Hiking Lower Calf Creek Falls and Zebra Slot Canyon in Utah (Bonus UTV ride on Monroe mountain)
Day 1
Road trip
Kona and I took a 4-day holiday weekend and decided to turn it into an adventure across southern Utah. Our first day was about getting off work and road tripping from northern Utah down to southern Utah’s escalante area. We arrived late at night in time to eat a campfire meal and get some sleep near the trailhead.
Day 2
Hiking Lower Calf Creek Falls in Utah
Watch the video to come along with Kona and I as we attempt to hike to the iconic Lower Calf Creek Falls, shimmy our way through Zebra Slot Canyon, and then ride a UTV up to the top of Monroe Mountain.
This is the view you will enjoy within the first few steps of the hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls.
The Lower Calf Creek Falls trail provides stunning views the whole way in.
As you approach Lower Calf Creek Falls.. you begin to hear and see the water from afar. The amazement you feel will make this trip worth the time, drive, and hike it took to get there.
The size of the Lower Calf Creek Falls is higher up or taller than any camera can capture and portray. My favorite part is how loud yet soothing the sound is of the water crashing down over the rock wall and constantly colliding into the bottom pool of water.
The sound “bath” you are in.. will have you wanting to stay awhile.
After enjoying the hike to the falls.. Kona and I hoped back on the iconic Scenic Byway 12.
When you are driving along Scenic Byway 12 in Utah, make sure to stop at Kiva Koffeehouse. This local gem is worth the stop, every time.
Kiva Koffeehouse has an outdoor patio that provides the most picturesque view — and you get to slowly sip quality coffee while taking in the view of the Grand staircase - Escalante National Monument scenery.
Since it was mid-day and hot.. I enjoyed their medium roast house coffee as an iced coffee. Their cafe latte is also a great option.
Most coffee shops just focus on the coffee and provide mediocre “snacks” when it comes to food options. Kiva Koffeehouse is going to impress you with their food menu. They provide food that counts as an actual lunch. Their wraps, burritos, and salads are worth it.
I caved and gave in for enjoying some raspberry scones with my iced coffee.
ps, their outdoor seating is dog friendly. And I think Kona enjoyed the relaxing pause after hiking all morning.
Hiking Zebra Slot Canyon in Utah
Since we started the hike to the falls bright and early in the morning.. we still had plenty of sunlight left in the day.
So Kona and I chose to make the short drive to the Zebra Slot Canyon trailhead. Why not get a slot canyon hike in on the same day of a waterfall hike!
When you hike in to Zebra Slot Canyon you will absolutely want to be hydrated. This desert area can get really hot and take everything out of you.
So down a bottle of water (with electrolytes) in it at the trailhead. Then carry a good amount of water in with you that you can sip on during the slot canyon and have during your hike out.
You will hike a few miles through terrain that looks like the movie set of a good western film.
That stroll will fly by and before you know it…
You will begin entering the Zebra Slot Canyon.
It can feel like a tight squeeze and will require some effort to shimmy up this slot canyon…
AND — I promise that you can do it (if you want to).
Now, when it comes to taking your dog with you on the Zebra Slot Canyon hike.. let me see if I can make this clear:
Yes, you can take your dog on this hike…
IF:
- Your pup is not a really wide and heavy dog
- You know that YOU will absolutely have to pick up your dog in a few spots and help them move up and along the slot canyon.
If you can not pick your dog up from one side of your body and life them up and over your shoulders, to then set them down on the other side of your body.. you do not want to take your dog.
You will see in this video that Kona was able to hike up 95% of Zebra Slot Canyon on her own. I did have to help lift her up a rock wall ledge once and then lift her up and carry her for a few feet in another spot.
Note, that Kona’s size and weight is why I chose to do this hike with her. She is blue heller and border collie mix. I would not have done it if she was a dog twice her size and weight.
Day 3
Easter with the family
We were bless to be able to make it, in time, to where my family was meeting up for Easter. It was nice to have a day doing less and being with family.
Day 4
UTV ride up Monroe Mountain in Utah
One of my favorite human beings is my nephew. We got to take a UTV and ride up all the way to the top of Monroe Mountain. This made for the best last day of my 4-day weekend adventure.
1st Phorm fuels our adventures ⛰️
Taken at start of activity:
- 1st Phorm Project-1 Pro pre-workout
- 1st Phorm Hydration Sport electrolytes
- 1st Phorm Creatine
Enjoyed during activity:
Taken at midway or end of activity:
- 1st Phorm Phormula-1 Whey Protein Isolate
- 1st Phorm Collagen Natural
- 1st Phorm Ignition glycogen replenishment
