Lower Calf Creek is a classic family hike on a flat, graded path up a lush red rock canyon to a beautiful 110 foot waterfall. Zowie! Can you ask for anything more?

Getting There: turn off Highway Twelve 11.8 miles south of Boulder, or 14 miles north of Escalante. This is the BLM Calf Creek Campground - bathrooms and water available seasonally. Parking next to the bathroom is designated for day hikers.

The Business: Park at the designated spot, make sure all the little hikers hit the potty, fill up your waterbottles and head up canyon. Hike the road 1/4 mile to the trailhead, then follow the graded path into the canyon. The hiking is mostly very easy, with occasional resting benches at the sides. A brochure is available with some interpretative stuff. At 2.3 miles, the canyon dead ends at a waterfall and pool in a lush little box canyon.

I keep saying lush. What a wonderful word.

I've seen people fishing in the river, and I suspect a little swimming takes place below the waterfall. The beaver dams make for a lush riparian habitat that just adds to the wonderful delightfulness of this canyon. Rumor has it some ruins and ancient art are up those side canyons on the other side ( east side ) of the river about a third of the way up the canyon. May be worth exploring.

This is a heavily traveled area, so if it's hot, be sure to wear your bathing suit or river shorts so you can take a dip in the big pool beneath the falls.