You would think in the 28 years we've lived in Southern Utah that we might have hiked to Lower Calf Creek Falls . . . nope! (Wouldn't have anything to do with the hordes of people we always see at the trailhead parking area, would it?) But, on this trip to Escalante, we made a point of completing this popular trail of the Grand Staircase National Monument. We also decided we might as well knock out the Upper Falls, as well, but that would be a hike for tomorrow . . . today we need to find out what makes this Falls so popular.
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If we're going to beat the crowds we need to start early . . . it was a cool 44 degrees!
(We began at 8:00am and there were only three other vehicles in the parking area) |
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| Claret Cup Cacti |
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The trail follows the canyon floor the entire way . . .
You are constantly looking up at beautiful cliffs and enjoying a gorgeous desert stream |
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A good portion of the trail is sandy (but not deep sand) and elevation gains (500 ft)
are minimal as you work your way up the canyon |
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Calf Creek had several bog areas that have been created by the local beavers . . .
Many dams can be seen along the way
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Several miles up the canyon you will come to this distinctive water stained cliff (interpretive marker #8) . . .
What's so unique about this cliff? See the next picture for what's hiding at it's base |
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You will need binoculars to see these Fremont style pictographs . . .
They are actually life size or slightly larger according to the interpretive pamphlet |
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More gorgeous cliffs . . .
There is occasional shade, but be prepared for an exposed trail for the majority of the path . . .
Just our way of saying, bring lots of water! |
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Fremont mahonia were in bloom along the trail . . .
The strong honey fragrance couldn't be missed as we passed by |
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| A nice alcove that wants to become a natural bridge . . . in a few years! |
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Starting early had it's advantages . . .
One, of course, being the morning shade as the sun tried it's best to get over the cliffs |
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| Spotted Towhee |
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Okay, maybe this is going to be better than expected!
(That's a drop of a 125 feet) |
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| Another advantage of starting early . . . only four other people at the Falls |
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| Yep, we'd have to say these Falls are a real gem . . . we see why they are so popular! |
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| 28 years later and we finally made it . . . why did we wait so long? |
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| Heading back and admiring another pond made by those industrious beavers |
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Almost back . . .
These rock formations just don't get old |
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It was really starting to warm up by the time we returned to the parking lot . . .
This has become Allison's drink of refreshment after our hikes . . . it's delicious! |
This hike was much better than we anticipated! The big deterrent, for us, has always been the crowded parking lots (which were overflowing when we returned) and the mass of human beings on the trail. However, after enjoying the Falls for ourselves, we can't blame anyone for wanting to come and see this special place. You would think, at a little over six miles (r/t), and little shade that many would think twice at doing this hike, but it seems the beauty of the Falls overrides most people's concerns . . . we can see why! Don't wait to do this hike like we did . . . it's totally worth it!
