Hot Posts

6/recent/ticker-posts

⛰️ The Worthy Challenge: A Hiker's Guide to Lost Creek Falls

Shauna June 05, 2020

⛰️ The Worthy Challenge: A Hiker's Guide to Lost Creek Falls

The beautiful and unique Z-shaped Lost Creek Falls cascading down a rocky cliff in Provo Canyon, Utah.
The beautiful, hard-won view of Lost Creek Falls.

Some trails make you earn the view, and Lost Creek Falls in Provo Canyon is one of them. This is a hike about persistence. The first couple of times I attempted it, the trail was so faint that I never found the real waterfall. But the promise of what was hidden up the steep canyon, and the incredible views of Bridal Veil Falls across the way, kept calling me back. This is a hike that demands your attention with its steep climbs, tricky stream crossings, and rugged terrain. But the reward—standing at the base of the unique, Z-shaped falls while looking down on the now tiny Bridal Veil—is a phenomenal accomplishment that makes every challenging step worth it.

⚠️ Know Before You Go: A Steep & Rugged Trail

This is not a casual stroll. The trail is steep, rocky, and can be hazardous in certain conditions. Please be prepared.

  • ♦️ STEEP & UNFORGIVING: The trail gains over 1,000 feet in a short distance. It is a fantastic workout but requires sturdy footwear and a good level of fitness. Hiking poles are highly recommended for stability.
  • ♦️ SPRING CONDITIONS: In early spring or high-snow years, the trail can be covered by a dangerous avalanche chute. The snow can hide the river flowing beneath it. Spikes/crampons are essential in these conditions, and you must stay to the sides of the snowfield, away from the hidden river channel.
  • ♦️ STREAM CROSSINGS: Be prepared to get your feet wet. The trail crosses the creek multiple times, and the "bridges" are often just rocks or logs.

🗺️ Adventure at a Glance

  • 🏞️ Location: Provo Canyon, Utah (across from Bridal Veil Falls)
  • 🥾 Hike: Lost Creek Falls Trail
  • 📏 Distance: Approx. 2.8 miles round trip.
  • 📈 Elevation Gain: About 1,100 feet.
  • ⏱️ Time to Complete: 2.5 - 3.5 hours
  • ⭐ Shauna's Rating: 💎💎💎💎💎 (5 out of 5 Diamonds)

A TINY PLANET VIEW OF LOST CREEK FALLS

Get a unique, spinning perspective of this incredible, hard-to-reach waterfall and the rugged canyon it calls home.

🥾 The Journey: Earning the Dual Waterfall View

The Relentless Climb

The hike starts just across the road from the famous Bridal Veil Falls and wastes no time heading straight up the mountain. It's steep enough to be a great workout, requiring you to take a few breaks. But this is where the magic begins. With every break, you turn around to a new, more spectacular view. You watch as the magnificent Bridal Veil Falls across the canyon gets smaller and smaller, a stunning perspective that few people ever get to see.

Bridal Veil from Lost Creek Falls Trail Provo
The incredible view of Bridal Veil Falls from the trail.
Views of Bridal Veil Falls from Lost Creek Falls Trail
Views of Bridal Veil Falls from Lost Creek Falls Trail

Finding the "Lost" Falls

While the trail is much better now than it used to be, it still requires some route-finding. You'll crisscross the stream, scramble over rocks, and navigate some obstacles. After you pass a couple of sections of dripping rock walls, the trail gets tricky. It climbs up and to the left, forcing you to shimmy around a final, large boulder. Just when you think you might be lost again, you make that final move, and the falls reveal themselves. It's a fantastic finish-line moment!

💡 Pro-Tips & Trail Guide

  • ♦️ Parking: Park in the small lot on the north side of the road directly across from the main Bridal Veil Falls area. You'll need to be heading west (down canyon) to access it.
  • ♦️ Gear is Essential: Good hiking shoes with grip are a must. I strongly recommend hiking poles for stability on the steep sections and for testing your footing at stream crossings. Bring spikes if there's any chance of snow or ice.
  • ♦️ Finding the Trailhead: From the parking lot, walk west through the gate and look for a service road heading north (up the mountain). After a short distance, the trail splits. The path to the right goes to lower viewpoints of Bridal Veil; you want to go straight up.
  • ♦️ The Golden Nugget: Don't forget to look behind you! The ever-changing, panoramic views of Bridal Veil Falls and Cascade Mountain are half the reward of this incredible hike.

Provo Canyon Waterfalls

Provo Canyon offers an abundance of lovely waterfalls.  If you enjoyed this option, make sure you also check out of course Bridal Veil (Be careful if you hike up it many have died on that trail!) Bride's Maid Falls (Head southwest out of main parking lot), Upper Falls (East of Bridal Veil about 1 mile).  They are fun to explore them all.  This fun short and then immersive video has a fun showcase of them all.

⭐ Final Thoughts

Lost Creek Falls is a hike that perfectly embodies the spirit of adventure. It demands effort, persistence, and a willingness to navigate a rugged path. In return, it offers solitude, a unique and beautiful waterfall, and some of the most phenomenal views in all of Provo Canyon. It's a challenging but deeply rewarding experience that I can't recommend enough for seasoned hikers looking for their next accomplishment.

Sending Love and Positive Vibes,

Shauna from VRGetaway



Shauna

Posted by Shauna