Fort Creek (Three Falls)

Canyons like Three Falls are unusual in northern Utah. It offers sections of committed slot, deep pools rarely found in nearby canyons, and a mix of challenges including heavy bushwhacking, logjams, slippery downclimbs, and various water obstacles. While it doesn’t quite compare to the more advanced Class C canyons elsewhere in the West, it remains one of the best local options for those living in the Salt Lake City or Utah County area. Note: This description covers the Lower Fort Creek route (also known as Three Falls), which is the only portion included in the mapped track. The complete route consists of both Upper and Lower Fort Creek, starting at 40°30'04.6"N, 111°45'52.3"W. Upper Fort Creek includes three low‑angle rappels that can be bypassed by downclimbing, but most people skip them since the best features are found in the lower section.

The best place to start is at the trailhead where the Three Falls hiking/biking trail crosses North Three Falls Drive. Park on the side of the road here. After a few switchbacks and about 5 minutes of hiking--but before reaching the bridge that crosses Fort Creek--you will leave the maintained trail and follow a ridge upward to the north, northeast. There is a very obvious social trail all the way up this ridge, but there are also a few intersecting trails where you can tell people have gotten off route in the past and, which could do the same to you, so keep you eyes open. Following the GPX track posted on this page will pretty much keep you spot-on target the whole way. Continue on foot up the ridge. There will be over 900 feet of elevation gain before you top out and drop into the drainage. Expect some bushwhacking, but good paths can be found through the scrub oak. Just before you top out there is an option to take the alternate, West Ridge Approach which is detailed bellow, otherwise stay on the social path to descend the standard, Erosion Gully route. Follow the main social trail as it tops out and starts to descend down to the drainage. The route down the gully gets loose and step in some places. Footing is bad and you will slip and slide; but, this section of the approach is short and not too terrible. Still, exercise caution and use tree branches as hand holds as you descend. Despite being fairly well worn and obvious, by now, it is still easy to get off the main track here and have to bushwhack. The Erosion Gully approach will drop you into the drainage at 40.49535, -111.76994. You will encounter a handful of fun waterslides and the impressive Wall of Springs (RDC at 40.495978, -111.769808) as you descend the drainage to the point where the West Ridge Approach meets the drainage and to where the technical descent begins. The spring can double the flow to the the creek at certain times of the year, FYI! Before reaching the top of the hill cut to the left to GPS way point 40.49535,-111.76994. This point will lead you out a ridge that runs towards the west and to a sloping hillside that ends in a cliff. This cliff is 120 feet tall. Put on your wet suits here before the rappel into the canyon. The approach rappel (aka rappel 0) is anchored via some [yellow] webbing around the bottom of a fir tree on the right side of the ridge 3/4 the way out the ridge. This rappel will drop you into the drainage right at the waters edge in a location right before the wall of springs that come out of the right side of the canyon. This approach will skip a few fun water slides and the Wall of Springs as you enter the drainage below them.

It's recommended to rappel all of it rather than down climbing because slipping would send you down the slide and over the cliff. Moderate-High water levels will make many down climbs very dangerous/impossible. Keep going till your reach the bridge. Walk DCL down the trail back to your car approx 5 minutes away. The popular "Natural Waterslide" frequented by locals is below the trail and past the canyon's end.

After exiting the creek at the bridge, follow the trail back to your vehicle. If you stay in the drainage after passing the bridge, there is a 30-foot natural waterslide. However, it is on private property and is now sometimes patrolled by a security guard.