CALF CREEK FALLS
One of the most unique features in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Trail follows Calf Creek to the 126-foot high lower falls. The brochure says it's 6 miles round trip. However, our trail GPS totaled 7.5 miles. None of the Utah trail guides have been correct on their mileage.

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The majority of the trail is in sugar sand, which is strenuous walking. Lots of up and down the hills that are well above the creek bed.
 
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Great brochure explaining the 14 marked interpretive stops along the way. Across the canyon could see pictograph of three figures painted with red pigment that are typical of Fremont-style rock art.

GEOLOGY LESSON: The dark vertical striping on canyon walls, called desert varnish, results from the activity of living organisms. Planetary scientists suspect that desert varnish may also exist on Mars.
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After 2.5 hours of walking, finally reached the falls about noon. Walking in the cold water felt so good after the hot walk. Spent over an hour enjoying a picnic lunch at this beautiful spot and talking with people. By 1:00 there was no sun on the falls; glad we did this in the morning.
  
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The return was more shaded and a nice breeze so it wasn't as bad as we thought it might be since temperatures get in the upper 80's by late afternoon. Our total time here was 6 hours; we are definitely slow walkers--everyone passes us.

The falls are spectacular and so is the mountain scenery along the way with lots of blooming flowers adding to the beauty. MUST DO trail if in this area.