Four Winter Waterfall Hikes in Utah
I love hiking in the winter! In this post, I’ll be telling you about four of my favorite frozen waterfall hikes in Northern Utah. Make sure to check the weather as well as snow coverage before doing any of these hikes as the conditions will determine what gear you will need and whether or not it’s safe to go. If attempting any of these hikes in winter, come prepared with snowshoes, hiking poles, and microspikes or crampons in additional to all your other winter hiking gear.
1. Stewart Falls
- Closest town: Orem, UT
- Trailhead: Stewart Falls Trailhead
- Distance: 4 miles round trip
- Dog Friendly
Details: Parking at this trailhead does require a $6 fee for a 3 day pass (a National Park Pass won’t work). The trail is easy to follow and self explanatory. It does get steep at the end near the waterfall, so make sure to have spikes if needed for ice. It’s crucial that you check avalanche conditions (use Utah Avalanche Center) for the area before doing this hike because it does have slopes that experience avalanches. Photos don’t even do this hike justice; this waterfall is even more beautiful when it’s frozen, in my opinion! Be careful to not get too close to the waterfall as the ice could be unstable or dangerous.
2. Horsetail fails
- Closest town: Alpine, UT
- Trailhead: Dry Creek Canyon Trailhead
- Distance: 5 miles round trip
- Dog Friendly
Details: Like Stewart Falls, this trail also passes through potential avalanche terrain. Make sure to check conditions via Utah Avalanche Center. The trail is wide most of the way up, but pretty steep! Once you’re close to the waterfall, there will be a small side trail on the left that will take you to a viewpoint towards the bottom of the falls- keep your eyes open for it! This waterfall is beautiful but you definitely earn it with some elevation gain!
3. Adam’S canyon waterfall
- Closest town: Kaysville, UT
- Trailhead: Adam’s Canyon Trail
- Distance: 4 miles round trip
- Dog Friendly
Details: This is a beautiful hike! It can be steep and slippery in spots during winter, but it’s well worth it. I’ve actually never been to this spot in the summer because I love its winter vibes so much. This trail can be busy on the weekends but if you can go on a weekday, you just might have it to yourself!
4. waterfall canyon
- Closest town: Ogden, UT
- Trailhead: 29th Street Trailhead
- Distance: 2.5 miles round trip
- Dog Friendly
Details: Like Adam’s Canyon, I’m sure this waterfall is beautiful in the summer time but it’s absolutely STUNNING when it’s frozen. This might be my favorite frozen waterfall hike of them all. The scale of this 200 foot waterfall is sure to blow you away. Enjoy this magical spot!
As always, be prepared and be extra safe when winter hiking. Make sure to check conditions before you go!
As aways, please practice Leave No Trace and leave this beautiful place better than you found it!