Your guide to hiking Lower Pine Creek Falls, an unmarked hike (aka uncrowded hidden gem) in Zion National Park.
Zion National Park in southern Utah is one of the most popular parks in the United States. And for good reason.
There are incredible views around every bend, an abundance of wildlife, and great hiking trails.
The park can get very crowded, especially during holidays and the summer months. If you are looking to escape the crowds and experience a beautiful and fun hike to a waterfall, you’ve got to check out the Lower Pine Creek Falls Trail.
This unmarked trail is not advertised by the National Park Service, making it a hidden gem and one of our favorites in the park.
There is a fee to enter Zion National Park. See details here. You can use your National Park Pass if you have one.
How to Find the Lower Pine Creek Falls Trail
Trailhead Coordinates:
37.21661, -112.96548
Parking/How to Find:
From Springdale/Zion Visitor Center: Drive 1.5 miles north on Route 9 (the main road through the park). Park at the pull-out just before you round the curve to the first switchback that leads up to Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. If you make it to the bridge over Pine Creek, you’ve gone too far.
From the East Entrance: Follow Route 9 to the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. Continue through the tunnel and follow the series of switchbacks down the mountain. There is a small parking pull-out along the road at the bottom of the curves just past the bridge over Pine Creek. The small paved parking area is 16.8 miles from the East Entrance Station.
The parking pull-out along the road can probably fit about 10 cars. I have never had an issue finding parking even though it is small. There are no restrooms.
Map
Lower Pine Creek Waterfall Trail Details
Distance:
0.7 miles round trip (out-and-back)
Highlights:
This short hike packs a punch!
- solitude
- picturesque pond and 15-foot waterfall
- towering canyon views
- boulder scrambling
- creek crossings
- good chance to see wildlife
Safety Note:
Pay attention to weather conditions. The waterfall is in a canyon and does experience flash flooding. Do not attempt to do this hike if it is raining or looks like it could rain.
We tried to do this hike once after the area had experienced a lot of rain the previous two days. The water was flowing extremely fast. We turned around. It is not worth risking it if the conditions are dangerous.
Difficulty:
The difficulty of this hike varies based on water levels and whether or not you want to get your feet wet. The beginning of the trail is flat and easy, but you will be required to do some boulder hopping and stream crossings to make it to the waterfall.
My 55-year-old parents did this hike, and it is doable for kids as long as you feel comfortable. I hiked to the waterfall once with a baby in a carrier when the water levels were low. The climbing and water crossings are challenging with a carrier because you must be extra cautious to protect your precious load.
This hike is a blast if you are up for something a bit more spicy than your typical flat trail. I felt like Spiderman the first time I hiked the trail. There are multiple routes you can take over the boulders to make it to the waterfall, some easier than others. Some more fun than others. 🙂
Hike Details
The hike begins with an easy-to-follow dirt trail. I think it is worth pulling off to do this part of the hike even if you don’t want to go all the way to the waterfall.
The views are excellent, and there is solitude, especially compared to other trails in the park. We see mule deer nearly every time we hike this trail.
You will come to a couple of stream crossings as you continue into the canyon. When the water levels are low, these are typically easy to rock-hop across.
The trail will become less defined at this point. This is where you will start to choose your own path. Explore around to find the best route. If you come to a dead end, turn around and try a different route.
The waterfall is back in the canyon to the right. We find it easiest to scale the large boulders and climb up the rock wall on the right-hand side after the first small pool.
This tends to be easier than trying to boulder-hop your way to the waterfall. If you don’t mind getting wet, you could even walk right through the water, although it does get deep in some spots.
A hiking pole or stick can be helpful when navigating through the water to help you keep your balance.
If you come to this fun little triangle opening between massive boulders (pictured below), you know you went the right way.
Climb through and the waterfall will be just ahead!
Once you reach the waterfall, there are multiple flat rocks and sandy spots to sit and chill. Pack a lunch and sit and enjoy the views before heading back.
Chances are you will have the whole area to yourself at least for a portion of time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to ride the shuttle to access this hike?
Lower Pine Creek Falls Trailhead is not on the shuttle road and can be accessed by car (or by bike or by foot).
The shuttle does not stop here. The closest shuttle stop would be Stop #3 (Canyon Junction) which will require you to walk about 0.6 miles east along Zion Park Blvd to reach the trailhead.
10 Incredible Things to Do in Zion National Park Without Riding the Shuttle
When is the best time to hike the Lower Pine Creek Falls Trail?
This hike can be done any time of year. The waterfall flows year-round.
Be extra cautious when hiking in the winter because the canyon can get very icy. Spring can bring flash flooding, so be smart about that.
Winter and early spring are some of the best times to visit the park to avoid crowds. Fall brings beautiful colors. Taking a dip in the pools is a great way to cool off on a hot summer day.
You really can’t go wrong any time of year, but plan on summer if you want to swim and fall if you want to experience the autumn colors and ideal hiking temps.
For the best chance of solitude, hike this trail early in the morning or late afternoon/evening.
Is the Lower Pine Creek Falls Hike Family-Friendly?
This answer depends on the trail conditions. If the water in Pine Creek is high and flowing fast/hard, then I would not recommend doing this hike with kids (I don’t recommend anyone doing this hike if it is raining or the water is flowing fast).
However, when the water is calmer, this hike is a blast for all ages – as long as you feel comfortable with your kids doing some rock scrambling and creek crossing.
At the very least, hike the beginning of the trail with your kiddos and you can assess whether or not you want to continue once you see the creek crossings and boulder climbing that is required.
Is swimming permitted?
Yes, swimming is permitted in the pools below the waterfall. I would recommend wearing water shoes.
Bring a swimsuit and snacks and spend the afternoon swimming and playing in the water! There is a nice sandy beach to relax on.
Pack out anything you bring in and leave the area as (or even better than) you found it.
I hope this guide to finding and hiking Lower Pine Creek Falls is helpful and that it becomes one of your new favorite hikes! Happy hiking!
