This Guide to the Stewart Falls Hike in Utah will cover trail information, best seasons to hike, winter preparation, and more.
Stewart Falls is one of the best waterfall hikes in Utah and a personal favorite of mine. It’s a trail that really has it all with wildflowers, changing leaves, evergreen trees, epic views, moderate hiking, and an incredible waterfall to reward you at the end. I have done it many times and it never disappoints. It is also dog-friendly!
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Stewart Falls Hike Stats
- Length: 3.8 miles out and back
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 656 feet
- Difficulty Level: The trail is typically rated as moderate. It is well-maintained and offers a mix of shade and sun exposure, making it a good choice for families and less experienced hikers.
- Fee: There is a trail use fee of $6, payable in cash at the trailhead, or hikers can display an America the Beautiful Pass.
- Season: Accessible year round
- Restrooms: Yes
- Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs must be leashed the whole time
Getting There and Parking
The trailhead is accessible via Alpine Loop Road up Provo Canyon, with a large, well-marked parking area.
There’s a $6 fee to access the trail, payable in cash at the trailhead. Make sure to bring exact change. If you have an America The Beautiful Pass (National Parks Pass), you can display that in your window which covers the fee.
There are two bathrooms right at the trailhead.
Trail Description
The trail is typically rated as moderate, but I would say it’s on the easier side of moderate. It has a gradual uphill with a quick decent down to the waterfall. If you decide to hike down to the waterfall, just remember you have to hike back up that steep section!
There is plenty of shade with some exposed sections that offer some great views of Provo canyon.
Beware there is stinging nettle on this trail so make sure to familiarize yourself with the plant and avoid touching it as it can hurt and leave a painful or itch rash where it came in contact with your skin. It’s easy to avoid, but something to be aware of, especially if you are hiking with little explorers.
Best TIme of Year to Hike
Stewart Falls is accessible all year round, even in the winter. Honestly, it is incredible every single season. Here are my favorite parts about the trail during each season:
- Spring: In the spring, the falls are extra full from the snow melt and wildflowers are blooming
- Summer: Summertime is a great time to hike because you escape the heat and enjoy a shady trail with a refreshing waterfall and river at the end. Make sure you bring along plenty of water as the trail still can get hot.
- Fall: You get to enjoy incredible fall colors, although the waterfall is at it’s smallest
- Winter: This is a fantastic trail to break out your snowshoes or microspikes and get outside in the snow. The waterfall is frozen over which is a pretty incredible sight. Just be prepared with the correct gear for winter conditions.
Stewart Falls Hike In the Winter
Stewart Falls is beautiful in the winter. The waterfall is frozen over and there’s a lot of beautiful, snow capped mountain views. BUT you need to make sure you have the correct gear and know about avalanche danger.
Avalanche Danger
There are four different areas on the trail that cross avalanche passes. Do not take this lightly. You can check HERE to see how high the chances of an avalanche are. I personally would only do the hike if Provo was in the green or yellow. The Utah Avalanche center updates their website daily in the winter so you know you are getting the most updated information.
You can click on the area you’re interested in hiking in to read more about the avalanche danger.
Special Winter Gear Needed
This trail can get a lot of snow so you’ll want to be prepared with the proper layers and footwear.
When I hike in the winter I always hike with either microspikes when the trail is packed down or snowshoes when there is fresh powder.
I also wear layers so I can put more on if I’m cold and take things off if I get too hot. I share all of My Favorite Women’s Winter Hiking Layers here.
If you want an extensive list of Essential Winter Hiking Gear to Pack, you can check out this post.
Environmental Responsibility
This is a popular trail so it’s important everyone does their part to keep the trail clean. Make sure to follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles.
The trail is dog-friendly, so if you decide to bring your fur friend, make sure to pick up their poop and dispose of it in proper waste bins at the trailhead or back at your house.
More Utah Hikes with kids
If you are interested in more kid-friendly hikes in Utah and Nevada, I co-authored a guide book for just that. 50 Hikes with Kids Utah & Nevada is packed with fun trails, information about each one, and a scavenger hunt to go along with each hike so your little hiker can keep an eye out for exciting aspects of the trail.
If you found this Stewart Falls Hike Utah Ultimate Guide helpful, make sure to check out these other posts:
- 5 Must Do Kid-Friendly Hikes in Salt Lake County
- Backpacking Paria Canyon and Buckskin Gulch: Ultimate Guide
- What To Pack on a Hike with Toddlers
