Rocky Mouth Falls and Hidden Falls - May 2015

ROCKY MOUTH FALLS

 

The Rocky Mouth Trail is a great short hike to get out and cool off, on a hot summer day. The Trail head is located at 11300 south Wasatch Blvd. You park in the Wasatch Trail Head Lot, then ascend a railroad tie staircase to the subdivision road. The road curves to the left and on the right, in-between 2 houses, is the trail.

The initial hill is quite steep, but manageable. It levels off to another incline, then follows a foot path to the left, around some snarled Cottonwood trees, past a sealed mine shaft, and another rock formation that has a small cave, but not large enough to enter. The up another small incline and the falls will be in full view. This hike is so short you could even pack in a light camping chair, so you would have a nice place to sit and enjoy the view. This is a great hike for small children, those not accustomed to long elevation hikes or peak climbing. I have seen many children make it up to the falls. It is a great getaway for parents and kids. It gives parents the opportunity to show young people what nature and these mountains are all about. I love to see new faces enjoying the hiking experience for the first time. These mountains have so much to offer us, don’t pass up an opportunity to visit the falls and enjoy what mother nature has provide us so close to home.

Driving Directions: Once at the intersection of 9400 So. & Wasatch Blvd., continue traveling south 3 more miles on Wasatch Blvd. Watch for an LDS chapel on the right. The trail head parking lot is located on the east side of the road. Address: 11248 S. Wasatch Blvd. (directly East of the LDS Chapel)

 

HIDDEN FALLS

 

If coming from Salt Lake City, or from south of Salt Lake City, you’ll take I-15 to I-80 East. Stay on I-80 East for 5.0 miles. Take I-215 South Belt Route (Exit 128) Continue on I-215 for 5.0 miles, and then take Exit 6 for 6200 South (which will quickly turn into S. Wasatch Blvd.) You’ll be on this road for 1.7 miles, where you’ll see signs for Big Cottonwood Canyon. At your first four-way stoplight you’ll turn left (East) onto Big Cottonwood Canyon Road. Follow Big Cottonwood Canyon Road for 4.4 miles. You will enter a tight “S” curve and you will see a small parking lot inside one of the “S” curves. It’s easy to miss so be sure to slow down upon entering the “S” curve. The parking lot can hold about 10-12 cars.

 

As you leave the small parking area, you will need to cross the road and head north. You’ll see this sign, and you’ll follow the steps up to the road, where you’ll safely cross it. The cars coming from your right are sometimes really moving fast so be sure to practice safe road rules and look both ways. I don’t want you getting clipped before you even start the hike! Once you safely cross the road, you confronted with a choice, as you will see some steps to the right. Don’t take these steps! This is the wrong way! Instead, go straight ahead. You may even see the falls from this spot. The trail that goes straight stays to the right of the creek flowing from Hidden Falls.

 

The trail is literally only 150 feet in length before you reach Hidden Falls. Right before you arrive at the falls you will see a fenced up entrance to an abandoned mine. The hike literally takes two minutes to reach Hidden Falls. The falls, over hundreds of years, has cut an opening between the rocks which showcase strength and power of water. The best time to go is in April and early May since the flow of the falls will be at their most impressive.