Hiking to Adam's Canyon Waterfall

Nestled into the end of the canyon, and surrounded by trees and rock, Adam’s Canyon Waterfall is 40 ft tall. It’s a very scenic trail, as it weaves its way along the stream, where dogs can play and you can dip your feet in when its hot outside. This is a great hike year-round and gets crowded by mid-morning. Set your alarm clock so you can get up early early to enjoy the falls alone. In Summer expect to pass literally 100 people or more.

Winter is a great time to go since fewer people hike here, but you’ll want to check avalanche danger before going. Since you will be hiking in a somewhat narrow canyon, the threat of a major slide is possible. Also, make sure you have the 4 Must Hike Items for Winter Hiking before heading out!

Directions

From SLC drive north on I-15, and take exit 394 to merge onto US-89 North. After exiting, drive 6.2 miles and take exit 109. Turn right at the top of the ramp, then an immediate left. The trailhead parking is on both sides of N Eastside Dr E. Here’s a driving map.

Trail Info

Distance: 3.7 miles RT

Elevation gain: 1400 ft

Time: 3-4 hours

Dog friendly? Yes, off leash

Kid friendly? Yes

Fees/Permits? None

This is the start of the hike, take the stairs in the South East corner of the parking lot. Walk along the chain link fence heading East, then start working up the switchbacks.

The first 20 minutes of the hike will involve hiking up these switchbacks, along the wood fence.

The trail levels out briefly, and Adam’s Canyon Waterfall comes into view. At the first trail split, stay right. Even though it was blue skies and sunny, it sure was cold! Charlie loves his Ruffwear Powder Hound jacket. He typically only needs to wear it when it’s under 25F.

Entering the canyon! Back to the cold in the shade.

Stay left at the 2nd trail split.

Several small hills will get your heart pumping.

I love how the sun in winter lights up the ridgeline to the North!

Around mile 1.5, there is a bridge. However, it was overflowing with water and it wasn’t frozen enough for me to cross. I looked for another way to cross…

So instead, I hiked up and around the big boulder on the left, and found these two logs to cross on. It seems like a popular spot to cross, as a few handholds have been screwed in with small wood blocks. This is looking back and what I just crossed. It looks bad but it was easy with the handholds.