Calf Creek Recreation Area Guide
Oasis in the Desert: Relax and Explore at Calf Creek Recreation Area Guide
Calf Creek Recreation Area is a desert oasis offering a variety of outdoor activities and stunning scenery. Located along Calf Creek, this area provides a welcome respite from the arid landscape of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. With its lush vegetation, cool waters, and towering sandstone cliffs, Calf Creek Recreation Area is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and picnicking. It's the perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of southern Utah. The Calf Creek area has a long history of human habitation, dating back to the Fremont culture, who inhabited the area from around 600 to 1300 AD. They utilized the creek for irrigation and built granaries in the canyon walls to store their crops. Later, Mormon pioneers settled in the area, establishing farms and orchards. The recreation area itself was developed in the mid-20th century to provide access to the natural beauty of Calf Creek and its surrounding landscape. Visitors to Calf Creek Recreation Area can enjoy a variety of activities. The most popular activity is hiking to Lower Calf Creek Falls (described above). The recreation area also offers camping at a developed campground with restrooms and picnic tables. Fishing is permitted in Calf Creek, and birdwatching is a popular pastime. The area is also a great place to simply relax and enjoy the scenery. While there are no specific culinary traditions within the recreation area, nearby towns offer a range of dining options.
Transportation
From Escalante, drive east on Highway 12 for approximately 15 miles. Turn left onto the signed Calf Creek Recreation Area road. Follow the road for about 2 miles to the recreation area. Parking can be limited, especially during peak season, so arrive early. There is no public transportation directly to the recreation area.
Ticket Price
$5 per vehicle day-use fee. Camping fees apply.