Upper Calf Creek - West

Trip:

Utah 08

Date:

26 September 2008

Location

United States

37° 50' 32.8488" N, 111° 26' 55.3632" W

See map: Google Maps

GW Rating:

Hell Yeah

Calf Creek provides the biggest return on investment of all the hiking near Boulder, UT. It has two impressive waterfalls, it cuts a beautiful canyon, and it runs through some of the hardest landscape in the country. On our recent trip out, we made a return hike to the Upper Calf Creek falls.

We stopped in Burr Trail Trading Post in Boulder in the morning to coffee-up before setting of on our day hike - Deer Lake on Boulder Mountain. During the caffeination, we discovered our barista to be a local guide. "It's muzzle-loading season on the mountain, so make sure you wear bright clothing," he advised. As we attempted to wrap our heads around the muzzle-loading part, we decided that regardless our planned hike might not be the best idea. We were going to hike upper Calf Creek later in the week, but now sounded good. When I mentioned that we were going to hike in from the west, he was very displeased. The popular and easy trail to the upper falls is from the east, right off of rt 12 near the Hogsback. We hike this trail the last time we were in Boulder. But I had read on Toms Canyoneering Guide that one could hike in from the west -- a longer and more difficult route. "I wish he wouldn't give away all of our secrets. He should leave some things for the local guides."

As for the hike itself, having a guide would have been a help. There are no trails - it's just solid sandstone - and precious few cairns to lead you. So you just wayfind over the rocky landscape - aiming for landmarks and just figuring it out. Because of the wayfinding, it took longer than I anticipated - not that it mattered.

But it is a wonderful hike. The Navajo sandstone has a rhythm and a texture that I always find intriguing and beautiful. And after starting on such an arid and harsh landscape, you descend into the green and lush Calf Creek. Go upstream by just walking in the creek (we didn't and we should have). You can marvel at the 88 foot waterfall, then climb back out to the desert. And then keep climbing until you return to your car at McGath Point. You'll get there exhausted but happy.

This is definitely a recommended hike, but make sure you have a topo map, gps, and a hearty sense of direction before attempting.

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