15 Amazing Waterfalls in Utah - The Crazy Tourist

Utah is one of the most amazing states in the whole of the United States because of the plethora of national parks and historic sites.

Salt Lake City, with its Salt Lake and genealogy library, are just a few things that make a visit to Utah worthwhile.

The fifteen amazing waterfalls – ideal for nature lovers who want to explore the outdoor wonders of Utah – will capture the hearts of everyone who visits.

Some of the waterfalls are petite cascades that fall gently over a few rocks, but there are definitely a few plunging waterfalls that cascade down giant cliffs to end in a pool of warm spring water. The hot springs waterfalls are just a few of the highlights.

1. Bell Canyon Falls

Bell Canyon Falls, Utah — Bell Canyon Falls

Bell Canyon is home to “First Waterfall,” which can also be called Bell Canyon Falls. The trip to reach the falls will take visitors four miles on an easy pathway.

The group of waterfalls begins with the most magnificent because it has the most water tumbling over the mountain. It is set in a verdant forest with stunning views of the surrounding valley.

Although an easy trail, it does have plenty of steep hills for more of a challenge.

Visitors can find this waterfall nearby Sandy. There is also the Bell Canyon Reservoir in the area, which is a half-mile from the trailhead. The First Waterfall might be the most impressive, but the Upper Bell is also worth the trek.

2. Emerald Pools and Falls

Emerald Pools and Falls, Utah — Emerald Pools And Falls

Emerald Pools and waterfall are in Zion National Park. The hike is considered moderate due to steeper slopes and a rocky path. It is a three-mile trek to the lower and higher pools; however, the path gets more difficult as you approach the higher pools.

Zion is made of reddish rock and blanketed with emerald green flora. The hiking is good all year; however, to see the waterfalls that feed the pools, it is best to go during spring runoff – this makes the river fuller and the waterfalls and pools more spectacular.

3. Adams Canyon Waterfall

Adams Canyon Waterfall, Utah — Adams Canyon Waterfall

Adams Canyon Waterfall is near Layton, Utah. The hike is nearly four miles of moderate trail.

The waterfall falls over a cliff of rock that has been eaten away by decades – even centuries – of water. It courses down the cliff, turning slightly about halfway down, before falling to a pool beneath.

Depending on the snow of the season, the waterfall can be lush or a trickle. The trail begins in Layton and brings visitors up a winding path with scrub oak and pines. There is also a bridge or two, and a few rocks that can be slippery.

4. Kanarraville Falls

Kanarraville Falls is in Kanarraville – a town of the same name. To reach the falls and come back to the parking area is three and a half miles. The hike is considered moderate, due to rock, desert, and elevation gain.

Kanarraville Falls begins with a lower falls and ends with a ladder climb and a rope to help keep you balanced.

The third fall is the hardest to get to and not for everyone. Permits are needed for the trail if you want to take the entire trip. The water flows from two different points, around rocks carved out by water and made smooth.

5. Donut Falls

Donut Falls in Big Cottonwood Canyon was made famous by Pillsbury. Pillsbury was responsible for protecting the natural landscape by creating Wasatch National Forest.

The hike to the falls is 3.5 miles in length. The water gushes out a hole eroded by water throughout the centuries. It goes into a cavern and ends on some rocks below before going into an underground stream.

There is a shallow pool at the bottom when the rain permits. Some say it looks like a bear’s paw formed on the bottom due to the water erosion.

6. Archangel Falls

Archangel Falls, Zion National Park — Archangel Falls

Zion National Park is one of the most gorgeous destinations in Utah. The various colors of the rock formations will make a lasting impression.

With more than one waterfall in the area, it may take visitors a week before they have seen everything in the National Park.

If time is limited; a must see is Archangel Falls. The water flows from a river that once carved the rock valley you will see.

Today, the waterfall is only a few feet in height; however, it is wide, and the stair design is created by several thin rocks or shale. The hike to get to the waterfalls is called the Subway and it is a difficult trail.

7. Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls, Utah — Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls is one of the waterfalls on Provo River. It is in Provo Canyon and one of the tallest waterfalls in the entire state. The water falls 607 feet from the top of the cliff to the bottom.

It cascades in a horsetail style over the granite cliffs and has a little moss growing throughout the 600 feet to make it even more magnificent.

8. Cascade Falls

Cascade Falls, Dixie National Forest, Utah — Cascade Falls

Cascade Falls in Dixie National Forest is worth seeing. Red rock forms the cliffs in this Utah National Forest.

The water literally comes out from a crevice in the cliffs carved by higher water pressure in earlier times. The water then cascades, plunging down into a pool below.

Cascade Falls is a short hike of less than a mile. Anyone, including kids, can take the path to the over 30-foot falls.

9. Cataract Gorge

Cataract Gorge in Unita National Forest is another amazing site in Utah. The waterfall comes from a river that can be rushing and full in spring months and then becomes a smaller stream.

The water flows over a stair of rocks about five to eight feet in height, depending on the waterfall. The water has carved out the rocks to look like stairs, which invite you to sit down and listen to the sounds of the water.

It falls into a shallow pool – not deep enough to swim in – before it continues. Cataract Gorge is also known as Little Deer Creek Falls. The height and width are not as important as the beauty of the surrounding area and the ease of getting to the falls.

10. Fifth Water Hot Springs Waterfall

Fifth Water Hot Springs Waterfall is in Diamond Fork Canyon. Like many of the hikes in Utah, it is easy, but also a little over four miles worth of adventure.

Fifth Water Hot Springs is an actual hot spring fed by a river that keeps the pool at the base of the waterfall warm for swimming. The water does need to be deep enough. It is also important to look out for snakes in the area, as baby rattlesnakes are common.

The pools were fostered by early settles to help keep them available all year – not just after spring. The area can get busy, so early arrival is often best.

11. Provo River Falls

Provo River Falls, Utah — Provo River Falls

Provo River begins in Uintas and flows throughout Utah, ending n Mirror Lake. Visitors can drive Mirror Lake Highway or take the trail, which is 23.9 miles. The trail is considered easy, with little elevation change.

The river meanders through Precambrian quartz and over valleys, eventually coming to points where water must cascade over rock outcroppings about three to five feet in height.

The waterfalls on Provo River are numerous and easily seen from the roadside. A glacier feeds the river, making it cooler than some of the other Utah Rivers.

12. Stewart Falls

Stewart Falls is along the Alpine Loop near Mount Timpanogos. It borders Sundance Resort.

The waterfall is a 3.5-mile hike, along a flat pathway. The waterfall plunges about forty feet from the cliffs above to a small pool beneath. Here it is not red rock, but more likely to be granite or limestone.

The trail is kid-friendly, plus it can be walked throughout the year, even during winter for those who have snowshoes. The winter time can be especially stunning because of the frozen falls.

13. Upper Calf Creek Falls

Upper Calf Creek Falls, Utah — Upper Calf Creek Falls

This hike is split into two because there are two waterfalls along the trail, which are both named.

Upper Calf Creek Falls is near Escalante. It became one of the most famous waterfalls in Utah because of Bill Clinton. He designated Grand Staircase Escalante as a national monument.

Visitors will walk along a path that is filled with minerals and sandstone. The area was once home to the Navajo.

The entire trip is six miles and the upper falls are not as tall as the lower. It is harder to hike to the upper falls, which makes it less crowded and worth visiting. It is possible to swim in the pools that are at the bottom of both falls.

14. Lower Calf Creek Falls

Lower Calf Creek Falls, Utah — Lower Calf Creek Falls

Lower Calf Creek Falls near Escalante is the first waterfall on the path and 126 feet in height. The lower falls have the easy path, with more sand than rock. Although the elevation gain is less than Upper Calf Creek, it is still going to be a fair amount of gain.

15. Battle Creek Falls

Battle Creek Falls, Utah — Battle Creek Falls

Battle Creek Falls lies near Pleasant Grove, Utah. The waterfall is 1.2 miles from the trailhead and an easy hike.

The water plunges down from the river above and flows through the canyon. Depending on the time of year, the waterfall can be a slow trickle or more of a rushing stream.