Battle Creek Falls

There’s something so magical about a good waterfall hike, but when the temperatures drop, there’s no need to wait to enjoy these spectacles of nature. Experiencing the majestic marvels with their frosty domes and chandelier-like icicles is just a short hike away.

If you’re new to winter hiking, please check out this Winter Hiking Tips for Beginners by Utah State Parks. It has all you need to know to prepare you for a fun and safe day on the trail. Looking for winter gear and essentials? Check out my gear.

A note to all hikers, I wore spikes on all of these hikes. You’ll need more than standard hiking shoes to negotiate the ice. Before proceeding into any of these canyons, you must also check the avalanche danger. Current conditions can be found here: https://utahavalanchecenter.org/

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Adam’s Canyon Falls

Located in Kaysville, just off Highway 89, you start this hike in full sun before you enter the canyon and follow the stream all the way to the falls. These falls are more reliably frozen during the winter months because of the shade in the canyon. These 40-foot falls always have interesting ice formations instead of the typical ice canopy. This is a great one for those who like to hike with their dogs.

Trailhead: Adams Canyon Trailhead

Distance: 4.2 miles roundtrip with 1,358 ft. elevation gain

Other Trail Information: no bathrooms at the trailhead. Dogs permitted.

Bell’s Canyon Falls

This trail has more than just the falls: a beautiful tree-lined reservoir comes into view after less than a mile of valley views. After you pass the reservoir and go through a meadow, you cross the creek and enter the pine-filled craggy granite canyon. The final quarter-mile climbs steeply before you are rewarded with the frozen falls opposite another beautiful view of the Oqquirh Mountains and the Salt Lake Valley. This popular trail has a new, larger trailhead lot under construction to make accessing these falls even easier.

Trailhead: Granite Trailhead

Distance: 5.1 miles roundtrip with 1,492 ft. elevation gain

Other Trail Information: Bathrooms at the trailhead.

No dogs because of the watershed.

Donut Falls

This is arguably one of the most popular trails in the area for a reason. This family-friendly gem pays off with a scenic river and beautiful cascades after a relatively easy hike. Caution and experience are advised if you choose to navigate up the slippery rocks to enter and view the falls coming through the “donut hole.”

Trailhead: Mill D North

Distance: 3 miles roundtrip with 498 ft. elevation gain

Other Trail Information: Bathrooms at the trailhead. Dogs are not permitted.

Waterfall Canyon

Don’t let the short distance fool you, as the last half of this trail climbs steeply to the falls. It’s worth every step, however. I hiked these 200+ feet falls for the first time this year, and they might be my new favorite.

Trailhead: 29th Street Trailhead in Ogden

Distance: 2.4 miles RT with 1,100 ft. elevation gain

Other Trail Information: Bathrooms at the trailhead. Dogs permitted.

Stewart Falls

Another crowd-pleaser of a hike, this trail rolls through aspen groves and pines with views of majestic Mount Timpanogos and the Sundance Ski Resort before you round the bend to view the 200-foot, two-tiered cascade. Don’t make the same mistake I did, and stop at the overlook. Proceed down the switchbacks for an up-close view of these spectacular falls. *These falls lie in avalanche terrain. Do NOT hike this trail unless the avalanche danger is green. Check current conditions here:https://utahavalanchecenter.org/

Trailhead: Aspen Grove Trailhead (only trailhead available in winter.)

Distance: 3.4 miles roundtrip with 930 ft. elevation gain

Other Trail Information: $6 forset service fee (or National Parks pass),

Bathrooms at the trailhead. Dogs permitted.

Farmington Canyon Falls

This hike is also locally known as the Car Graveyard hike because of the 6+ car wrecks that can be found hidden in the trees along the trail. They toppled from the road high above. Some of the wrecks are probably from the early 1900s. Just past the summer trailhead, you’ll encounter a small cave. You’ll come to the first creek crossing about a mile after the cave. Most of the wrecks are found after the first creek crossing (there are two crossings, both with small cascades). Make sure you follow the social trails, so you don’t miss any wrecks. Near the trail’s end, you’ll hear the falls before you see them. Going to the base of the falls requires negotiating a steep hillside with the aid of a rope. Proceed at your own risk.

Trailhead: Farmington Canyon Road Gate (in winter)

Distance: 5 miles roundtrip (winter distance) with 1,355 ft. elevation gain

Other Trail Information: No bathrooms. Dogs Permitted

Hidden Falls

This trail is accessible to most because of the distance. This hidden grotto really is a treat, so don’t miss it.

Trailhead: Mill B (right by the Lake Blanche Trailhead)

Distance: .3 miles roundtrip with 49 ft elevation gain ( I highly recommend continuing another mile to the overlook of Big Cottonwood Canyon and the Salt Lake Valley below.

Other Trail Information: Bathrooms at Lake Blanche Trailhead nearby. No Dogs

Battle Creek Falls

This moderate but short trail is popular with both families and ice climbers. You’ll know you’re almost there after the wide path crosses the footbridge. After you enjoy the falls from the base, make sure you take the trail to the top of the falls for the incredible view of the valley and Utah lake below.

Trailhead: Dead End of Battle Creek Drive

Distance: 1.6 miles roundtrip with 606 ft. gain (for both the top and bottom of falls)

Other Trail Information: Bathrooms are available in the nearby park, and dogs permitted

Which hike is your favorite? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.

Looking for more hike ideas in Northern Utah? Check out Day Hikes in the Uintas Mountains