Best Waterfalls in Utah: 12 Local Favorites & Hidden Gems
By Jackie Ann|Published May 02, 2024
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Jackie Ann
Author
Louisiana native and LSU Alum (Geaux Tigers!), Jackie has lived in Louisiana for over three decades and currently lives in New Orleans. She's been writing for OnlyInYourState since 2016 and can often be found with a coffee at her side, dreaming of her next adventure.
With over 75 waterfalls in Utah, you can spend a lifetime chasing these natural wonders and still not see them all. We’ve compiled the ultimate list of some of the best waterfalls in Utah to add to your bucket list. Whether you want to plan an epic all-day hike to a hidden waterfall, or just view them from the comfort of your car, here are some of the best cascades.
We are blessed to live in a state that has so many towering waterfalls. These are some of the tallest waterfalls in Utah and believe me, once you see them in person you’ll be awe-struck at how massive they are.
Bridal Veil Falls is the tallest waterfall in Utah, and boy is it a beauty! Since the 1.4-mile hiking trail to Bridal Veil Falls is relatively easy, it’s also one of the most popular waterfalls in Utah. The 607-foot waterfall in Provo Canyon is best viewed between May and September, and you’ll want to get an early start if you want to avoid the crowds.
Need To Know You’ll see some Fremont-style pictographs along the trail
Named for its use as a natural pen for calves in the late 1800s, Calf Creek Falls has grown in popularity over the years. The hiking trail is just shy of six miles roundtrip, and rated as moderately difficult. The lower Calf Creek falls are 130 feet high and drop into a deep swimming hole. The upper Calf Creek Falls are 88 feet tall and while they may not be as popular as the lower fall, it’s just as beautiful!
Location: Uinta National Forest, near Sundance, Utah
Popularity: Fairly popular
Need To Know Don’t park on the private road, or you’ll end up with a hefty fine
Tucked away in the Mount Timpanogos Wilderness, the Stewart Falls trailhead is located at Aspen Grove along the Alpine Loop. The trail is a 3.4-mile out-and-back hike and is easy enough for the whole family, although there are some steep drops along the way. You’ll see this beautiful waterfall about two miles into the trail, and it’s nothing short of impressive. Stewart Falls is a 200-foot double-cascade off the cliff that’s beautiful year-round.
For a double dose of waterfalls, you can take the same trailhead to the nearby Timpanogos Falls. This slide waterfall sits below Mount Timpanogos and you can combine both falls for a fun-filled afternoon.
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Best Waterfall Hikes In Utah
Many of Utah’s waterfalls will require a bit of a hike to view them. Grab your hiking essentials, lace up those boots, and set off on one of these incredible hikes in Utah that will lead you straight to a beautiful cascade. Make sure you’ve downloaded the trail maps ahead of time!
Need To Know This is a very strenuous hike and should not be attempted by beginners
The hike to Archangel Falls is difficult, but doable. Take the nine-mile Subway Trail in Zion National Park to reach this beautiful waterfall. This trail will throw everything it has at you, so be prepared! You may be wading through waist-deep water, rappeling down ropes, rock scrambling, and more. It’s also important to pay attention to water levels before tackling this adventure. You are in a slot canyon, after all!
Check with the Zion National Park website for up-to-date information (including permits and fees) before you go.
5. Bells Canyon Waterfall
Bell Canyon Waterfall, Bell Canyon Trail, Sandy, UT 84092, USA
Need To Know There is little shade on the trail, so be sure to either get an early start or bring enough water and sunblock
The hike to Bells Canyon Waterfall is one of the most scenic hikes in Utah. Since the trail doesn’t offer much shade, this is one waterfall hike you’ll want to get an early start for. Bells Canyon Reservoir is just about half a mile into the trail, and it’s a great spot to sit for a spell and take in the views. The trail to the waterfall is well-marked, and before you know it, you’ll be standing in front of this majestic 40-foot waterfall.
6. Donut Falls
Donut Falls Trail, Donut Falls Trl, Utah 84121, USA
Need To Know Avoid climbing up to see the waterfall from above. This can be very dangerous and people have died doing so.
Donut Falls can be pretty crowded during spring and summer, but you might just have it all to yourself if you visit Donut Falls in the winter. No matter what time of year you go, you’ll have a blast. The trail to Donut Falls is 3.2 miles out and back and easy enough for beginner hikers to tackle with no problem, thanks to an elevation gain of only about 500 feet.
The hike to Kanarra Falls is just shy of four miles with an elevation gain of about 600-feet. You do need a permit to tackle this cascade, so be sure to plan accordingly. The condition of the trail between the upper and lower falls can vary drastically depending on runoff, and since it is a slot canyon, there is a little bit of danger involved. The colors of the canyon are absolutely mesmerizing, and at the end of the journey, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Utah.
Accessible Waterfalls In Utah (No Hiking Required)
Sometimes, you just don’t have the time (or ability) to spend an afternoon scrambling over rocks and traversing through canyons. Mother Nature’s playground isn’t always easily accessible, but we have found a few waterfalls that won’t require a strenuous trek.
Need To Know You’ll see the parking lot on your left if you’re coming from the south. From the parking lot, take a few stairs to the viewing area
We love Upper Provo River Falls for a few reasons. First, this is one of the most easily accessible waterfalls in Utah. There are a few stairs from the parking lot to the viewing area, but that’s it. Second, it’s one of the few waterfalls in Utah that’s beautiful year-round. There is a path that allows visitors to get closer to the water, but it is pretty steep! If you do make it down to the water, feel free to splash around. Just pay attention to the water levels, since the spring runoff can cause some raging waters.
Location: Near Santaquin, about 7 miles from Payson
Popularity: Fairly popular
Need To Know The trail is only half a mile and rated easy
The trail to Grotto Falls is short and sweet, and we love that. The half-mile trail meanders through the woods alongside a stream before reaching the falls. This is the perfect waterfall hike for families, and kids will love walking across the makeshift bridges at points to cross the water.
While Grotto Falls is beautiful year-round, the best time to visit is during the summer so you can splash around in the shallow pool at the base of the waterfall.
Need To Know If you’re traveling along the Alpine Loop, this is a must-see.
The Cascade Springs Trail System is the perfect place to stretch your legs as you make your way around the Alpine Loop. There are three loop trails here, and one of them is wheelchair and stroller-friendly. There are several smaller waterfalls found here, and the largest one is about five feet tall. Wandering around the artesian spring-fed landscape is simply mesmerizing, especially if you visit during spring or summer!
Best Waterfalls Near Salt Lake City
If you’re visiting Salt Lake City, you don’t have to travel far to chase waterfalls. These are some of the best waterfalls near Salt Lake City that can easily be accomplished as a day trip from town. Even though there are only two mentioned down below, if you scroll up to the map at the beginning of this article you’ll find that many of the waterfalls included on this list are near Salt Lake City!
11. Battle Creek Falls
Battle Creek Falls Trail Head, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062, USA
Need To Know Accessible year-round, but you’ll need traction cleats if you visit in the winter.
You can head over to Kiwanis Park in Pleasant Grove to see this beautiful waterfall. The trail to Battle Creek Falls is about 0.6 miles each way and is kid-friendly. This easy hike may be short, but it’s full of stunning views. Once you reach the falls, you have the option to head down to see them from below or climb up to see them from above. The 50-foot waterfall is majestic from either vantage point.
12. Farmington Creek Waterfall
Farmington Creek Waterfall, Farmington Canyon Rd, Farmington, UT 84025, USA
Need To Know The 4.3-mile out and back trail is moderately challenging with many steep parts
The Farmington Creek Waterfall trail will take you on quite the adventure. There are some steep portions and an 840-foot elevation change within only a couple of miles, so come prepared. As you make your way along the trail you’ll see three abandoned cars that Mother Nature is slowly reclaiming, which is neat. The canyon views on this trail are beautiful; before you know it, you’ll be within range of the waterfall. To get down to the waterfall, you’ll need to make your way down a very steep section. There is a rope to help you, but know you’ll have to come back up the same way! Once you get to the waterfall, soak it in! This 40-foot waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Utah. You might even have it all to yourself! Spend some time splashing in the water before making your way back to the trailhead.
Did your favorite waterfall make the list? Let us know in the comments section!
