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As R&B group TLC said in their 1994 hit, "don't go chasing waterfalls" — unless you're looking for a fun and beautiful activity to pass the time with your family this summer, that is.
Hiking to a waterfall is a great way to beat the valley heat and experience the beauty of the Wasatch Mountains while you enjoy a little exercise. This year, Utah's low snowpack levels might impact the force and flow of some of these waterfalls, but it shouldn't diminish the thrill of getting there.
A word of caution is warranted, though. Hiking around waterfalls means slippery footing, so always be extremely careful.
Here are 10 popular waterfall hikes along the Wasatch Front to explore this summer, along with a few tips to make the journey easier.
Donut Falls
With a destination as delicious as its name, Donut Falls up Big Cottonwood Canyon is one of the most popular options on this list. Its close proximity to Salt Lake and relatively short and easy length make this a good pick for families of all ages, according to Tripadvisor reviews.
Hikers recommend waterproof shoes since the last part of the hike goes into a stream. You'll be rewarded with great views and stunning photographs!
Location: Big Cottonwood Canyon
Length: 3.4 miles/1.5 to 2 hours round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Know before you go: No dogs are allowed.
Timpanogos Lower and Upper Falls
This destination is a two-for-one trip. Along the beautiful Alpine Loop, keep an eye out for the Aspen Grove Trailhead, which will lead you to Timpanogos Falls.
The Lower Falls is roughly one mile from the trailhead, with steep, rocky terrain for the first quarter mile before turning into paved switchbacks. From there, it's just an additional quarter mile to the Upper Falls and well worth the effort.
Utah's Adventure Family says the hike is moderately difficult because of the steepness, but doable — even with young kids.
Location: Aspen Grove Trailhead on the Alpine Loop
Length: 2.5 miles/1.5 to 2 hours round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Know before you go: There is a $10 fee for parking at the Aspen Grove Trailhead, which is good for three days.
Adam's Canyon
A Northern Utah classic, Adam's Canyon is a steep and steady climb through the scrub oak that eventually leads to a beautiful, cascading waterfall down the rocky cliffs. It's a more challenging hike than others on this list, so it's best for experienced hikers who don't mind rugged terrain. As one Tripadvisor reviewer wrote, it's "hard, but worth it."
Location: Layton
Length: 3.8 miles/2 to 3 hours round trip
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Know before you go: You gain 1,400 feet of elevation, so hikers recommend leaving early in the morning to avoid the heat of the day.
Bells Canyon
"Steep but rewarding" is a growing theme among some of these popular waterfall hiking trails, and Bells Canyon is no exception. You'll trek through a very rocky incline to reach the lower falls, but you'll get great views of the canyon and city below all along the way.
Location: Sandy
Length: 4.8 miles/3 to 4 hours round trip to Lower Falls
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Know before you go: Parking fills up quickly — especially on weekends and in peak summer months. No dogs allowed.
Stewart Falls
Stewart Falls is a two-tiered, picturesque waterfall on the east side of Mt. Timpanogos that drops about 200 feet. The good news: most of the trail is shady. But if you're in it more for the beauty than the exercise, some people opt to ride the Sundance Resort chair lift and then hike down from there.
Location: Sundance
Length: 3.5 miles/2 to 3 hours round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Know before you go: Since this is on the Alpine Loop, the same $10 fee for three days applies.
Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is that perfect low-effort, high-reward option if you're more concerned about beautiful views than burning calories. This 607-foot double cataract waterfall is one of the most famous and accessible sights in Utah.
Since the trail from the parking lot to the falls is completely paved, you can take strollers, wheelchairs and bicycles right up to the lower part of the falls and start splashing in them without having to walk much at all.
Location: Provo Canyon
Length: 1.4 miles/30 minutes to 1 hour round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Know before you go: The main lower parking lot may be closed for construction, but you can park at the upper lot or at Nunn's Park nearby. Dogs are welcome as long as they're on leashes.
Battle Creek Falls
While the full Battle Creek Falls Trail is a 4-mile slog up the mountain, you only have to go about a mile if you want to see the waterfall. Most of the trail runs along the stream and has a gentle, steady grade, so it's very family-friendly.
Location: Pleasant Grove
Length: 1.2 miles/1 hour round trip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Know before you go: The trailhead and parking lot have recently been closed for construction and may not be open when you arrive, but there's parking nearby.
Horsetail Falls
This one is for hikers who want to push themselves. Horsetail Falls is a rugged uphill climb that winds through dense pine and aspen groves before ending in a 100-foot waterfall. The trail is shaded but rocky and very steep, so leave the little ones at home. On the other hand, the lower snowpack might actually make the stream crossings easier this year.
Location: Alpine
Length: 4.2 miles/3 to 4 hours round trip
Difficulty: Hard
Know before you go: Parking is limited, so go early. This is an off-leash trail, so expect a lot of free-roaming dogs!
Gloria Falls
Tucked away in Little Cottonwood Canyon, you'll find Gloria Falls. The hike starts on White Pine Trail, crossing a wooden bridge before branching off onto an unmaintained trail that follows the Red Pine Fork stream. The waterfall cascades over granite in a shady forest setting, so it's definitely worth the walk.
Location: Little Cottonwood Canyon
Length: 2.3 miles/1 to 2 hours round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Know before you go: There's a $10 fee for parking, unless you have a National Parks pass. No dogs are allowed in the canyon.
Rocky Mouth Falls
If you're looking for one of the most family-friendly hikes around, Utah's Adventure Family puts Rocky Mouth Falls at the top of their list.
This unique trail actually begins at a parking lot on Wasatch Boulevard in Sandy before climbing a set of wooden stairs that lead to a residential neighborhood sidewalk and back into a shaded canyon slot. It's less than a mile round-trip, and you get a pretty 40-foot waterfall to look at when you reach the end.
Location: Sandy
Length: 0.8 miles/30 minutes round tri
Difficulty: Easy
Know before you go: The parking lot only fits about six cars and you can't park on residential streets. Dogs are also not allowed.
Hike safely
Weather conditions and water levels can change quickly, so always check the forecast and any information about these trails before you head out the door.
And don't forget your sunscreen, water and good hiking boots — especially waterproof ones if you plan to get wet.
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