Hiking to Salt Creek Canyon Falls Girl on a Hike

Hiking to Salt Creek Canyon Falls

Salt Creek Canyon Falls is a family-friendly hike in the Mt.Nebo Wilderness that even dogs can hike to! It’s great for all ages, making this a popular hike in summer.

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About

You won’t find solitude here, however, playing in the water is very refreshing! The trail is only 1.5 miles to reach the falls so it’s a great quick hike if you’re short on time; if you have all or half a day, then bring your backpacking chair, drinks, sunblock, and hang out for awhile! Be aware that ranchers do run their cattle up here randomly and therefore cow patties are often present. This trail does get hot, but if you plan to play in the water it’s not that bad. Just bring plenty of water to drink.

Directions

Drive South on I-15 and take exit 225 in Nephi, UT. Turn left and drive 5 miles, then turn left again for Salt Creek Drive/Nebo Scenic Loop Road. Drive 3.3 miles and turn left again at the signed Bear Canyon Campground. Drive to the very end and park at the gate, where there is a sign for the Salt Creek Trail.

Here is a driving map.

Trail Info

Distance: 3 miles RT

Elevation gain: 350 ft

Time: 1-2 hours, depending on how long you stay

Dog friendly? Yes, off leash

Kid friendly? Yes, all ages

Fees/Permits? None

Drive to the very end of the campground, where there is a gate and a trail sign for Salt Creek. There is parking in front of the gate (do not block the campsite parking spot).

It’s was girls day out! Quickly pass the Mt.Nebo Wilderness sign.

Half of the trail is exposed and gets hot quickly. It’s also sandy, so make sure your dogs’ paws don’t get too hot.

Pass a cool limestone rock to your right.

Ahh, a shady section of trail.

If you cross this “bridge” you went too far. We accidentally passed the falls on our way up.

Around 1.4 miles look for this small side trail leading off to the left (West). You will have just crossed a stream bed – on my Gaia GPS map its labeled as “Middle Basin”, not Salt Creek, to the left (East). For us, it was dry, therefore misleading us in the wrong direction. Earlier in the year it will be flowing, and is much easier to know when to turn.

Reach Salt Creek Canyon Falls in 1.5 miles! What a great day to soak up the sun and the last warm days of August! This waterfall seems to be about 10 ft tall, with a longer section of falls above it.