Lisa Falls
Little Cottonwood Canyon, SLC, UtFamily Fun, Waterfalls, Picnics
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 0.3
Elevation Gain: 121 ft
Approximate Hiking Time: 15-20 min
Features: Waterfall
Nearest Town: Salt Lake City, Ut
Hiking to Lisa Falls is short and sweet, family friendly, and an awesome way to spend a couple hours.
The trail ends at the base of Lisa Falls in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Listening to the water running over the rocks sets the tone for a great place to picnic or just relax and let your worries float away.
- Trail Condition 90%
- Usage 100%
- Trail Head Easy to Find 80%
- Kid Friendly 100%
Hike Highlights
1. Lisa Falls
In the spring, mountain run off roars down the rocks and over the falls. While the water runs much slower in late summer, Lisa Falls is still a great place for a quick getaway.
2. Picnic
Pack a lunch or at least bring some snacks, sit on the rocks, relax, and enjoy the sounds of nature.
3. Family Friendly
Hiking to Lisa Falls is easy for kids of all ages. Just watch little ones around the water; especially in the spring when the river is running fast.
Hike Overview
Trailhead Directions
Enter Little Cottonwood Canyon via little Cottonwood Road and follow the road for 2.7 miles. There is a small, unmarked parking area on the left side of the road with parking available across the road as well.
The trailhead is somewhat obscured from view and is also unmarked. Look for the opening in the trees which is the trailhead. There are no services available at the trailhead.
Hike Details
Starting from the trailhead, which is essentially just an opening in the trees, head up the trail to Lisa Falls. The trail is reasonably wide, but a steep climb over a short distance following the dry creek bed which lies below.
At the top of the trail Lisa Falls comes into view.
With some clamoring over the rocks it’s possible to get right up to the base of the falls.
While it is technically possible to climb/scramble up higher to the top of the falls, we do not recommend doing this without ropes and proper training. Sometimes rock climbers are in the area and are really fun to watch while hanging out at the falls.
There are also several areas where it’s possible to sit and rest or have a picnic and enjoy the great outdoors.
Why is this hike easy?
The trail to Lisa Falls is relatively steep and rocky, but it’s also really short. It flattens out near the top and it’s only necessary to clamor on the rocks to get right up to the falls.
More Hikes to Choose From
Check out this and more hikes around Salt Lake City, Ut and Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Heughs Canyon, Sandy, Ut
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 3.5 mi
Elevation Gain: 1253 ft
A short, challenging hike takes you through Heughs Canyon to the base of a waterfall. Feeling the mist float against your face after a steep ascent and climb through a boulder field really is the icing on the cake.
Rocky Mouth Falls, Salt Lake City, Ut
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 0.75
Elevation Gain: 284 ft
A great, family friendly hike that ends at a waterfall. Climbing through the trees under the canopy provides shade for most of this easy hike.