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Adams Canyon Lower Falls - Access by Adams Canyon main trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 350 Google reviews · Running trail in Layton, Utah · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 1 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Adams Canyon Lower Falls - Access by Adams Canyon main trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Kid-friendly hiking area featuring a waterfall and a mix of wide and narrow paths.
What runners say about Adams Canyon Lower Falls - Access by Adams Canyon main trailhead
“If you like a little bit of a challenge with great views along the stream, you'll want to visit this one.”
“The beginning was a steep incline through sand, but one you get past that, it's very pretty, mostly shaded and not too busy.”
“Overall, I wouldn’t really call this a “family-friendly” hike unless your kids are probably around 8-10+ years old and comfortable hiking.”
Nice spot and a fairly short walk. Signage is non existent. I had to keep asking people how to get there until someone knew, and by this stage I had gone too far. At the top of the switchbacks there is a bench (see pics) take the path to the right at this point. From here it's a short 5-10min walk.
A nice short walk to the lower Falls was just what we needed. We had the falls all to ourselves. Took a moment to reflect on the greatness mother nature provides for us. We feel full. ❤️
Great hike! 20 mins up to lower falls. Giving it 4 stars because there was no signage, if I didn’t have my phone I wouldn’t have known to turn right at the fork for the small falls. It is uphill the entire way there in soft sand, so be prepared for a trek. May be difficult when bringing small children, elderly etc.
We quite liked this hike! You start with about 300-500 ft. of elevation gain, then it plateaus as you work your way into the canyon a bit. Then a slower elevation gain until the last 1/4 mile until you get to the upper falls. We thought making it to the Upper Falls was definitely worth it.
Trail conditions & character
“The trail has switchbacks at the beginning and then is level until you get closer to the lower falls and then there are rocks you have to climb down.”
“Sad to see that the waterfall is not as full as previous years, but it's still very pretty and worth it to hike to.”
“I've never made it all 4 miles to the upper falls, but getting to the lower ones is also a workout (especially with the switchbacks that start at the trailhead).”
“Our 4-year-old did surprisingly well, especially on the way up, but parts of the trail are steep and rocky.”
“The beginning was a steep incline through sand, but one you get past that, it's very pretty, mostly shaded and not too busy.”
“The trail has switchbacks at the beginning and then is level until you get closer to the lower falls and then there are rocks you have to climb down.”
Plan your run at Adams Canyon Lower Falls - Access by Adams Canyon main trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance1 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Layton
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Adams Canyon Trailhead
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