Calf Creek Falls is a great six-mile round-trip hike located along State Highway 12 between the cities of Boulder and Escalante. The trailhead is well marked and includes a large parking area, restrooms and 13-space camping area. I camped here when I visited in March of 2008 and July of 2010, and had enjoyable experiences both times. The spots are all first-come, first serve with a $15 per night ($7 when I visited) fee required. When I first visited in March of 2008, I was one of the only people there, and got a spot under some trees right along Calf Creek. The location was ideal, but the weather was not. I remember shivering through a night that dipped below freezing, and waking up to frozen water in my water bottles. When I camped at the same spot in July of 2010 it was much more pleasant.
The trail to Calf Creek Falls is very well maintained. The first two miles or so are exposed to the sun, but eventually the canyon will begin to narrow and the trail will pass through some trees before arriving at the falls. The falls are very impressive, and there is a large pool at their base with fish swimming in it. If you are there when its warm, the pool and falls make a great place to cool off. Calf Creek Falls is a nice oasis within the vast, expansive desert that surrounds the area.
