Gordon Creek Falls, Utah

Hiking Gordon Creek Falls, Utah

Gordon Creek Falls is a short hike to a waterfall located in Central Utah. The trail is pretty straight forward down a service road before revealing the falls. Gordon Creek Falls is a small waterfall with access to many parts around the top and fall. The trail is mostly easy with some steep sections.

Getting started

If you ever find yourself taking the long drive from Salt Lake to Moab you have probably driven near Gordon Creek Falls without knowing. About 12 miles off of US-191 down some dirt roads you can find the trailhead that is really nothing more than a wide spot in the dirt road. The area is has a lot of open space and what looked like a factory and a train track but not much else. After finding the trailhead and starting to walk down the service road is when the hike really takes off.

In late June the trail was much different than the surrounding brown hills. It was full of plant life, tall mesas and stunning small canyons. The further down the road I got the more I enjoyed it.

The Winding Road

The trail to the Gordon Creek Falls is really more of a service road that winds through the canyon. It is wide and easy to follow along but does get steep at times. The main dip into the canyon has a 13% grade to it and a 13% grade getting out. There are some areas of deep ruts but otherwise the road is pretty even and a bit rocky. It really isn’t too challenging other than the steep section and the fact that it is exposed to the elements and can get really hot!

What impressed me the most about the area was just how green it was on my trip near the end of June. While the surrounding area was very barren, the inner canyon was full of blooming cactus, trees and bushes and even some grasses that made it feel like an oasis of sorts. Even the surrounding hills were covered in green flora.

About a mile into the hike you can start to hear and see the Gordon Falls. In the picture below you can see the water in the center of the frame. It dips down to the creek bed below and out of sight through a steeper slot canyon. It really builds up the anticipation for the remaining bit of the hike to make it to the falls.

Gordon Creek Falls

Gordon Creek Falls is really cool when you make it. The falls run off of a small creek and a have a couple of tiers. The main drop is about 10 feet before the water pools a bit and then runs down the rock face for the second fall. There were a few people there when I got there and they were playing in the creek and had climbed down the rock to be under the first fall and it looked really fun.

The top section before the fall is also really nice. There are several layers of slate rock that makes for great spots to sit. The rocks can also be used for access down to the water. Gordon Creek wasn’t very deep and was moving at a good clip but nothing like white water. Across from the falls was a steep rock wall that made for great views all around the creek. I have added some of these to the gallery below.

I was really surprised by how enjoyable Gordon Creek Falls was. It is a smaller fall than some I have seen but having access and the amazing valley around it made it one of the more enjoyable falls to spend time at. There was another family there when I visited but I am guessing this is an area that you can have a bit of solitude as well.

Video of Hiking Gordon Creek Falls

I have put this time-lapse video together of the hike to Gordon Creek Falls so other hikers can get a feel of what the hike is like. If you enjoy this video make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel. It is free to subscribe and you will get the latest outdoor content.

Distance and Elevation

If you don’t have the AllTrails app you might want to check it out, I really love mine. It records your progress and is a great way to search for hikes that are nearby. Plus, it gives you difficulty measurements. According to AllTrails today’s hike was around 2.48 miles and had a total elevation gain of about 253 feet including undulations. That put the high point at around 6,316 feet. I was also moving for a total of 1 hour.

I am a Pro member of Alltrails and love it. If you are interested in the platform, please consider using my affiliate link for AllTrails. It gives me a small commission with no extra cost to you.

Effort

While there is nothing technically challenging about this hike, it is just on a dirt road, there are a couple of steep sections that can be difficult. The trail to the Gordon Creek Falls also is really exposed to the weather so you will want to make sure you have protection from sun and wind and plenty of water with you.

This is a short trail and the elevation gain comes in short bursts so most people would consider it easy but for some the conditions and hills could make it a bit more of a moderate hike. There is also a bit of a stream crossing during certain seasons so that is something to keep in mind.

Terrain

The terrain is really pretty simple. A wide dirt service road takes you to the falls. In the wet season there was a small stream that crossed the road that needed to be crossed by either a small downed tree or by getting your feet wet. Otherwise a very straight forward hike.

Access to Gordon Creek Falls

Gordon Creek Falls Trailhead is located about 12 miles off of US-191 on Gordon Creek Road after taking Trestle. The parking lot is only a wider section of road and has room for about 6 cars. There are no restroom facilities at the trailhead or water.

Wrapping up the hike at Gordon Creek Falls

Wow! I was both surprised and happy after my hike to Gordon Creek Falls. There isn’t much around the area and the drive to the trailhead was a bit dusty and barren but my hike was anything but. The valley was full of life and green trees and bushes all over. It made the hike really enjoyable even though it was just on a service road.

The Falls were also really enjoyable. A lazy river that led to a vertical drop that pooled for a bit before sliding down a rockface. It was such a calm and enjoyable area and I had a great time, although not as much as the family that was swimming and playing in the falls. I was just driving through and didn’t have the time to get in but I think I will have to schedule another trip to this little gem!

I have added this hike and all of my hikes to my interactive map page that you can find here. If you have a suggestion or comment you can email me at fatmanlittletrails@gmail.com. Or follow me on any of the below social media platforms. Happy Hiking!

Gallery of Gordon Creek Falls