Hiking to Stewart Falls, American Fork Canyon

The Stewart Falls Trail is on private property (owned by Sundance Development Corporation), but Sundance has graciously allowed access to it for the community for hiking as an “unspoken easement for the Forest Service.

They are in the process of deciding if they want to continue access in winter due to the liability involved concerning avalanche danger since so many hikers are not avy-aware.

The best time to hike here is in late Spring through Fall when the snow has melted from the trail and the waterfall is raging. This is a great hike for all levels of hikers since it’s not too long, not too steep, and mostly shaded. Because of this, the trail gets very crowded on weekends.

Arrive early to beat the crowds. This 200 ft waterfall is surrounded by a large rock face, and if you look closely, in Spring you’ll see other small waterfalls near it.

Directions

From SLC head south on I-15 for roughly 30 miles (depending on where you start from). Take exit 272 in Orem, heading East. Drive for 3.7 miles on this road, then veer left for Provo Canyon. Next drive another 6.7 miles, drive through the tunnel, then turn left at the brown sign for Sundance. Go past Sundance for 5 miles, until you reach the fee booth for the Alpine Loop Road.

Just after the fee booth, turn left into the large parking lot. From October to Memorial Day, the fee station is closed, but there is a self-serve fee station in the parking lot. If you are there only to hike, there is only one fee option – the 3-day pass which costs $6. There are restrooms in the parking lot.

Here’s a driving map.

Trail Info

Distance: 4 miles RTElevation gain: 400 ftTime: 1-3 hoursDog friendly? Yes, off leashKid friendly? YesFees/Permits? There is a $10 fee to enter AF Canyon. It’s FREE if you have an annual AF Canyon Pass or annual National Park Pass. No Permits are required.