⛰️ Three Falls Trail: A Lesson in Gratitude & Wildflowers
 |
| Beautiful Bright Yellow Wildflowers with Lone Peak Mountains Behind |
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.
🌟 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.
TRANSPORT YOURSELF 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 (360° View):
 |
| Lone Peak Mountain Range |
The Second Falls (360° View):
 |
| The stunning second waterfall on the Three Falls Trail. |
"I choose to see the 7 mile trail for all it's amazing beauty and be grateful. I got the chance to enjoy such a bounty of wildflowers... if I would not have been forced to take the journey, I would not have the pleasure of how amazing that journey is."
🗺️ Adventure at a Glance
- 🏞️ Location/Park: Alpine, Utah (Lone Peak Wilderness Area foothills)
- 🥾 Hike/Activity: Waterfall & Wildflower Hiking
- 📏 Distance: Approx. 7-8 miles round trip from the official trailhead.
- 📈 Elevation Gain: About 1,280 feet.
- ⏳ Recommended Time: 3-4 Hours.
- ⭐ Shauna's Rating: 💎💎💎💎💎 (5 out of 5 Diamonds)
- 🧭 Can't-Miss Sights: The stunning waterfalls, the incredible wildflower fields (in May/June), and the views of Lone Peak.
🥾 My Three Falls Story
 |
| Beautiful Purple Flowers with the Alpine Mountains in the Background. |
A Lesson in Gratitude
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 Three Waterfalls
After the beautiful approach, you finally reach the main event. The trail leads you to at least two distinct and beautiful waterfalls. The first is a lovely multi-tiered cascade that some might count as two falls in one. The second is a powerful plunge that you can get quite close to. The "third" waterfall is a bit of a mystery; I've hiked a long way looking for it and suspect it might be a smaller cascade along the stream that's easy to miss, or perhaps it's located down near the road and houses. Regardless, the two main, spectacular waterfalls are more than enough reward for the journey!
💡 Your Trail Guide: Helpful 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.
Parking Lot and Trail Head for 3 Falls Trail Alpine Utah
Here is the GPS Location of this Trail Head Parking Lot. Remember when you see the gate house, turn right and the parking lot will be on your left.- ♦️ Best Time to Go: **May and Early June** are the sweet spot for the best combination of powerful waterfall flow and spectacular wildflowers. By July, the flowers are not nearly as abundant.
- ♦️ Watch for Bikes: This is a very popular trail for mountain bikers, who often come down the trail very fast. It's wise to hike without noise-canceling headphones so you can be aware of your surroundings.
- ♦️ Gear Up: Hiking sticks are helpful for the steady incline but not essential. The falls are tricky to film, so a stick or tripod for your camera definitely helps capture the best 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." It’s likely a humorous warning to stay off private property, a reminder that you're hiking near an area of wealthy homes.
Trail Sign and Bodily Harm Sign :)
🌸 Bonus Adventure: 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! Link to Alpine Poppy Fields
⭐ 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 from VRGetaway
.png)
0 Comments
I would love to hear your thoughts about this area or this post. Feel free to leave a comment here.