Dripping Rock Falls is a fun little gem in Spanish Fork. The trail begins across the street from The Oaks Golf Club. It is the paved path that heads east from the middle of the parking lot that says “No Carts” or the one further north. those two join near the beginning. The paved path is a great place to walk and is stroller-friendly and wheelchair accessible.
There is a rock wall that goes along the right side of the path. When it ends, look down the left towards the river. It’s hard to see from the path, but down there is Dripping Rock Falls. Climb down carefully and you can play in the cold water. It is nice and shady down there, so it’s most popular in the afternoons. There is also some clay that kids can “paint” with.
I would love to know for certain where the water comes from. Is there a spring nearby? Is the rock porous and is that rainwater making it’s way through? Either way it’s beautiful and a fun place to play.
If you head back up to path and continue another 2-3 minutes, you will find a bridge. If you climb down under the bridge you will find some swings! It’s just over a foot deep under the swings, so they might get their shorts wet if they aren’t wearing swim wear. There is also a tiny waterfall behind the bridge. The pathway does continue if you prefer to walk farther.
This year (2021) the drought has made the water levels lower. The swings were removed and the lower water had picked up more of the clay, to give it a muddy look. My kids still had the time of their lives! They so much fun swimming and playing in the mud, ha, ha!
In 2022 the water is clearer again, but the swings aren’t there. The kids had so much fun playing in the water!
There is another cool spot with some dripping water a little closer to the parking lot. Right next to the bench there is a a steeper path down. This photo shows us climbing back up.
On a side note, this trail is only an 8 minute drive from the Shri Shri Radha Krishna Temple, which is pretty awesome to visit. It feels like a little piece of India here in Utah and has some beautiful architecture. You may choose to add this stop in before or after visiting Dripping Rock Falls.
The Lotus Temple has a little animal area with llamas, alpacas, peacocks, and parrots.
It is free to explore the Shri Shri Radha Krishna Temple on your own or to get a tour from 10-7 on most days. They also have a little gift shop and a vegetarian Indian restaurant. They requested no photos be taken in the temple, but only on the outside.
Red Ledges and Diamond Fork Arch, and Escalante Cross are also nearby and will make you feel like you are in Southern Utah!
Stats: Distance – 0.7 miles there and back
Approximate hiking time – 30-90 minutes
Elevation gain – 19 feet
Difficulty – Easy
Trail – paved and then scramble over rocks
Bathrooms – None
Seasons to hike – Year Round
Permits needed – None
Pets allowed – Yes
