Adam’s Canyon Upper Falls is an impressive waterfall and the main one in the canyon. Two-thirds of the hike there is shady.
If you want to head to the Adam’s Canyon Lower Falls check out this post. If you want to go to both lower and upper, click here. This post is just to the main waterfall, also called the Adam’s Canyon Upper Falls.
This trail begins only a couple blocks off Highway 89. 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 switchbacks and you gain some altitude quickly.
When you reach the top of the hill the trail splits. The right trail makes its way around the corner at a lower elevation than the main trail and heads to the Adam’s Canyon Lower Falls. This could be an alternate destination or a detour on your way to the larger falls. Shortly after there is a bench to rest or take in the city views.
Here are the city views from here.
The Layton Temple is pretty close to the trailhead.
Continue strait along the trail and it temporarily joins the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. Mountain Bikers frequent this section of the trail, so keep and eye out and share the trail.
The part of the trail that intersects with the Bonneville Shoreline trail is short, less than 0.2 miles. After that bikes will no longer be on the trail. The trail turns a corner into the canyon. The path is nice and shady and just to the left of the river.
This trail is gorgeous in the fall.
The trail eventually comes to a bridge where you cross and then the remainder of the hike is on the right side of the river. There are several beautiful smaller waterfalls.
Near the end the trail gets a bit steep.
It would be challenging with children, but it is a popular hike and kids can definitely do it. At the very end you can hear the water, but you can’t see it. You come up along the bottom right of this photo, so you have to come fully around the corner.
You will have to walk across the stream on the rocks to get a better view. I’m actually standing pretty far from the falls. They are 40 feet high, but look shorter since I’m not next to them.
It’s such a beautiful waterfall!
Another nearby hike to check out is Farmington Creek Waterfall and Car Graveyard, Mueller Park, and Elephant Rock. Nearby Farmington Bay and Antelope Island are great for watching wildlife.
Stats:
Distance – 3.8 miles there and back
Approximate hiking time – 2-3 hours
Elevation gain – 1430 feet
Difficulty – Moderate
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks
Bathrooms – None
Seasons to hike – Year Round
Permits needed – None
Pets allowed – Yes
Map to Adam’s Canyon Trailhead
