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North America, Utah, Western US & Canada · September 21, 2022

Stewart Falls Trail: One of the Best Waterfall Hikes in Utah

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The Stewart Falls Trail in Provo Canyon is one of the best waterfall hikes in Utah. The trail is scenic and the falls are stunning any time of year. You’ll definitely want to add this to your Utah bucket list!

*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you book a stay through the link provided, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. We really appreciate your support!

Everything You Need to Know Before Hiking the Stewart Falls Trail

Stewart Falls Trail: The Best Waterfall Hike in Utah | Simply Wander #utah #stewartfalls #provocanyon #simplywander PIN IT

Table of Contents

  • Stewart Falls visitor information:
  • Directions to the Stewart Falls trailhead
  • What to expect when hiking the Stewart Falls Trail
    • FAQ’s:

Stewart Falls visitor information:

  • Fee: There is a $6 parking fee that can be paid at the ranger station with cash or a card. The pass is good for three days. National Parks passes are also accepted here.
  • Distance: 3.8 miles out and back, as stated on the sign at the trailhead.
  • Time: Plan for about 2 hours, depending on how long you stay at the waterfall.
  • Elevation Gain: 646 feet
  • Difficulty: Rated easy to moderate
  • Kid-friendly: The Stewart Falls Trail is considered a family-friendly hike. The trail is well maintained with a gradual incline. Just keep in mind that it is a bit of a longer hike for little legs and there are some rocky portions that you’ll need to help them navigate.
  • Dog friendly: Yes, the Stewart Falls Trail is dog friendly, but they must be kept on a leash and always remember to clean up after your pet.
  • Amenities: Restrooms are located at the parking lot.
  • Best time to visit: The trail is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from late spring to mid-fall.
Stewart Falls Trail: The Best Waterfall Hike in Utah | Simply Wander #utah #stewartfalls #provocanyon #simplywander PIN IT

Directions to the Stewart Falls trailhead

The Stewart Falls Trail is actually called Stewart Cascades Trail #056.

If you put “Stewart Falls” into your maps, there is a chance that it might take you to a residential neighborhood without waterfall access.

Be sure to specify “Stewart Falls Trailhead” or “Stewart Cascades Trailhead”.

Stewart Falls Trail: The Best Waterfall Hike in Utah | Simply Wander #utah #stewartfalls #provocanyon #simplywander PIN IT

The trail is located within the Uinta National Forest about 7 miles up Provo Canyon on the east side of Mt Timpanogas.

If you’re coming from Provo, pass through the tunnel then take the next left onto UT 92. Follow this road for 4.6 miles.

You’ll pass by Sundance Ski Resort then arrive at Aspen Grove, an outdoor venue and camp owned by BYU.

After passing the ranger fee station at Aspen Grove, the parking lot for Stewart Falls Trail is located just past the station on the left.

This parking lot is shared with the Aspen Grove Trail and the Mt Timpanogas Trail, so the lot gets filled up quickly. Plan to arrive early if you are visiting in the summer or on a weekend.

Guests at the Sundance Resort also have access to a shorter trail that leads to the falls where you don’t have to worry about parking or crowds.

Since multiple trails are leading from the parking lot, make sure you locate the correct trailhead marked “Stewart Cascades Tr. No. 056”.

Stewart Falls Trail: The Best Waterfall Hike in Utah | Simply Wander #utah #stewartfalls #provocanyon #simplywander PIN IT

When it forks, stay to the left as the trail to the right leads to the Aspen Grove Trail.

Stewart Falls Trail: The Best Waterfall Hike in Utah | Simply Wander #utah #stewartfalls #provocanyon #simplywander PIN IT

Even though the trail is fairly easy to follow, I always recommend using AllTrails Pro whenever you hike.

This way you can download the map beforehand and it will alert you if you go off trail, even when you have no cell service.

What to expect when hiking the Stewart Falls Trail

The Stewart Falls Trail is well-marked and easy to navigate. It consists of mostly dirt with some larger rocks and loose gravel in some areas.

The hike is listed as 3.6 miles out and back on AllTrails, but the sign at the trailhead says that it is 1.9 miles each way, so 3.8 miles total.

Stewart Falls Trail: The Best Waterfall Hike in Utah | Simply Wander #utah #stewartfalls #provocanyon #simplywander PIN IT

The trail is considered to be family-friendly, but take it slow on the rocky portions and be prepared to carry little ones when their legs get tired.

Stewart Falls Trail: The Best Waterfall Hike in Utah | Simply Wander #utah #stewartfalls #provocanyon #simplywander PIN IT

The trail begins with a steeper incline for the first 1/4 mile or so. It will continue at a more gradual incline until around the one-mile mark where it will level out.

Stewart Falls Trail: The Best Waterfall Hike in Utah | Simply Wander #utah #stewartfalls #provocanyon #simplywander PIN IT

The trail is mostly shaded and absolutely beautiful as it leads through groves of pine and aspen trees.

Stewart Falls Trail: The Best Waterfall Hike in Utah | Simply Wander #utah #stewartfalls #provocanyon #simplywander PIN IT

It is even lined with ferns which you don’t often see in Utah.

Stewart Falls Trail: The Best Waterfall Hike in Utah | Simply Wander #utah #stewartfalls #provocanyon #simplywander PIN IT

In the spring or summer, you’ll be surrounded by thick green foliage. In the fall, the trail is carpeted with golden leaves. And in the winter, it becomes a popular snowshoe trail.

Just keep in mind that summer is the most popular time to visit and the trail can be quite crowded, particularly on the weekends and holidays.

I would recommend visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon on a weekday to avoid the crowds.

Stewart Falls Trail: The Best Waterfall Hike in Utah | Simply Wander #utah #stewartfalls #provocanyon #simplywander PIN IT

*Related post: Check out the Best Hot Springs in Utah!

There is one thing you need to be cautious about when hiking this trail. Towards the summit when the trail starts leveling out, you’ll find that the path is lined with stinging nettle.

Stewart Falls Trail: The Best Waterfall Hike in Utah | Simply Wander #utah #stewartfalls #provocanyon #simplywander PIN IT

Use the photo below for reference so that you’ll know what to look for

Stewart Falls Trail: The Best Waterfall Hike in Utah | Simply Wander #utah #stewartfalls #provocanyon #simplywander PIN IT

If you brush up against it, your skin will break out in irritating welts.

But if you do accidentally encounter the stinging nettle, the best thing you can do is keep your eye out for lamb’s ear leaves that also grow along the trail.

Just rub the lamb’s ear in a downward motion on the affected area. It will act as an antiseptic and the welts will soon go away.

Stewart Falls Trail: The Best Waterfall Hike in Utah | Simply Wander #utah #stewartfalls #provocanyon #simplywander PIN IT

Towards the end of the trail, you’ll come to a clearing where you’ll be able to catch the first glimpse of Stewart Falls.

Stewart Falls Trail: The Best Waterfall Hike in Utah | Simply Wander #utah #stewartfalls #provocanyon #simplywander PIN IT

You’ll also be able to see the Sundance ski runs in the distance.

Stewart Falls Trail: The Best Waterfall Hike in Utah | Simply Wander #utah #stewartfalls #provocanyon #simplywander PIN IT

At this point, the trail becomes a little steeper with more rocks and loose gravel as you descend down, so be careful and take it slowly.

Stewart Falls Trail: The Best Waterfall Hike in Utah | Simply Wander #utah #stewartfalls #provocanyon #simplywander PIN IT

You’ll soon come to a rock outcrop that is a popular lookout point.

Stewart Falls Trail: The Best Waterfall Hike in Utah | Simply Wander #utah #stewartfalls #provocanyon #simplywander PIN IT

Here you will find the best views of the waterfall and the best spot for a photo.

Stewart Falls Trail: The Best Waterfall Hike in Utah | Simply Wander #utah #stewartfalls #provocanyon #simplywander PIN IT

The 200-foot two-tiered waterfall truly is breathtaking and it is surrounded by the unparalleled beauty of Mount Timpanogas.

Stewart Falls Trail: The Best Waterfall Hike in Utah | Simply Wander #utah #stewartfalls #provocanyon #simplywander PIN IT

Stewart Falls flows year-round, but the amount of water will vary.

Stewart Falls Trail: The Best Waterfall Hike in Utah | Simply Wander #utah #stewartfalls #provocanyon #simplywander PIN IT

The best time to visit is in the early summer when you’ll find the most run-off from the snowmelt.

Stewart Falls Trail: The Best Waterfall Hike in Utah | Simply Wander #utah #stewartfalls #provocanyon #simplywander PIN IT

After the viewpoint, you can take a sketchy trail straight ahead to reach a closer view of the waterfall, as you can see in the photo below.

Stewart Falls Trail: The Best Waterfall Hike in Utah | Simply Wander #utah #stewartfalls #provocanyon #simplywander PIN IT

But the loose rocks, called scree, make the trail quite challenging as it is easy to slip and fall, so use caution.

I would recommend just taking the trail to the left that leads down to the base of the waterfall instead. This trail is still steep, but it is well maintained and is much easier to navigate.

The water is chilly year-round and makes for a great spot to splash and cool off on a hot summer day. It’s also a great spot to skip rocks, have a picnic, or just hang out and relax while the kids play.

Stewart Falls Trail: The Best Waterfall Hike in Utah | Simply Wander #utah #stewartfalls #provocanyon #simplywander PIN IT

You can even go back behind the waterfall, but just be prepared that the snowmelt is icy cold and you’re going to get wet!

Stewart Falls Trail: The Best Waterfall Hike in Utah | Simply Wander #utah #stewartfalls #provocanyon #simplywander PIN IT

Plan to wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring water shoes and a towel if you want to get wet.

Stewart Falls Trail: The Best Waterfall Hike in Utah | Simply Wander #utah #stewartfalls #provocanyon #simplywander PIN IT

These Turkish towels are our favorite because they roll up super compact to stick in a backpack, but are surprisingly absorbent. We bring them on all of our summer adventures!

You’ll also notice a first aid station set up on the banks of the river. Hopefully you won’t need it, but it is a very helpful service that the park rangers offer.

Stewart Falls Trail: The Best Waterfall Hike in Utah | Simply Wander #utah #stewartfalls #provocanyon #simplywander PIN IT

When you’re ready to go, just head back up the trail the way you came.

Stewart Falls Trail: The Best Waterfall Hike in Utah | Simply Wander #utah #stewartfalls #provocanyon #simplywander PIN IT

*Related Post: Check out these 10 Best Things to Do in Park City!

Stewart Falls Trail: The Best Waterfall Hike in Utah | Simply Wander #utah #stewartfalls #provocanyon #simplywander PIN IT

For more awesome waterfalls in Utah, check out these trails:

  • Kanarra Falls
  • Toquerville Falls
  • Lower Pine Creek Falls!

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FAQ’s:

  • Is there always water at Stewart Falls? Stewart Falls runs year-round, but the amount of flow will vary. The best time to visit is in the early summer when you’ll find the most run-off from snowmelt.
  • How long does it take to hike Stewart Falls? According to the sign at the trailhead, the trail to Stewart falls is 1.9 miles each way, so 3.8 miles out and back. Plan for about 2 hours total.
  • Is Stewart Falls kid friendly? Yes, Stewart Falls is a great family hike. Although it is almost 4 miles, the trail is not too steep. Just take it slow and help little ones when the trail gets rocky.
  • Is the Stewart Falls trail open year-round? Yes, you can hike the Stewart Falls trail all year long, but just use caution in the winter when the conditions are more challenging. The trail can also be muddy in the spring. The best time to hike the Stewart Falls Trail is in the late spring and summer.
Pin it for later:
Stewart Falls Trail: The Best Waterfall Hike in Utah | Simply Wander #utah #stewartfalls #provocanyon #simplywander PIN IT
156 shares

Posted By: Jamie · In: North America, Utah, Western US & Canada

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About Jamie

Family travel expert and content creator who has been inpsiring millions with her travel guides since 2018.

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  1. Kanarra Falls Trail: The best waterfall hike in Utah - Simply Wander says:
    September 22, 2022 at 5:01 am

    […] And if you love hidden waterfall hikes, be sure to check out the Lower Pine Creek Falls in Zion and the Mossy Cave Trail in Bryce Canyon! You’ll also love Toquerville Falls and Stewart Falls! […]

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  2. Lower Pine Creek Falls: How to find Zion's Hidden Falls - Simply Wander says:
    September 22, 2022 at 3:41 pm

    […] *Related post: For another awesome waterfall hike in Utah, check out Stewart Falls! […]

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  3. Toquerville Falls: One of Utah's Best Swimming Holes - Simply Wander says:
    September 22, 2022 at 3:48 pm

    […] *Related posts: If you’re looking to explore more waterfalls in Utah, be sure to check out our guides to Kanarra Falls and Stewart Falls! […]

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  4. How to Spend One Day in Bryce Canyon National Park Utah - Simply Wander says:
    September 22, 2022 at 3:52 pm

    […] love Lower Pine Creek Falls Trail in Zion National Park, Kanarra Falls near Cedar City, and Stewart Falls in Provo […]

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