Battle Creek Falls Trail

Route Description for Battle Creek Falls Trail

The hike to Battle Creek Falls is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Pleasant Grove area. Though this trail is only 6.6 km, it is a steep and consistent climb that will give you a serious workout. Wearing proper hiking footwear is essential on this route, and we strongly recommend bringing a set of hiking poles to aid your ascent and save your knees some strain on the way back down. This trail is hectic in the summer, especially on the weekends, so we recommend heading out early in the day if you want to beat the crowds.

The Battle Creek Falls Trail is busy for a reason. The 50-foot drop of the Battle Creek Waterfall is enough to leave you speechless. However, the cool mist spraying from the falls is a welcome refreshment on a summer day after the hot and sweaty hike up. This trail can also be hiked in the winter for a different yet equally stunning view of the falls. If you are hiking in the winter, be sure to bring along a set of traction devices such as microspikes as this trail gets icy and slippery.

To hike to Battle Creek Falls, begin at the Battle Creek Trailhead and follow the path northeast along the eastern bank of Battle Creek. Just over half a mile up the trail, you will reach Battle Creek Falls. This impressive 50-foot waterfall is the turn-around point for most hikers, but if you would like to keep exploring, continue along the trail past the falls as it winds its way along Battle Creek. At the fork, take the trail on your left to hike up a short distance to a junction with an ATV Trail. This marks the end of the Battle Creek Falls Trail.

At the ATV trail, simply turn around and enjoy the downhill cruise back to the Battle Creek Trailhead, where you began.

Trail Highlights

Battle Creek

Battle Creek was the site of the Battle Creek Massacre of 1849, where a group of Mormon militiamen, directed by Brigham Young, attacked and killed a group of Ute men, women, and children who were camped in Battle Creek. This attack arose after false allegations that the Ute People had stolen horses from Brigham Young. Before the attack, it was discovered that the horses were not, in fact, stolen. The horses had been located and returned to their home by one of Brigham’s boys. Despite learning the truth of the situation, the attack went ahead and resulted in the confirmed death of four Indigenous people. However, the real number of casualties is believed to be many more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Battle Creek Falls Called “Battle Creek Falls”?

Battle Creek Falls is named after the Battle Creek Massacre of 1849 where a group of Mormon settlers attacked a group of Indigenous Peoples in their camp along Battle Creek.

How long is the hike to Battle Creek Falls?

The hike to Battle Creek Falls is 0.8 km one-way. If you continue on past the falls to hike the full Battle Creek Falls Trail, the distance is 6.6 km round-trip.

Insider Hints for Battle Creek Falls Trail

• This trail is very popular, arrive early in the day or hike this route on a weekday to avoid the crowds
• This trail is dog-friendly but dogs must be kept on leash at all times
• In October, this trail is aglow with gorgeous fall colors