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Upper Calf Creek Falls - 8 members in 11 triplogs have rated this an average 4.1 ( 1 to 5 best )
11 triplogs
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Oct 19 2024
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 Guides 41
 Routes 1,626
 Photos 14,983
 Triplogs 2,760

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Escalante Hikes, UT 
Escalante Hikes, UT
 
Hiking avatar Oct 19 2024
The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760
Hiking17.38 Miles 2,500 AEG
Hiking17.38 Miles   7 Hrs   24 Mns   2.49 mph
2,500 ft AEG      25 Mns Break8 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Lower Calf Creek Falls
Upper Calf Creek Falls
Cosmic Ashtray
Partners partners
johnlp
trekkin_gecko
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Day 3 of 5 in Utah

After checking out of our place in Kodachrome SP, we headed to Escalante. Once again, due to weather, closures, and surprise openings, we adjusted our itinerary.

Lower Calf Creek Falls
6.44m / 800' AEG

This is a beautiful hike through a deep riparian canyon. The cottonwoods were just starting to change. It’s a relatively easy family hike, and the waterfalls at the terminus are quite impressive.
[ youtube video ]
We only passed a few hikers on the way in, so make sure to get there early to avoid the crowds. We passed a couple hundred people on the way out, and both the lot and overflow lots were full.

Upper Calf Creek Falls
2.53m / 744' AEG

This one gets less traffic than the lower falls. There is no signage on SR12 for this hike, but there were a few cars at the trailhead when we started. This hike is entirely different from the lower falls, as it drops steeply over mostly smooth rock to a less impressive upper falls. Still very nice, though. The hike out will give your lungs a workout!

Cosmic Ashtray
8.43m / 976' AEG

What is a Cosmic Ashtray? The hike starts out on an old two-track trail, then moves to a cairned route on slickrock, traversing mounds. There are cairns off and on to give you an idea of where to go, but it helps to have a GPS track to find the ultimate destination.
[ youtube video ]
The surrounding landscape was beautiful, but the real payoff was the ashtray—fine red sand in a white bowl, with a white mound in the middle. We returned generally the same way we came.
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
  2 archives
Oct 19 2024
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 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Escalante Hikes, UT 
Escalante Hikes, UT
 
Hiking avatar Oct 19 2024
trekkin_gecko • Triplogs 4,660
Hiking17.48 Miles 2,236 AEG
Hiking17.48 Miles
2,236 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Lower Calf Creek Falls
Upper Calf Creek Falls
Cosmic Ashtray
Partners partners
johnlp
The_Eagle
drove from kodachrome to escalante, stopping at the visitor center
the ranger guy thought we would be okay on spencer flat road, maybe not on hole-in-the-rock road given recent rainfall
we decided to hit lower calf creek falls first
set out before it got busy
nice to have the sandy trail packed down a bit
only two gals there when we reached the falls
lots of people on our way back out
on to the upper calf creek falls trailhead
this hike is a much different experience: shorter, steeper, almost entirely on slickrock
we checked out the falls from the top and the bottom and headed back up
we kind of wanted to do one of the escalante river hikes, but ended up on one of my favorites, cosmic ashtray aka the volcano
a mile of sandy two track, then off trail on slickrock around some rock formations and up to the ashtray
very unique geological feature
retraced our steps and checked into cabins at escalante outfitters
pizza and a few games of uno made for a nice evening
so much to do in this area
next time, hole-in-the-rock road hikes, weather permitting
_____________________
hazhole
 
Oct 19 2024
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 Guides 1
 Routes 14
 Photos 7,202
 Triplogs 5,208

68 male
 Joined Mar 16 2008
 chandler,az
Escalante Hikes, UT 
Escalante Hikes, UT
 
Hiking avatar Oct 19 2024
johnlp • Triplogs 5,208
Hiking17.48 Miles 2,236 AEG
Hiking17.48 Miles
2,236 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Lower Calf Creek Falls
Upper Calf Creek Falls
Cosmic Ashtray
Partners partners
The_Eagle
trekkin_gecko
Day 3 of our Utah hiking extravaganza.
Lower then upper calf creek falls hikes followed by the cosmic ashtray.
Cool stuff. Long day. Worth the effort. :)
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
_____________________
“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson
 
May 26 2024
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 Guides 2
 Routes 127
 Photos 1,478
 Triplogs 129

male
 Joined May 07 2019
 Tempe, AZ
Upper Calf Creek FallsSouthwest, UT
Upper Calf Creek Falls
Southwest, UT
Hiking avatar May 26 2024
mikemcg • Triplogs 129
Hiking2.36 Miles 700 AEG
Hiking2.36 Miles   1 Hour   19 Mns   2.25 mph
700 ft AEG      16 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Had a little time before sunset to check out these falls. It was an easy trek, with a moderate descent on sandstone for almost a half mile, with a few slippery areas, followed by a flat, easy walk well above the creek to the top of the falls. Shoes with good traction are strongly recommended for that descent. From there, it's an easy scramble to the bottom of the falls. The falls were light but pretty, and the area was very green. We relaxed there for a few minutes, taking in the peaceful vibes, then ascended back out in time to make it to our dinner reservation at Hell's Backbone in Boulder, which was excellent. We saw only 2 other people on this route on Memorial Day weekend, so apparently early evening is the best time to go.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Upper Calf Creek Falls

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max Upper Calf Creek Falls Medium flow Medium flow
  1 archive
Mar 23 2024
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 Guides 12
 Routes 192
 Photos 863
 Triplogs 356

42 male
 Joined Nov 30 2015
 Phoenix, AZ
Lower Hackberry CanyonSouthwest, UT
Lower Hackberry Canyon
Southwest, UT
Hiking avatar Mar 23 2024
ShatteredArm • Triplogs 356
Hiking7.00 Miles 1,260 AEG
Hiking7.00 Miles   2 Hrs   54 Mns   2.41 mph
1,260 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Upper Calf Creek Falls
Partners none no partners
Couple of side quests on the way to Escalante. Lower Hackberry was on my radar from the last time I passed through, so we decided to check it out. Light flow in the creek made it enjoyable. The bartender in Page let us know on the way home that we should've done this barefoot. Walked about 2.5 miles in, decided the canyon wasn't going to get any more spectacular for awhile, and turned around. Really cool canyon, would like to check the rest out some time.

Got into Escalante, had a few hours of daylight left, so we decided to head up to Upper Calf Creek Falls. Trail isn't as well marked as its lower neighbor, quite steep for about a half mile, but didn't see anybody out there, which is a nice change of pace from Lower Calf Creek Falls. More views, too, since it starts from the canyon rim. The falls aren't quite as picturesque as the lower ones, but there's still a nice little lagoon, some cool alcoves, and you can access both the top and bottom of the falls. It's a worthy visit if you've already seen the lower falls.

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max Hackberry Creek Medium flow Medium flow
Flowing for at least 2.5 miles. Enough water that you have to get your feet wet.
_____________________
 
Apr 25 2023
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 Guides 94
 Routes 840
 Photos 22,055
 Triplogs 1,993

52 male
 Joined Sep 18 2002
 Tempe, AZ
Upper Calf Creek FallsSouthwest, UT
Upper Calf Creek Falls
Southwest, UT
Hiking avatar Apr 25 2023
chumley • Triplogs 1,993
Hiking2.36 Miles 692 AEG
Hiking2.36 Miles   1 Hour   18 Mns   3.29 mph
692 ft AEG      35 Mns Break
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
John9L
Spring in Utah can be as variable as it is in Arizona, so when cold and windy weather moved in we decided to alter our plans to accommodate. As a result, we ended up with an open day to hit some more local dayhike options. This was the first one and turned out to be a great little trip. The wind was brutal to start ... requiring full poofiness. But the sun was warm and when we put a little effort in on the trail, things warmed up.

The trail takes you to a view of the falls from above and an unofficial route leads down to the bottom for a better view. Just upstream is another pool with a picturesque little 10 footer that's also worth a visit.
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Upper Calf Creek Falls
_____________________
I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.
  2 archives
May 01 2022
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 Guides 3
 Routes 632
 Photos 8,235
 Triplogs 604

54 male
 Joined Apr 13 2011
 Gilbert, AZ
Upper Calf Creek FallsSouthwest, UT
Upper Calf Creek Falls
Southwest, UT
Hiking avatar May 01 2022
ddgrunning • Triplogs 604
Hiking2.76 Miles 809 AEG
Hiking2.76 Miles   1 Hour   22 Mns   2.33 mph
809 ft AEG      11 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Final hike of an amazing weekend.

I didn't see any signage for this one while driving on the road. In fact, initially I passed the turn off and had to turn around.

The trailhead is just a short distance off the road--where there is signage and a small parking area--that was nearly full.

Unlike Lower Calf Creek falls, this one deals some significant elevation loss/gain in a short period.

My intel on the hike was that the trail took you to the top of the falls where there was a decent swimming hole. This is true, but just the beginning. Immediately upstream from this hole next to the falls is an even more impressive swimming hole with crystal clear water, fed by a nice 15-foot waterfall and plunging into a deep pool. Again, if I wasn't on the clock, I would have taken a couple of jumps and enjoyed the water.

On my way back, I decided to look to see if there was a way to get down to the bottom of the falls. I probably shouldn't have been surprised to find out the answer is yes.

It is cairned over the slickrock and my exit route on the gps track follows it best.

Unlike the upper pools, where there was a decent crowd (including a boy scout troop), I had the base of the falls to myself. While not quite as impressive as Lower Calf Creek falls, this is certainly still a very worthy destination. Again, the pool at the base of the falls would make for a nice swim.

On the opposite side of the creek was a larger alcove that, if I had had m ore time, I would have loved to explore. Next time ....

The hike out (UP) was a solid workout. Once on top of the rim, the wind was whipping about--something that became a theme for the entire drive home. I don't think I've ever seen so much sand blown across the road on the drive from Page to Flagstaff.

Speaking of Flag, I drove through the burn area from the Tunnel Fire. There's a decent scar across the road, but honestly, I was expecting worse--I'm sure it is worse down the road to Sunset Crater.

Arrived home in good time around 9 pm. Gone from Friday morning to Sunday night. 18+ hours of driving. Hikes to: Peekaboo and Spooky Slots; Coyote Gulch; Lower Calf Cree Falls; Upper Calf Creek Falls. Worth it!
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Upper Calf Creek Falls
_____________________
 
Oct 21 2020
avatar

 Routes 181
 Photos 901
 Triplogs 259

50 female
 Joined Mar 09 2010
 Chandler, AZ
Upper Calf Creek FallsSouthwest, UT
Upper Calf Creek Falls
Southwest, UT
Hiking avatar Oct 21 2020
azlaurie • Triplogs 259
Hiking2.31 Miles 657 AEG
Hiking2.31 Miles   1 Hour   29 Mns   1.98 mph
657 ft AEG      19 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
dswitzer3
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
_____________________
♥ Timing is Everything ♥
  1 archive
Sep 03 2020
avatar

 Guides 36
 Routes 310
 Photos 2,235
 Triplogs 241

79 male
 Joined Mar 27 2008
 tucson, az
Upper Calf Creek FallsSouthwest, UT
Upper Calf Creek Falls
Southwest, UT
Hiking avatar Sep 03 2020
rvcarter • Triplogs 241
Hiking2.20 Miles 650 AEG
Hiking2.20 Miles
650 ft AEG
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
See the guide I just posted for more details. Outstanding short hike off Utah Hwy 12. The only problem is finding the trailhead.
 Geology
 Geology [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Cross-bedding
_____________________
Check out my Instagram posts at "cartershift", and videos on my Rumble channel "rvcarter".
 
Sep 21 2019
avatar

 Guides 13
 Routes 38
 Photos 1,651
 Triplogs 577

60 male
 Joined Nov 15 2005
 Jackson, CA
Upper Calf Creek FallsSouthwest, UT
Upper Calf Creek Falls
Southwest, UT
Hiking avatar Sep 21 2019
toddak • Triplogs 577
Hiking2.10 Miles 641 AEG
Hiking2.10 Miles
641 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Very nice hike, the main falls looks similar to Lower Calf Creek falls, but this one probably gets much less traffic.
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Intrepid Back Shot
_____________________
 
Oct 17 2018
avatar

 Guides 10
 Routes 673
 Photos 7,281
 Triplogs 4,660

67 female
 Joined Nov 17 2008
 phoenix, az
Upper Calf Creek FallsSouthwest, UT
Upper Calf Creek Falls
Southwest, UT
Hiking avatar Oct 17 2018
trekkin_gecko • Triplogs 4,660
Hiking2.24 Miles 679 AEG
Hiking2.24 Miles
679 ft AEG
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
woke up to light rain wednesday, as forecast
coffee and breakfast at escalante outfitters where we stayed in a cabin two nights
looked like we might get a break in the rain, so headed for upper calf creek falls
right off highway 12, so easy to access and escape if needed
the hike drops steeply on slickrock
slow going at first as it hadn't dried out completely
the grade moderates after about a third of a mile, and some sandy/rocky sections provide better footing
the trail splits near the falls, with a worn trail heading for the top of the falls and a cairned path to the base
went to the top first, then below
all of the guidebooks mention abundant poison ivy near the base, but it's easily avoided
shorter waterfall than the more popular lower calf creek falls
a completely different hike: slickrock vs. sand, descending the canyon wall vs. walking through a canyon, shorter hike
i liked them both
started raining on the hike out
we were lucky to get this one in
of course i wanted to do something else and we stopped at the river but the rain picked up and continued much of the afternoon
instead we indulged in an enormous pizza which escalante outfitters is known for
played some scrabble and did some laundry, then later snuck into the canyon lodge breakfast area to watch the US women's national soccer team beat canada in world cup qualifying
not bad for a rain day :)

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water less than max Upper Calf Creek Falls Medium flow Medium flow
_____________________
hazhole
 
average hiking speed 2.29 mph

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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