Utah is an outdoor adventurer’s playground. From hiking to skiing to boating, you’ll find plenty of activities to do outdoors – including hiking to some amazing waterfalls! With backdrops like the red rocks of Zion National Park and the forested trails near Mt Timpanogos, we’ve rounded up some of Utah’s best waterfalls to visit.
Waterfalls in Utah
1. Lower Calf Creek Falls
2. Kanarraville Falls
3. Bridal Veil Falls
4. Emerald Pools
5. Donut Falls
6. Fifth Water Hot Springs
7. Archangel Falls
8. Battle Creek Falls
9. Adams Canyon Waterfall
10. Stewart Falls
Visiting Waterfalls in Utah
Below are 10 gorgeous waterfalls to check out on your RV trip to Utah.
1. Lower Calf Creek Falls
Lower Calf Creek Falls is the first of two waterfalls along Calf Creek in Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument. The lower falls are the more popular of the two, with access to the falls coming from a 5.7-mile round trip hike. This impressive waterfall is a 126-foot cascade that drops into a pool, surrounded by red sandstone walls. It’s a hot hike, so bring plenty of water, but the falls at the end are worth it!
Things to do near Lower Calf Creek Falls: If you don’t mind a more intense hike, visit the Upper Calf Creek Falls located nearby. It’s a smaller waterfall, but less popular so you won’t have the crowds. You can also explore more of Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, and Capitol Reef National Park is a short drive away.
2. Kanarraville Falls
Another beautiful and photogenic waterfall hike in Utah is Kanarraville Falls. This series of waterfalls can be seen by hiking a 3.5 mile round trip trail through slot canyons. The trail’s difficulty increases as you go on, with the first waterfall being pretty easy to access, but the second waterfall is much more difficult with climbing involved. You’ll need a permit to access this trail to see the waterfalls, which can be purchased online or at a kiosk at the trailhead.
Things to do near Kanarraville Falls: These waterfalls are north of St. George and Zion National Park. We’ve got a local’s guide to St. George as well as a guide to Zion to help you find the best things to do. We also have you covered with local RV rentals if you need a rig.
3. Bridal Veil Falls
Situated just outside Provo in the gorgeous Provo Canyon is Bridal Veil Falls. Bridal Veil Falls is a double cataract waterfall that is 607 feet tall and is easy to hike to. At the trailhead sits Bridal Veil Falls Park which has barbecue grills, picnic tables, and grassy areas to enjoy lunch. The 1.4 mile out and back trail is best used in the summer months, but the first part of the path is paved and is an easy trail to hike. So it’s a great waterfall that the whole family can see!
Things to do near Bridal Veil Falls: This waterfall is just outside Provo and Utah Lake. We have a local’s guide to the city, and there’s plenty of water activities to be had on the lake. And Salt Lake City is just about an hour’s drive north. Here are some great local RV rentals to check out.
4. Emerald pools and falls
If you’re visiting Zion National Park, be sure to hike to the Emerald Pools for another fantastic waterfall on our list. Located across from the historic Zion Lodge, visitors can follow the Emerald Pools Trail for a 3-mile loop to the all pools and waterfall. The trail to the lower pool is paved and easy to hike and is only 1.2 miles round trip. If you want to continue to the Middle and Upper Pools, the trails are dirt and more moderate in difficulty. The water flows heaviest after spring runoff and diminishes during the hot summer. So while the pools are there throughout the year, the flow of the waterfalls will change depending on the season.
Things to do near Emerald Pools: Explore the rest of the incredible beauty that’s found in Zion! We have a guide to the national park to help you decide what to see and do. And St. George is nearby for shopping and dining. We’ve got a great selection of local RVs for you to check out if you need a rental.
5. Donut Falls
Donut Falls is a unique waterfall in Utah that is incredibly popular and a great hike for the entire family. It’s located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, and has an easy to hike trail that is 3.5 miles out and back. The water rushes through a hole that’s been eroded out of rock into a shallow pool below before cascading down more rocks. This hike is very popular, so it’s best to go on the weekdays or early morning during the summer months.
Things to do near Donut Falls: There’s plenty to do nearby this waterfall, as Salt Lake City, Provo, Lehi, and Park City are all an easy drive away. There’s great hiking nearby and skiing if you’re visiting in winter. We have local’s guides for Salt Lake City, Provo, and Lehi if you’re looking for the best things to do nearby.
6. Fifth Water Hot Springs Waterfall
Located in Diamond Fork Canyon, Fifth Water Hot Springs Waterfall is a popular waterfall and hot springs hike. The hike is 4.5 miles out and back, but fairly easy. You can access the falls and hot springs from both the Three Forks Trailhead in Diamond Fork Canyon and from the Rays Valley Trailhead. There are three waterfalls and several soaking pools along the creek that makes for a great day of relaxing. It’s another popular spot, so go during the week or early in the day to avoid crowds.
Things to do near Fifth Water Hot Springs Waterfall: This waterfall is southeast of Spanish Fork, with Provo being a short drive north once you get back into town. There’s also great hiking in the area around Spanish Fork Peak and outside of Provo.
7. Archangel Falls
If you’re up for a difficult but rewarding waterfall hike in Zion National Park visit Archangel Falls. This short but wide waterfall cascades down steps of rock near “the Subway”. A popular canyoneering spot, Left Fork of North Creek is called the Subway due to flash floods hollowing out a subway shaped tunnel in the rock. It takes a bit to get here to see the falls. Visitors need a permit, and canyoneering skills are necessary. But if you’re an experienced canyoneer this waterfall is a great stop on a Zion adventure.
Things to do near Archangel Falls: Not into canyoneering? Try visiting the other Zion waterfall on our list, the Emerald Pools. And there’s plenty of other trails and canyons to explore in the national park. We’ve got a guide on the best things to do and have a great selection of local RV rentals.
8. Battle Creek Falls
An easy waterfall hike near Pleasant Grove is Battle Creek Falls. This 50-foot waterfall is reached by hiking a short 1.2 mile out and back trail, and it’s a great trail for kids and adults to enjoy. You’re also only minutes from civilization in Pleasant Grove, but you’ll see views of Mount Timpanogos as you make your way to the falls. While the falls flow year round, you’ll see the most water during spring.
Things to do near Battle Creek Falls: You’re only minutes away from Pleasant Grove, and from there it’s a short drive to many Utah cities such as Lehi, Provo, and Salt Lake City. Utah Lake is also nearby if you want to spend some time on the water.
9. Adams Canyon Waterfall
Another great waterfall hike is Adams Canyon. This waterfall can be found at the end of a 3.8 mile out and back trail. The trail begins in Layton and follows the North Fork of Holms Creek. It’s a moderate hike, but the reward is the 40-foot falls that splashes into a shallow pool. Depending on the time of year the waterfall can be a trickle or a cascade, with higher water levels in spring.
Things to do near Adams Canyon Waterfall: The trail is in Layton, Utah, just north of Salt Lake City. And if you want to continue hiking past Adams Canyon, Thurston Peak has some great hiking opportunities.
10. Stewart Falls
Stewart Falls is another favorite hike to an impressive waterfall. This gorgeous hike takes you to an incredible 200-foot waterfall that pours down the cliff face in two tiers. The hike is an easy, mostly flat trail that is 3.5 miles out and back. It takes you through beautiful forests along the east side of Mt Timpanogos. The trail and waterfall are also close to the Sundance Resort, making it easy for guests of the resort to do the hike. While summer and autumn are fantastic times to hike to the falls, you can also hike the trail in winter with snowshoes.
Things to do near Stewart Falls: This waterfall is a short drive to many Utah cities such as Lehi, Provo, and Salt Lake City. Utah Lake is also nearby for fun water activities. You’re also near another waterfall on our list, Battle Creek Falls.
Planning an RV Trip to Utah
As always, be a responsible hiker and make sure to pack out anything you bring in. Following Leave No Trace principles will help keep these natural areas beautiful for everyone!
An RV trip is an excellent way to see the amazing waterfalls in Utah, and we’ve got all the resources you need to plan a perfect vacation. Here are guides to some of the best state parks in Utah, as well as all the national parks in the country. And as always, we’re here to help when it comes to finding the best campgrounds and RV rentals.
