⚡ The Quick Scoop
The Vibe: Unexpected detours, vibrant wildflowers, and peaceful waterfalls.
Must See: The incredible wildflower fields on the 2-mile approach!
The Inspiration: Finding the good in a frustrating situation and being grateful for the journey.
Shauna's Rating: 💎💎💎💎💎 (5 out of 5 Diamonds!)
Sometimes, a hike teaches you a lesson you didn't know you needed. I arrived at one of my favorite trailheads only to find it packed with people, so I decided to finally track down the elusive Three Falls Trail.
My initial search was met with frustration—new mansions and "No Hikers" signs seemed determined to block access. I finally found the new, official trailhead, which added a long two-mile walk just to get to the start. But as I hiked, my frustration melted away, replaced by awe. The forced journey took me through one of the most incredible wildflower displays I have ever seen. It was a powerful reminder to find the good in every situation and to be grateful for the unexpected path.
👇 Choose Your Path
A Tale of Two Hikes
The first time I tackled this trail solo in early spring, the extra two-mile reroute had me grumbling a little. But the stunning spring wildflowers and the views along the way quickly won me over.
A few months later, I brought Todd and my hiking buddy back. By then, the gorgeous flowers were gone, the summer heat had set in, and Todd was battling serious foot pain. Let me tell you, the grumbling was real! They had a hard time finding the joy in hiking 7 miles to a destination that sits right next to a private road we weren't allowed to drive on! LOL.
Beautiful purple lupine flowers with the Alpine Mountains in the background (Spring vibes!).
Finding the Blessing
The beauty of this hike truly began once I chose to see the long walk not as an obstacle, but as an opportunity. After hiking for so long only to arrive at a road right next to the waterfalls, it’s easy to feel like, "This is lame!" and forget how lovely the journey was.
It reminded me of Corrie ten Boom and her sister, Betsie, in the concentration camps. When moved to a bunkhouse infested with fleas, instead of despairing, Betsie saw it as a blessing: the guards wouldn't come inside, leaving them free to hold their bible studies in peace.
On this trail, instead of focusing on the frustrating end, I chose to be grateful for the amazing beauty of the long walk. The early wildflowers were wonderful, and it was a powerful lesson in finding the good in a "crap situation."
The Mystery of the Three Waterfalls
After the beautiful approach, you finally reach the main event. Unlike the roaring, deafening falls of Horsetail up the road, these waterfalls are medium-sized, incredibly pretty, and have that perfect, relaxing sound that isn't too overpowering.
📖 Shauna's Journal: The Missing Third Fall
"So, the trail is called 'Three Falls.' The first is a lovely multi-tiered cascade. The second is a powerful plunge. But the third? I hiked a long ways past the second big waterfall, and the trail was pretty dry and seemed to be heading away from the river. I even tried verifying on Google Maps and couldn't find one! My official verdict: I think they are counting the first multi-tiered area as Falls 1 & 2, making the big plunge Fall 3! Let me know if you ever find another one up higher!"
The stunning second waterfall on the Three Falls Trail.
The Lone Peak Mountain Range soaring above the trail.
🌟 The Golden Nugget
Don't Miss This: Embrace the long walk from the new parking lot! While it's tempting to be frustrated by the distance, the roughly two-mile approach in May and early June is a destination in itself. It is one of my top 5 favorite wildflower trails, offering breathtaking fields of color and stunning views of the Lone Peak mountains that you would completely miss otherwise. The journey is the reward here.
Trail Guide & Field Notes
🗺️ Adventure at a Glance
- Activity: Waterfall & Wildflower Hiking.
- Shauna's Rating: 💎💎💎💎💎 (5/5 Diamonds)
- Can't-Miss Sights: The stunning waterfalls, incredible wildflower fields (May/June), and Lone Peak views.
💡 Helpful Trail Hints
- Parking is Key: You MUST park at the new, official "Three Falls Trailhead." The neighborhood closer to the falls has "No Hikers" signs everywhere and is not public access. The parking lot is small, so go early.
- Best Time to Go: May and Early June are the sweet spot for the best combination of powerful waterfall flow and spectacular wildflowers.
- Watch for Bikes: This is a really good trail for miles and miles, which makes it very popular for mountain bikers. They are happy to share, but you need to be listening and paying attention to them coming up or down!
- Gear Up: Take it from Todd's foot pain—wear good shoes for the 7 miles! Also, a stick or tripod for your camera helps capture the best waterfall angles.
🚷 The "Bodily Harm" Trail
Closer to the falls, you'll see some amusingly ominous signs for a well-loved trail leading to "Bodily Harm." When I saw that sign, I broke out laughing! It perfectly fit the whole aura of the area: "We are building mansions right here, and we don't want you hikers coming anywhere close to our homes. LOL!"
The map below is a recording of my trail, showing how it zigzags along the mountain and crosses the road up close to the end.
Views to the Three Falls
Experience the beauty of this trail, from the vibrant wildflowers on the approach to the power of the waterfalls themselves. See why the long walk is so worth it!
The First Falls
The Second Falls
The Early Days of 360
If you follow my channel, you know I love the challenge of throwing on a costume and jumping into a green screen to create a whole new magical world. But this video is a little time capsule!
🎬 Creator's Corner & Studio Secrets
Back to Basics: I filmed this hike in my early days of 360 VR, long before I started doing my fun green screen outfits and elaborate edits. Looking back at it now, it's really beautiful in its simplicity. It's just pure, raw nature—letting the relaxing sounds of the water and the vibrant colors of the trail speak for themselves. Sometimes, that's exactly what you need.
The Alpine Poppy Fields
If you're hiking Three Falls in late May or early June, you absolutely must pair it with a visit to the stunning Alpine Poppy Fields, which are not far from here and bloom at the same time. It makes for a perfect day of flowers and falls!
✨ Ask the Oracle Guide
Have a question about the Three Falls Trail, Corrie ten Boom's lesson on gratitude, or the Alpine wildflowers? Ask our AI Guide!
⭐ Final Thoughts
The Three Falls Trail was a powerful reminder that sometimes the detours in life are the destination. What started as a frustrating search for a trailhead turned into one of my all-time favorite wildflower hikes. It's a journey that offers so much more than just the waterfalls at the end—it's about the views, the flowers, and the profound beauty of embracing a longer, more scenic path. It’s a hike that’s good for the legs and even better for the soul.
Sending Love and Positive Vibes,
Shauna @ VRGetaway
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