Calf Creek Falls

In the heat of Southern Utah there is a beautiful oasis located on Navajo sandstone. Calf Creek Falls is a 5.5 mile long hike well worth the trip. While hiking in sand and rocks there are many cacti in full bloom in the summer months, and juniper and pinyon trees that eyes can be rested upon while walking. The trail its self has little elevation change making it a moderately easy hike even though it is in sand.

The former inhabitants of this land, over 800 years ago, were the Anasazi and Fremont peoples. As part of their system to keeping food and other storage safe, the people built granaries. These granaries protected the produce the ancient people farmed from the canyons in a safe place free of moisture and rodents. The remains are a great insight to the culture and life of the Native Americans in this area. They are located high on the canyon walls keeping them well preserved today for all hikers to observe. 

The origins of the name Calf Creek Falls comes from settlers taking weaned calves to use the natural pasture in the canyon to graze. The only reminder of this past is a fence remaining that used to keep the calves inside the boundaries of the creek. 

The best part of this hike is the end. While being able to hear the water from the fall crashing from the halfway point of the hike, you finally spot the water when rounding a corner. When you reach the magnificent water fall you are allowed to swim in the freezing cold waters. It is the greatest ice bath ever! The refreshing, chilly waters give a great wake up to help you on your way back down with a built in swamp cooler. I would recommend this hike to even the most amateur of hikers who want to see amazing views of Native Americans, plants, and a great swim.  

If you would like more details about this hike visit this site Calf Ceek Falls, lower-trail