mostly sunny, with a high near 34.

34 | 15

View Full Weather Details
A close-up from the bottom of the falls.

A close-up from the bottom of the falls.

Close to Salt Lake City, with a short approach, makes Lisa Falls a great place to visit. The hike is very popular with families, and a great place to hang out on a hot day. The short hike should be accessible to most. There are some excellent moderate climbs near the falls, as well as large boulders to hang out on and enjoy the view. For the technically inclined, rappelling the waterfall on a hot day is guaranteed to cool you off and a lot of fun!

Update Summer 2013
A big flood/rock slide hit the area in early July. It has completely changed the base of the falls. You used to be able to find anchors mid-way up off trees/boulders. As blakemalan points out below, they are now gone. You have to do the falls in one big rappel (about 60 m ( 197 ft. )).

Lisa Falls - Rapping

Lisa Falls - Rapping

Lisa Falls - First Rappel

Lisa Falls - First Rappel

Getting There

Little Cottonwood Canyon is on the east side of the Salt Lake City Valley. Get there by following I-215 to the east, taking exit 6 off the interstate and heading east toward the mountains.

Follow 6200 South which becomes Wasatch Blvd for 1.8 miles to the stop light and signs for Big Cottonwood Canyon. Continue south (straight) through the light an additional 2.3 miles to a junction and light. Stay left here, reaching the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon in an additional 1.6 miles.

From the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon, and park and ride lot, drive 2.8 miles up canyon to a pullout on the left (north) side of the canyon. This is on a bend, just past a large pullout on the right.

Lisa Falls - Little Cottonwood Canyon

Lisa Falls - Little Cottonwood Canyon

The beautiful Lisa Falls in Little Cottonwood

The beautiful Lisa Falls in Little Cottonwood

Route

From the trailhead follow the well-traveled dirt trail north about 10 minutes to the base of the falls. It is rocky in places, but I have seen even young children able to toddle up it!

For those wishing to rappel the falls, follow the dirt trail as it climbs steeply up the left (west) side of the waterfall. The Falls used to have boulders/trees for a mid-way anchor, but they are gone. There is a bolted station at the top on the right (looking up canyon), inspect it thoroughly as it was subject to the major flood as well. The rap is almost exactly 60 m ( 197 ft. ), make sure your rope reaches.

From the top, it is a two stage rap to the base of the falls. Since the flood has cleaned out the middle level, it as an even better adventure than before.

Return the way you came.


Videos

youtube thumbnail

Lisa Falls

By: brpauff

Maps

Route / 0.21 miles / Elevation Range 6,506 - 6,599 ft.
Printable Maps:

Trailhead

12T 438515mE 4491587mN

N40° 34' 22" W111° 43' 35"

Falls

12T 438416mE 4491706mN

N40° 34' 26" W111° 43' 39"

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