The Lower Adam’s Canyon Waterfall is a fairly short hike with a beautiful reward in Layton, Utah!
Adam’s Canyon Trailhead
This trailhead is just off Highway 89 in Layton, Utah. The trail begins just south of the parking lot, to the left of the fence that goes around a retention pond. The path here is very sandy and has a number of about ten switchbacks, so you gain altitude quickly. This can be tough on kids (or even adults), but there are a few spots to rest.
Directions to Lower Falls
When you reach the top of the hill the trail splits. Just after it is a bench, so if you see the bench, head on the trail to the right to the Adam’s Canyon Lower Falls. (Straight would take you to the Adam’s Canyon Upper Falls.)
This trail to the lower falls is narrower and heads downhill around the corner.
The trail hugs the mountainside and then heads down to the falls.
The falls are visible when you get close. To actually get to them, you have to scramble down, but most people can do it. The first is looking down at the falls and the second photo is from near the falls, looking up at the trail.
The falls are around 20 feet high. Even on Halloween they were flowing well, but are even stronger in the summer.
When you are done, scramble back up to the trail. As you walk around, you get some nice views.
Hike back up to the bench to rest or take in the city views.
Here are the city views from here.
The Layton Temple is only about 1.6 miles the trailhead, so you can see it well from the trail. You can also see how dried up the Great Salt Lake is right now due to drought.
Other nearby hikes to check out are Farmington Creek Waterfall and Car Graveyard, Mueller Park, and Elephant Rock. Nearby Farmington Bay and Antelope Island are great for watching wildlife.
Stats to Lower Falls:
Distance – 1.4 miles there and back
Approximate hiking time – 45-90 minutes
Elevation gain – 370 feet
Difficulty – Moderate
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks (a little section of scrambling at end)
Bathrooms – None
Seasons to hike – Year Round
Permits needed – None
Pets allowed – Yes
Map to Adam’s Canyon Trailhead
