Hike to a Remote Waterfall in Utah for an Unforgettable Adventure

I love chasing waterfalls. In fact, my favorite hike is easily the Calf Creek Falls Trail in southern Utah. Although, tucked away near Provo is another waterfall hike that you’ll want to check out — Mistress Falls. This trail is short — approximately one mile long — but it’s filled with adventure. You’ll want to prepare for some rock scrambling, steep inclines, and possibly a little bushwacking. It’s not a hike for beginners but if you have the experience, it’s one that’s full of excitement.

Mistress Falls is a lesser-known waterfall in Provo Canyon. To witness this beautiful waterfall in person, you’ll want to grab your hiking gear and head to Upper Falls Park. You’ll take the Upper Falls Trail for a portion of this hike. This trail is well-maintained and popular and takes you to the lovely Upper Falls.

Once you reach the base of Upper Falls, you’ll notice a very narrow trail. This is the trail to Mistress Falls. It will take you west and you’ll follow along the ridge of a mountain.

This portion of the trail is not like what you will find on your way to Upper Falls. Here, you'll come across very loose rocks and overgrown areas. You'll also want to prepare for some steep climbs. It is strongly recommended to bring hiking poles for this part of the journey to keep your footing — it’s quite difficult. You may feel like you are climbing straight up a mountain.

Safety is of utmost importance. You will want closed-toed footwear to protect your feet from the rocks and roots. Also, because this leg of your hike is less traveled, it can be easy to lose your way. We recommend using resources like AllTrails+, which allows you to download a trail map.

However, despite the challenge, the views of Mistress Falls are mesmerizing. The water is magical as it falls down the steep cliff walls. You’ll likely have the area all to yourself as the majority of hikers will stop at Upper Falls and not make the climb to Mistress Falls.

At the top, you’ll also find a large rock where you can sit and enjoy the view. It’s pretty spectacular.

Mistress Falls is the type of adventure you must be prepared to take and it may challenge you more than you expect. However, the views are quite extraordinary. Take a few breaks and enjoy the experience.

For more information about the Mistress Falls Trail near Provo, Utah, visit AllTrails.

Have you ever hiked to Mistress Falls? What was your experience like? What is your favorite waterfall hike in Utah? Let me know! I’d love to hear from you.