Zion National Park has become one of the most popular national parks in the US. Well-known hikes like the Narrows and Angels Landing attract millions of guests each year.
These days it’s hard to find a quiet place of solitude in Zion, but thankfully places like this still exist! Lower Pine Creek Falls is the perfect little hidden oasis in Zion National Park!
Hiking to the Lower Pine Creek Falls in Zion National Park
Table of Contents
- Lower Pine Creek Falls Trail Information
- How to Get to the Lower Pine Creek Falls
- What to Expect When Hiking the Lower Pine Creek Falls Trail
- Tips for Hiking the Lower Pine Creek Falls Trail
Lower Pine Creek Falls Trail Information
- Distance: 0.7 miles round trip
- Rated: Moderate (due to the rock scrambling and river crossings)
- Time: Plan for a few hours to allow for time to play
- Shuttle: No shuttle is required, this hike is located outside of the shuttle area and can be reached by car.
How to Get to the Lower Pine Creek Falls
The Lower Pine Creek Falls trail is an unmarked trail. It is not maintained and is not listed on any park maps, which has helped keep these falls a hidden gem.
The trailhead can be found about 1.5 miles north of the visitor center along the Zion Mt. Carmel Highway (SR-9).
Just before the road begins to ascend up a series of switchbacks leading to the Mt. Carmel Tunnel, you’ll see a small parking area on the left just before you cross the bridge. There is also limited street parking in the area.
As a side note, you can actually head under the road through a tunnel to reach some petroglyphs!
See the map below for the marked location:
What to Expect When Hiking the Lower Pine Creek Falls Trail
The Lower Pine Creek Falls trail leads to a 15-foot waterfall you can slide under, a shallow pond to splash in, and a deeper plunge pool with boulders to jump from.
The trail is unmarked but there is an obvious path to follow starting at the parking area.
There are smaller trails that lead off to the right from the main trail down to the river, just stay to the left.
The dirt trail will come to an end once it is intersected by the river, and this is where the fun really begins!
*Related post: for another one of Utah’s best-kept secrets, check out our guide to visiting Utah’s Pink Lake!
After this point, there is no marked trail. You’ll need to find the best route as you scramble up rocks and hop across the river.
Just keep following upstream along the bank of the river. We managed to keep our feet dry, but you may opt to walk in the river if it is easier.
*Related post: For another awesome waterfall hike in Utah, check out Stewart Falls!
I did this hike with my 9 and 11-year-old boys, and they LOVED all of the rock climbing. Even though it is a short trail, you’ll need to take it slow, especially if you have younger children.
As you get closer, you’ll hear the falls and can spot them in the distance. The best way to access them is on the right,t where you’ll crawl through a small opening between rocks and then arrive at the falls.
My boys immediately stripped off their shoes and socks and hopped in the pond to chase tadpoles.
*Related post: Check out our Bryce Canyon guide for another underrated waterfall hike!
There were so many tadpoles in June, and little frogs can be found in the summer months as well.
We weren’t sure if you could slide on the rocks under the falls, but we discovered that you can. Just climb up on the right, then slide down right in the center of the falls.
Just below the main pond, there is a smaller pond that is a little deeper, and you can jump into it from the surrounding boulders.
It’s not deep enough to dive in, my boys could still reach the bottom, but it’s fun for kids to jump in. Just watch for submerged rocks.
You’ll also find smaller pools along the trail that are secluded and perfect for taking a dip on a hot summer day.
And if you’re looking for more ways to keep cool in Southern Utah, be sure to check out our guide 4 Epic Things to Do in St George This Summer!
For another cool hidden trail in Zion that leads to a slot canyon, check out the Shelf Canyon Trail!
If you’re looking for information about hiking one of the most popular trails in the park, see our post, A Complete Guide to Hiking the Zion Narrows.
Tips for Hiking the Lower Pine Creek Falls Trail
- There are no restrooms at the trailhead, so plan to stop at the visitor center first if needed.
- Have your kids wear their swimsuits, water shoes, and sunscreen on the trail.
- The temperatures can get hot in the summer, so an early morning or evening hike would be best. You’ll also find fewer people on the trail at those times.
- Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks. Even though it is a short trail you’ll probably end up spending a few hours playing.
- It is possible to bring younger kids on the trail. It is not necessarily a dangerous hike, but you will need to help them and possibly carry them in some spots.
- The water is flowing year-round. It makes a great summer hike as you can cool off in the water, but it is also beautiful in the winter and you’ll most likely have the trail to yourselves.
- Be sure to check the weather and avoid hiking if there is rain in the forecast as this canyon can be prone to flash flooding.
- Make sure you always pack out any trash you bring in and respect the unspoiled beauty!
The Lower Pine Creek Falls is our new favorite hike in Zion! Another favorite hike is the Canyon Overlook Trail, you can check our guide for all the details.
Other posts you might like:
- How to Spend a Dreamy Weekend in Capitol Reef National Park
- Discover Kanab’s Secret Peekaboo Slot Canyon
- Three Perfect Days in Southern Utah
- Toquerville Falls: One of Utah’s Best Swimming Holes
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[…] you scramble over the rocks, but my kids loved it! For more details about this hike, check out our Pine Creek Falls […]