Escalante, UT - Hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls

Only 5 days left here.  Where did 2 months go?  The hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls is one of the Iconic and most popular hikes in Escalante Grand Staircase National Monument and close to the Town of Escalante.  We have yet to do it.  Decide today is the day as tomorrow starts the weekend and it will be crowded.  We were going to hike early in the morning Friday but after reading some reviews we decide to head out later this afternoon as there is more shade and less people.

We must be crazy as it's 95 degrees, but the temps are just getting higher this week.

It's the usual beautiful drive there

 

We get to our turn off

There were 2 parking spots left in the main trailhead parking area.  It is still a short hike to the trailhead itself.

This is where I discover my camera battery has died in spite of having charged it before leaving.  I took the liberty of getting photos off the internet.

The trailhead

The trail is red sand

Red Rock steps

 and  lots of red rock formations

There are some sunny spots

but quite a few shady spots as well

There are a few spots where Tucson can take a dip in the creek

The hike is through a canyon

The canyon walls are beautiful

and if you look close enough . . .

there are even pictographs

We missed this Granary

As we get closer to the Falls the hike goes through reeds, scrub oak and horsetail.  Much cooler through here

and after just over 2 hours we make it to the Falls

We were told that the water was freezing.  I took off my shoes and waded in and thought it was just right.  A couple young girls touched a foot in and screamed and ran out.  Guess they're not from the Northeast.

Tucson loved it and after swimming and jumping in the water, entertained everyone by running around the water in circles at high speed.  It was pure joy - so sorry I couldn't record it. 

Made it home just before 10 and had celebratory Root Beer Floats