Home › Utah › Layton › Adams Canyon Waterfall
Adams Canyon Waterfall
4.9 ★★★★★ 263 Google reviews · Running trail in Layton, Utah · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Adams Canyon Waterfall'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.
Waterfall hike, known for its canyon vistas, and also popular for dog walking.
What runners say about Adams Canyon Waterfall
“Trail runs along Adams canyon overlooking and following streams, brooks, and gorgeous tributaries shaded by evergreens.”
“The first part has a lot of switch backs and open not much shade, but don't give up get to the trees and it is fully shaded from there on.”
“This was one of the most peaceful hikes in Utah that we’ve done so far.”
Great morning (or day) hike! ⛰️ Looking to get out of the house for some fresh air, then I definitely recommend Adam's Waterfall. Things to note: • Parking in the morning can be tough, so make sure you arrive between 7 am and 9 am. There is construction around the park, but easy to get in and out (date: 07/30/20).
This was my first hike with my husband 53, sister 35, niece 11. It was tough but was do able. We are not hikers, so we did have some moments of "are we there yet" lol.
Easy to moderate hike. About a 2 hour there and back walking pace. Trail runs along Adams canyon overlooking and following streams, brooks, and gorgeous tributaries shaded by evergreens. When hiking expect cooler temps around waters in the canyon and dress appropriately.
We really enjoyed this hike. The first part has a lot of switch backs and open not much shade, but don't give up get to the trees and it is fully shaded from there on. There a several areas in the stream with small falls but keep going you have to make it to the top.
Trail conditions & character
“About halfway up we had to do a little bit of bouldering to keep going, but reaching the waterfall at the top was totally worth it!”
“The initial switchbacks are steep and not shaded, but once you get past that a couple hundred yards, it is covered for the most part.”
“The first part has a lot of switch backs and open not much shade, but don't give up get to the trees and it is fully shaded from there on.”
“We planned it perfectly as we passed half of Davis County and their dogs on their way up.”
“After the 21 miles of switchbacks and sand we finally started up the deciduous lined trail and were able to put the roaring sound of the highway behind us.”
“Things to note: • Parking in the morning can be tough, so make sure you arrive between 7 am and 9 am.”
“• Once you get to the second bridge the trail kicks up and you'll be going up and over some heavy rocky areas (some may need to use hands for stabilization).”
Plan your run at Adams Canyon Waterfall
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
- Distance5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
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 Lower Falls - Access by Adams Canyon main trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 350 reviews
Kid-friendly hiking area featuring a waterfall and a mix of wide and narrow paths.
Adams Canyon Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,211 reviews
Challenging outing on a sandy-and-rocky trail to a waterfall and other cascades.
Fernwood trail
4.9 ★★★★★ 14 reviews
Bonneville Shoreline Trail
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Popular and wildlife-rich hiking trail running from Salt Lake City to Ogden.
Fernwood Recreation Site
4.7 ★★★★★ 376 reviews
Trails lead up the hills to a picnic site overlooking the city at this public recreation area.