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Explore Little Cottonwood Canyon's Lisa Falls

Sandy, Utah

3.8/5
based on 6 reviews

Description

Added by Jordan Smith

Short, family friendly hike. Beautiful waterfall. Rock climbing and bouldering. Easily accessible. 0.22 out-and back hike. Elevation Gain: 80ft.

Lisa Falls sits approximately 0.22 miles from Little Cottonwood Canyon Road. While the trail is not long or particularly steep, there are some large step ups that could be difficult for either the very old or very young. Nonetheless, this is a great option for a family outing.

Once you arrive at the falls, you'll find yourself in a large granite boulder quarry, which provides easy entertainment for the littleish ones. If you're feeling a little bit more adventurous, you can scramble up the left side of the falls to the upper falls, and a small granite slot-like canyon that the falls flow from. The views of LCC from the top of the falls are beautiful, especially at sunset. If you're lucky, you may even spot a mountain goat or two.

I have seen families rock climbing both to the left and right of the falls. The geography at the falls makes it fairly easy to find an anchor above for climbing. Routes are relatively easy, and I've seen small children climbing both sides.

Lisa Falls makes for a great destination if you are short on time or have little ones that would enjoy the boulders and playing in the water. If you have more time, plan to hike a couple of different trails within the canyon. There are numerous trails for all skill levels.

Water flow slows in the fall, so if you want to see the falls at its peak, go during the spring or early summer.

Getting There:
From Salt Lake City or from Provo, take I-15 to the 9000 S exit (Exit 295). Turn east onto 9000 S (UT-209) and follow it for 7.2 miles to the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon. 9000 S will become 9400 S and then to 9600 S as you drive to the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon. You will come to a junction at the mouth of the canyon, turn right (east), and continue up the canyon. Drive up the canyon Road for 2.7 miles. You’ll see a small parking area on the right side of the road, followed by a small parking area on the left side of the road. Park on the left side of the road if possible. The trail is unmarked, but begins from this parking area on the left.

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Features

Rock Climbing
Chillin
Photography
Hiking
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Scenic
Waterfall

Explore Little Cottonwood Canyon's Lisa Falls Reviews

This is a fun spot to stop and let the kids climb around. It's a short hike, but worth a little time to explore, just watch out for rattlesnakes!

The hike was very short but pretty steep. The waterfall was cool and it is a neat area to explore but I would recommend doing this as an additional adventure during the day and not as the main reason to go up canyon.

Short and easy hike, did this one while pregnant.

Lisa Falls is a super simple short hike up which makes it perfect for families. Beware though, Ive been rattled at by a rattlesnake hiking on this trail. And I advise not climbing up the falls without safety equipment. I know a girl who fell 50 feet from one of the falls and had to be lifted out by helicopter.

I'm slightly obsessed with waterfalls, and Lisa Falls is one of my favorites - a short, easy hike to a unique granite waterfall, where the water elegantly falls down the smooth rock surface!

Great quick out and back trail to some waterfalls in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Moderately trafficked. Several people rock climbing by the falls - which we will definitely check out next time we head that way.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

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Summit the Pfeifferhorn

Hike to Maybird Lakes (Maybird Gulch)

Winter Hike the Pfeifferhorn

Ski or Snowboard Pink Pine Ridge