The Armchair Traveler Ritual
Before we step onto this mountain path, set the scene: Open a window to let in a fresh, cool breeze, pour yourself a glass of iced tea, and imagine the sweet, earthy smell of a damp forest blooming with bright yellow spring flowers!
🎵 Shauna's Soundtrack
To perfectly match the uplifting, vibrant feeling of yellow wildflowers and trickling waterfalls, I highly recommend opening a new tab and playing "Wayfarer" by Scott Buckley in the background while you read!
⚡ The Quick Scoop
The Vibe: Unexpected detours, incredible mountain views, vibrant wildflowers, and peaceful waterfalls.
The Reality Check: Prepare for a serious workout and some serious "stink eyes." The trail ends right next to a private mansion community that definitely does NOT want you there!
Accessibility: ♿ Not wheelchair friendly. While it is a beautifully maintained, 4-foot-wide dirt path (great for walking), it gets quite steep in sections.
Shauna's Rating: 💎💎💎💎💎 (5 out of 5 Diamonds!)
Sometimes, a hike teaches you a lesson you didn't know you needed. I originally arrived at one of my favorite local trailheads only to find it completely packed with people. Pivoting quickly, I decided to finally track down the elusive Three Falls Trail.
My initial search was met with extreme frustration. New mansions and giant "No Hikers" signs seemed determined to block all access. I finally found the new, official trailhead, which added a long, strenuous two-mile walk just to get to the *start* of the actual hike. But as I hiked, my frustration melted away, replaced by pure awe.
👇 Choose Your Path
A Tale of Two Hikes & Finding the Blessing
The first time I tackled this trail solo in early spring, the extra two-mile reroute had me grumbling a little. But 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 Corrie ten Boom Lesson
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 absolutely wonderful. There were mostly lots of bright Yellow Arrowleaf Balsamroot flowers out, but they weren't just sprinkled here and there—there were massive, sweeping fields of them! Walking through that vibrant sea of yellow was a powerful lesson in finding the good in a "crap situation."
Beautiful purple lupine flowers with the Alpine Mountains in the background (Spring vibes!).
Mansions & Blue Lemon Bribery
A few months after my solo spring hike, 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 a terrible bout of Plantar Fasciitis.
🏃♀️ The "Stink Eye" Sprint
Let me tell you, the grumbling was real! After hiking 7 miles on sore feet, only to realize the trail ends right next to a fancy, private paved road that we weren't allowed to park on, Todd and my friends were NOT impressed.
I definitely had to pull out the puppy dog eyes, apologize profusely, and bribe them with dinner at Blue Lemon (the salmon there is amazing!). Because Todd was in so much pain, I had him hang out by the falls while I literally ran down the fancy private neighborhood road in my dusty hiking gear to retrieve our car. I got quite the "stink eye" from the wealthy locals passing by! You definitely get the vibe that the homeowners want this waterfall to remain a private community feature, and they want hikers to STAY ON THE TRAIL. LOL.
🚷 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 Mystery of the Three Waterfalls
After the long, 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 trickling sound that isn't too overpowering.
📖 Shauna's Journal: The Missing 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.
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!
🫎 A Distant Giant
If you look closely during my VR tour, you might just spot a majestic moose! I was hoping he would wander a little closer so I could get an epic, up-close shot, but he stayed off in the distance. Darn it! Still, even from afar, spotting one of these massive, beautiful creatures in the wild is always a magical experience and a gentle reminder that we are just visitors in their home.
The First Falls
The Second Falls
🎬 Creator's Corner: The Early Days
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! I filmed this hike in my early days of 360 VR, long before I started doing my 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 speak for themselves.
What's in My Pack?
For a long, strenuous waterfall hike like this, being prepared is everything. Over the years, my packing strategy has definitely evolved—especially when it comes to water!
💧 The Great Water Bladder Betrayal
I used to carry a huge water bladder in my backpack. Not anymore! First, I got bladder infections from not cleaning the tube perfectly. Second, I once thought my bladder had plenty of water for a long hike, only to discover I had run out halfway through! It is so hard to measure how much you've drank and how to ration it when it's hidden in your pack.
Plus, I often carry Todd's water for him. He would rather not have to stick his head over my chest to get a drink from my tube... well, maybe he wouldn't mind, but it's definitely not convenient dealing with germs and lipstick stains! LOL. Now, I strictly carry water bottles and a portable water filter for longer hikes.
Tech & Safety
Extra batteries, charging cords, a spare camera, a flashlight, and a multi-use tool. Plus, a paracord survival bracelet!
First Aid
A snake bite kit (a must for rocky trails!), pain meds, bandaids, sunscreen, mosquito lotion, and Bio-wipes for extreme emergencies!
Trail Fuel
Energy drinks, protein bars, beef jerky, and trail mix. For long hikes like this, I always pack a fresh sandwich, fruit, and veggies.
The Explorer's Trail Guide
🗺️ Adventure at a Glance
- 🏞️ Location: Alpine, Utah
- 🥾 Hike Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous (Long distance with steep sections)
- 📏 Distance: 7-8 miles Round Trip
- 📈 Elevation Gain: ~1,280 feet
- ⭐ Shauna's Rating: 💎💎💎💎💎 (5 out of 5 Diamonds)
🎒 Helpful Hints for Your Visit
- 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.
- The Sweet Spot: May and Early June are the absolute best times to go. You get the perfect combination of powerful waterfall flow and spectacular yellow wildflowers in bloom.
- Trail Conditions: The path is a beautifully maintained, 4-foot-wide dirt trail. It is fantastic for walking, but it does get quite steep in parts, making it unfriendly for wheelchairs or strollers.
- 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!
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.
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 exact same time. It makes for a perfect day of flowers and falls!
✨ Ask the Oracle Guide
Curious about Corrie ten Boom's lesson on gratitude, the Blue Lemon salmon bribe, or the mystery of the third waterfall? Ask our AI Guide!
The Journey is the Reward
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 hike that’s good for the legs and even better for the soul!
💧 Easter Egg Hunt: Did you spot the hidden Water Drop emoji in today's story? Tell me where you found it in the comments!
Sending Love and Positive Vibes,
Shauna @ VRGetaway
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