As the sun began to peek over the mountains, my husband and I arrived at the Aspen Grove parking lot. Because it was mid-July, we arrived early, about 6:45 am, to beat the heat. Our goal? The Stewart Falls trailhead. You’ll find it on the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, Hwy 92, in Utah County, Utah. The air was a crisp 55°F, and only a few cars dotted the lot, promising a serene start to our adventure. This popular trailhead, serving both the challenging Mount Timpanogos ascent and the scenic Stewart Falls Trail, requires a self-pay fee or a national parks pass.
Our weekday hike might also have contributed to fewer numbers on the trail. I would venture to guess it is even more popular on the weekends!
The cooler temperatures made the beginning of the hike much easier, but it didn’t take long for me to shed my sweatshirt as the uphill hike warmed things up. With my sweatshirt tied around my waste, I started out, not sure if this hike would be too challenging or not.
The Trail to the Falls
We set off on the Stewart Falls Trail, clearly marked and easy to follow. The path spans approximately 1.9 miles each way, guiding hikers through a surprisingly varied terrain. While the distance might seem modest, don’t let it fool you – the trail features a total elevation gain of 646 feet. This isn’t a relentless uphill climb, but rather a series of rolling ups and downs that keep things dynamic and engaging. You’ll encounter sections of gradual ascent that get your heart rate up, interspersed with short, welcomed descents or level areas before another climb begins. It’s a worthwhile hike that constantly changes the view and the effort required.
Throughout the hike, you’ll also navigate several rocky areas. These aren’t technical scrambles but require attentive foot placement. Some sections involve walking over stable, embedded rocks that act like natural stairs, while others feature looser gravel or exposed roots, especially after periods of rain. Sturdy hiking shoes with good ankle support are definitely recommended to comfortably hike these varied surfaces. Depending on your speed, fitness level, and how often you pause to rest or capture photos, the round trip typically takes two to three hours to complete.
From the moment we left the parking lot, the majestic backside of Mount Timpanogos offered a breathtaking backdrop. The trail itself is a journey through diverse ecosystems: winding past scrub oak, tall pine trees, and open meadows bursting with color. Overlooks along the way provide stunning views of Aspen Grove and the distant Sundance Resort. The azure blue swimming pool of Aspen Grove looked pretty inviting, but it’s not open to the public. Views of Sundance Resort included the ski lifts and surrounding mountains. In the fall, colorful foliage would be abundant. We even crossed an old avalanche path, a stark reminder of nature’s power.
A Wildflower Wonderland and a Memorable Encounter
Mid-July is an ideal time to witness the vibrant display of wildflowers along the trail. The meadows were a tapestry of hues, showcasing the incredible biodiversity of the Wasatch Front. To read more about mountain wildflowers, see “Where to View Mountain Wildflowers“.
But the true highlight of our hike came unexpectedly. As we rounded a bend, there was a sudden crashing in the brush nearby. Out of the dense foliage emerged a moose, surprisingly close! We had the incredible opportunity to watch it calmly munching on branches and leaves, a truly unforgettable wildlife encounter that added an extra layer of magic to our morning.
We had to tear ourselves away from this exciting encounter to continue our hike. The moose didn’t seem to notice or care that we were there, perhaps only about 25 feet away. And he was in no hurry to end his breakfast.
The Cascading Beauty of Stewart Falls
Before you can see the falls, you’ll be able to hear them. At first, you might wonder if it’s the sound of distant car engines on the scenic byway, but as you get closer, there will be no doubt it’s a waterfall’s roar.
As you approach Stewart Falls, you’ll catch glimpses of its multi-tiered splendor through the trees. While these initial views are enticing, getting closer is highly recommended for the full experience. The falls, fed by melting snow and natural springs, cascade down in several tiers, creating a powerful and beautiful display. Even in mid-summer, there’s always water flowing. The waterfall is particularly impressive in late spring and early summer due to the increased snowmelt.
When we visited, the mists rising from the falls refracted the sunlight, creating a stunning rainbow—a perfect reward for the hike. I was also fooled about just how high the waterfall was. Your first view allows you to see only the top half! Only after you hike closer, do you realize there is another level of waterfall below the first one, making it a 200-foot total drop. And for double the fun, see if you can spot the second set of waterfalls to the left!
We were also surprised by an overhead visitor to the falls — a paraglider, who must have had an absolutely stunning view!
Good to Know Before You Go
- Dogs: Dogs are allowed on this trail. However, since you could also run into a moose, your dog should be on leash at all times. Please bring disposal bags and pick up their poop. You can dispose of it in proper waste bins at the trailhead or back at your house. Please don’t leave those “packages” for hikers to find.
- Water: Bring plenty! Even on a cool morning, staying hydrated is crucial. I brought a 2-liter Camelback and drank at least half. It’s dry in July — and you’ll need even more if you hike later in the day when it’s much warmer.
- Best Time to Go: The trail is generally accessible from the end of May until November. Arriving early is a smart move. By 9:45 am, when we were leaving, the temperature had climbed to 71°F, feeling significantly warmer than our 6:45 am start.
- Popularity: This is a well-loved trail. While you might have moments of solitude, especially early in the day, expect to see other hikers. We observed a steady increase in foot traffic as the morning progressed, with people of all ages—from around 6 to 75 years old—enjoying the path.
Self-pay hang tag
- What to Bring: Besides plenty of water, consider sunscreen, a hat or sunglasses, an extra pair of socks, and a snack. Don’t forget cash or a check for the parking fee of $10, or plan to pay online if you can get reception (we surprisingly had better reception on the hike than while driving to the trailhead!). Self-pay envelopes are available at the trailhead; they include a tear-off hangtag to put in your car. If you have a national parks pass, leave it on the dashboard of your car.
- Restrooms: There are outhouses at the trailhead, but they don’t review well. I didn’t use one, so I can’t tell you what condition they were in the day we hiked.
The Stewart Falls Trail is a fantastic hike that offers a blend of accessibility, stunning natural beauty, and the chance for memorable wildlife sightings. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more invigorating walk, it’s a worthwhile addition to any Utah outdoor itinerary. (For more on other beautiful waterfalls in the area, explore “Two Waterfalls and a Bridge.”) If you like waterfalls and gorgeous natural beauty as much as we do, this is a hike you shouldn’t miss.
fyi, there is an alternate route that takes a lower path, you will end up at a place lower along the stream that flows from waterfall. then, you can hike up along the stream to get to the waterfalls… Hannah and I did this alternate route a few years ago and ran into a horse riding tour, so had to squeeze off the trail for them to pass.
Does that alternate route leave from another trailhead? Or split off at some point?
Stewart Falls is a real gem, I’m lucky to live so near it!
Yes, we certainly are!
Such beautiful views!! Those wildflowers look heavenly. I’ve also been really close to a moose before, at Heber Valley camp. It’s an awe-inspiring experience!
I agree! So cool to be close enough to witness a moose in the wild!