The Top 10 Waterfalls in Utah That Will Take Your Breath Away (With Pictures)

Written by Volia Schubiger
Updated: June 25, 2023
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Have you been trying to figure out where to travel within the United States but can’t decide which state to choose? Then allow us to suggest the marvelous state of Utah. Because of its abundance of national parks and historic sites, Utah is one of the most spectacular states in the United States. There really is nothing better than chasing waterfalls in the heat of the summer, especially the most beautiful waterfalls that Utah has to offer.

While some waterfalls cascade over massive cliffs into pools of warm spring water, others are tinier cascades that tumble down over a few rocks. Either way, you won’t be disappointed with our list of the top 10 waterfalls in Utah that will absolutely blow you away!

Infographic of 10 Waterfalls in Utah That Will Take Your Breath Away
Stewart Falls and Provo River Falls are among the beautiful waterfalls in Utah.

1. Battle Creek Falls 

Battle Creek Falls Utah

Since Pleasant Grove High School is right up the hill from Battlecreek Falls, it’s almost like an urban hike.

©Vezzani Photography/Shutterstock.com

Location:Grove, Utah
Nearby Attractions:Mount Timpanogos
Animals to See:Squirrels, chipmunks

In the foothills above Pleasant Grove, the Battle Creek Trail leads to a stunning waterfall with a 50-foot drop. Despite the short distance, it’s a great climb, climbing nearly 430 feet in just 0.6 miles. From the waterfall, the water runs through the canyon from the river above. Depending on the season, the waterfall can be a gentle trickle or a roaring stream.

2. Bell Canyon Falls

A fast-streaming river and huge rocks in Bells Canyon, Utah, USA

Getting to the lower falls of Bells Canyon is worth the effort as you get to enjoy a stunning waterfall and view of the Salt Lake Valley.

©Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock.com

Location:Sandy, Utah
Nearby Attractions:Salt Lake Valley
Animals to See:White-tailed deer, mountain goats

The Bell Canyon trail east of Sandy takes you to a series of waterfalls after a four-mile hike. The first one is the most beautiful, with the water tumbling down instead of dropping. Salt Lake Valley can be seen from this route, and it has a lot of altitude gain for a good workout. During the summer months, the volume of water on this waterfall in Utah fluctuates depending on the water levels.

3. Emerald Pools and Falls

Emerald Pools and Falls

All Emerald Pool trails lead to glittering waterfalls and pools of water.

©RomanKhomlyak/Shutterstock.com

Location:Hurricane, Utah
Nearby Attractions:Zion National Park
Animals to See:Mule deer, foxes

Emerald Pools and a waterfall can be found in Zion National Park. Despite the steep slopes and rough terrain, this is an intermediate trek. There are three miles between the lower and upper pools, but the road becomes increasingly difficult as you approach the upper pools. You’ll quickly see why this is one of the most popular hikes to waterfalls in Utah.

4. Upper Calf Creek Falls 

Upper Calf Creek Falls Utah

Located upstream of Lower Calf Creek Falls is Upper Calf Creek Falls, a less well-known waterfall in Utah with a height of 88 feet.

©iStock.com/Jeremy Christensen

Location:Boulder, Utah
Nearby Attractions:Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument
Animals to See:Mountain lion, cottontail rabbits

The Upper Calf Creek Falls is hidden amongst the rugged hills of Grand Staircase Escalante in southern Utah. This somewhat hidden and neglected waterfall was largely hidden from all but the most determined tourists. On this trip, those who wish to go will follow a sandstone and mineral-laden trail. An interesting fact is that the Navajo used to live in the area.

5. Lower Calf Creek Falls 

Lower Calf Creek Falls Utah

Lower Calf Creek Falls is 130 feet tall and features a deep swimming hole below.

©iStock.com/bmswanson

Location:Boulder, Utah
Nearby Attractions:Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Animals to See:Burrowing owl, bighorn sheep

Lower Calf Creek Falls stands 126 feet tall and is the first waterfall on the trail in Escalante. This waterfall has a sandier route than the upper one. Despite its smaller size, the height increase is still significant compared to Upper Calf Creek. With its 126 ft flow year-round and vibrant algae coating the wet sandstone, the waterfall shows off the wonder of a desert oasis like this amidst otherwise harsh terrain. The six-mile round-trip hike also includes Native American pictographs, which add to the appeal of this ideal location.

6. Stewart Falls

Stewart Falls Utah

Stewart Falls is one of northern Utah’s most picturesque and stunning waterfalls.

©iStock.com/mikealmond

Location:Sundance, Utah
Nearby Attractions:Provo Canyon
Animals to See:Ducks, geese

Stewart Falls is a breathtaking 200-foot tiered waterfall in Utah that caresses the slopes of Mt. Timpanogos. Located near Sundance Resort, the climb is relatively easy and suitable for children. Walking to the waterfall takes about 3.5 miles. From the cliffs above, the waterfall falls about 40 feet into a lake below. In this area, granite or limestone is more common than red rock.

7. Provo River Falls

Provo River Falls, Utah

The Provo River tumbles over a series of picturesque waterfalls in Utah along Hwy 150 in the Uinta Mountains.

©iStock.com/Photography by Adri

Location:Kamas, Utah
Nearby Attractions:Uinta Mountains
Animals to See:River otter, black bear

Along the Mirror Lake Highway, the Provo River Falls is a famous roadside attraction. It can be accessed either by driving the Mirror Lake Highway or hiking the 23.9 miles. The hike is deemed simple because there is little elevation variation. The waterfalls are located close to the road and are extremely cold, like freshly melted ice, but it is still pleasant to walk up to them and enjoy them.

8. Archangel Falls 

Archangel Falls Utah

Archangel Falls is located in Zion National Park in Washington County, Utah, near Springdale.

©Pung/Shutterstock.com

Location:Washington County, Utah
Nearby Attractions:Zion National Park 
Animals to See:Beaver, mountain lion

North Creek feeds Archangel Falls, which runs just a few hundred yards away from the famous Subway. Red Navajo sandstone towers over 500 feet on either side of the falls, which are carved out of petrified Kayenta shale. It’s a pretty tough hike to Archangel Falls on the Subway Trail in Zion National Park. The Subway Trail will have you crossing rivers, climbing rock faces, and rappelling down sheer walls. It’s a difficult journey, but it’s well worth it for the scenery!

9. Adams Canyon Waterfall

Adams Canyon Waterfall Utah

The Adams Canyon Trail in Utah is a peaceful outdoor retreat with a 40-foot waterfall.

©NicholasGeraldinePhotos/Shutterstock.com

Location:Layton, Utah
Nearby Attractions:Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
Animals to See:Rattlesnakes, elk

Adams Canyon Waterfall is found in Layton, Utah. Nearly four miles of moderate hiking trails lead to the waterfall. Hundreds of years of water have eroded this limestone face, and the waterfall cascades down it. There’s a twist halfway down before it plunges into a pool below. A scenic trail leads to the waterfall in the foothills of Layton, traveling through pines and scrub oak, crossing bridges, and traversing treacherous rocks.

10. Kanarraville Falls

Kanarraville Falls Utah

Located in Southern Utah, Kanarraville Canyon Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Utah.

©Amor for Travel/Shutterstock.com

Location:Kanarraville, Utah
Nearby Attractions:Kolob Canyons
Animals to See:Jackrabbits, rock squirrels

The Kanarraville Falls slot canyon walk in Utah has two waterfalls that are accessible through Kanarra Creek. There is a small waterfall at the start, then a ladder climb, followed by a rope to help you remain balanced. It is not easy to reach the third fall, and not everyone is capable of it. If you intend to complete the entire journey on the trail, you will need a permit.

Summary of the Top 10 Waterfalls in Utah That Will Take Your Breath Away

Here’s a recap of 10 wonderful waterfalls in the state of Utah that we took a close look at.

NumberWaterfallLocationNearby AttractionsAnimals to See
1Battle Creek Falls Grove, UTMount TimpanogosSquirrels, chipmunks
2Bell Canyon FallsSandy, UTSalt Lake ValleyWhite-tailed deer, mountain goats
3Emerald Pools and FallsHurricane, UTZion National ParkMule deer, foxes
4Upper Calf Creek Falls Boulder, UTGrand Staircase–Escalante National MonumentMountain lions, cottontail rabbits
5Lower Calf Creek Falls Boulder, UTGrand Staircase-Escalante National MonumentBurrowing owls, bighorn sheep
6Stewart FallsSundance, UTProvo CanyonDucks, geese
7Provo River FallsKamas, UTUinta MountainsRiver otter, black bears
8Archangel Falls Washington County, UTZion National ParkBeavers, mountain lions
9Adams Canyon WaterfallLayton, UTUinta-Wasatch-Cache National ForestRattlesnakes, elk
10Kanarraville FallsKanarraville, UTKolob CanyonsJackrabbits, Rock Squirrels

The photo featured at the top of this post is © NicholasGeraldinePhotos/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Volia Schubiger is a freelance copywriter and content editor with a passion and expertise in content creation, branding, and marketing. She has a background in Broadcast Journalism & Political Science from CUNY Brooklyn College. When she's not writing she loves traveling, perusing used book stores, and hanging out with her other half.

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