Adams Canyon Upper Falls
Utah · 40-foot drop · Wasatch Range (BLM) · Last verified 2026-05-23
Adams Canyon Upper Falls is a 40-foot plunge on Holmes Creek in the Wasatch foothills above Layton — one of the most-hiked waterfall trails on the Wasatch Front. The 4-mile round trip climbs over 1,000 feet, with exposed switchbacks at the start and a steep rocky finish to the falls. A separate 25-foot lower falls sits earlier on the trail. Best late spring through early fall; ice closes the upper section in winter.
The trail
4 miles each way, rated moderate with 1000 feet of elevation gain. Adams Canyon Trailhead on Eastside Dr, just off US-89 north of Fruit Heights. Free, fills early on weekends.
Compare to nearby falls
If this one isn't the right fit, here's how it stacks up against the closest documented falls. Every column is filterable on the site — not buried in 13,000 reviews.
| Waterfall | Distance | Height | Trail | Dogs | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adams Canyon Upper Falls (this page) | — | 40 ft | moderate · 4 mi | Y | Free |
| Adams Canyon Lower Falls | 1 mi | 16 ft | — | — | — |
| Hidden Falls | 31 mi | — | — | — | — |
| Moss Ledge Waterfall | 31 mi | — | — | — | — |
| Easter Falls | 32 mi | — | — | Y | Free |
| Donut Falls | 32 mi | 20 ft | — | — | — |
Related waterfalls
Similar height (~40 ft)
- B. Reynolds Falls40 ft
- Gabbro Falls40 ft
- Legos Falls40 ft
- Lower Ravine Falls40 ft
- Accord Hollow Falls41 ft
Same best season in Utah
- Rocky Mouth Falls60 ft
Questions visitors ask about Adams Canyon Upper Falls
Answers built from our structured data. If a question isn't here, the fact is unverified — we'd rather omit than guess.
How tall is Adams Canyon Upper Falls?
Adams Canyon Upper Falls is 40 feet (12.2 m) tall. Height is sourced from Utah.com.
Is Adams Canyon Upper Falls in a national or state park?
Yes — Adams Canyon Upper Falls is inside Wasatch Range (BLM). See the park page for fees, hours, and current conditions.
Can I bring my dog to Adams Canyon Upper Falls?
Yes — dogs are allowed (Wasatch Range (BLM) permits leashed dogs in most areas). Always leash and pack out waste.
Can you swim at Adams Canyon Upper Falls?
No — swimming is not safe or not allowed at Adams Canyon Upper Falls. The pool at the base is shallow and cold year-round at this elevation. Not a swim destination.
When is the best time to visit Adams Canyon Upper Falls?
Peak flow is typically May, June, July, August, September, October. Season-wise: spring, summer, fall. Snowmelt and recent rain affect day-to-day volume.
Is there a fee to visit Adams Canyon Upper Falls?
No entrance fee. Wasatch Range (BLM) is free to access. Some trailheads may charge a parking fee separately.
How far is Adams Canyon Upper Falls from a major city?
Adams Canyon Upper Falls is 4 miles from Layton (about 8 minutes' drive).
More waterfalls in Utah
Where it is
41.0673, -111.8851
Sources and live status
Where we got the data, and where to check current conditions before you drive.
Last verified by Fallspots: 2026-05-23
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