5 Breathtaking Waterfall Hikes in Utah (With Fewer Crowds in Winter!)
The Grotto, Payson Canyon
Utah is famous for its stunning landscapes, and its waterfalls are no exception. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly stroll or a more challenging climb, these five waterfall hikes offer a rewarding adventure.
While these trails can be busy in warmer months, visiting in winter provides a quieter, more magical experience—with frozen cascades and fewer crowds. These trails can be icy so don’t forget to pack your microspikes!
Know Before You Go: Avalanche Safety
Some of these hikes pass through or near avalanche terrain. Before heading out, check the Utah Avalanche Center for current conditions and avalanche risks. Signing up for their email alerts can help you stay informed about changing conditions and ensure a safe adventure. Stay safe out there!
Distance: 5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,640 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Tucked away in the mountains above Alpine, Horsetail Falls is a stunning cascade that makes the uphill trek well worth it. The trail climbs through a beautiful forest, offering sweeping valley views. In winter, the falls partially freeze over, creating a breathtaking icy sculpture. The snow-packed trail means fewer hikers, making it a peaceful escape into nature.
2. Stewart Falls (Provo Canyon)
Distance: 3.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 652 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
One of the most popular waterfall hikes in Utah, Stewart Falls is an incredible sight year-round. In summer, the two-tiered waterfall cascades over 200 feet, while in winter, it transforms into a frozen masterpiece. The trail is quieter in the colder months, and if you bundle up with traction spikes, you’ll enjoy a serene hike through snow-dusted aspen groves.
3. Grotto Falls (Payson Canyon)
Distance: 3.20 miles round trip starting from the gate
Elevation Gain: 510 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
During the winter months, the road to the trailhead closes. As you drive up the canyon, you’ll reach a sharp turn in the road—beyond this point, the road is only accessible to snowmobiles. This is where you’ll need to park your car. However, due to the mild winter this year, I was able to drive all the way to the gate before starting my journey to the Grotto.
The hike leads to a unique, cave-like waterfall tucked between rock walls. In summer, it’s a popular, shaded escape, but winter adds an extra layer of magic—icicles hang from the rocks, and the falls often freeze into a beautiful ice formation.
4. Battle Creek Falls (Pleasant Grove)
Distance: 1.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 322 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Battle Creek Falls is a great year-round hike, but winter brings a special kind of beauty. The waterfall can turn into a frozen cascade, and the surrounding cliffs are often dusted with snow. This a perfect family-friendly trail!
Distance: 5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,592 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Bells Canyon Falls is a stunning hike any time of year, but winter transforms it into a peaceful wonderland. The trail starts at the Bells Canyon Reservoir before climbing through a forested canyon to reach the waterfall. In colder months, the falls freeze into dramatic ice formations, making for a breathtaking view.
Why Hike These Waterfalls in Winter?
• Fewer Crowds: Enjoy the solitude of these popular trails without the usual foot traffic.
• Frozen Beauty: Snow and ice transform the waterfalls into stunning, frozen sculptures.
• Cooler Temps: No scorching summer heat—just crisp, fresh air.
• Microspikes Make It Easy: With proper traction, you can safely enjoy the trails without worrying about slipping on ice.
Whether you’re looking for a quick winter escape or a more challenging trek, these Utah waterfall hikes offer an unforgettable experience in any season!