Davis Creek - First Waterfall

The first waterfall along Davis Creek is a great short trail to quickly get out, get some exercise and enjoy a nice waterfall situated beneath a really cool, named rock formation, Indian Annie Rock. Also, there was a new feature they recently added, discovered, or just made a trail to the Indian Bath Tubs. At just a half mile to the falls it is a great quick adventure. However, if you are feeling more adventurous there are 5 waterfalls up this canyon, and quite a few other interesting things to look out for. I had other plans for today but we were having on and off rain storms, so I thought we’d do a quick one. That is the nature of the beast, plans are great but when dealing with an outdoor adventure, sometimes it is good to have a back up plan.

Quick Details:

Length: 1/2 mile to the falls, 1 mile round trip with the option of more.
Difficulty: DR4 this was a bit tough, and the trail is kind of sketchy at the falls.
Elevation Gain: About 500 Ft.
Restroom: No
Dogs? Yes! Be sure to clean up after your furry friend!

To get here find 500 south in Farmington, follow it east until it curves south. It will eventually turn into a well maintained dirt road and you will see a small reservoir with a small parking lot in front of it on the right. This will add about 500 feet to the hike, but if you go just a little bit further up there is a tiny parking lot (2, 3 car max) and the Davis Creek Trailhead.

The trail head.

The trail feels a little overgrown this time of year, or after the wet spring we have had.

Some pretty Lupines.

Pretty scrub oak.

Cutleaf Balsamroot.

First view of the canyon above.

Not sure what these are.

More wildflowers. I think this is a Twin Crest Onion.

Dense woods.

First glimpse of the waterfall.

The waterfall with the Indian Annie Rock formation. This is from the Diamond View Bench. A much appreciated bench to rest on after all the up!

The water seems to be gushing a lot more than the last couple times we have been here.

Another Cutleaf Balsamroot.

More scrub oak.

It is very faded and hard to see, but it said there was a trail down to Indian Tubs only 100 yards down here. I mean, it was a thin trail, but I think this is new. I definitely did not see this the last few times we have been here. Although, it has been about 3 years.

It was a little thin, but doable… until there was a quite slippery part above a landslide section. We waited for a family with kids trying to make their way down who were having a hard time, and after waiting I.. I just couldn’t do it. Landis is a little less nervous than I am so he wanted to go, and I gave him the camera.

He got a nice shot of the creek.

I believe the bath tubs are there at the flat part. I still can’t decide if they are called The Indian Bath Tubs because they are below Indian Annie Rock, or if they are a formation Indians might have used, or if it is known Indians did in fact bathe here. Either way, the water level is a bit to high to really see them.

Or they might be at the upper flat section. There is a rope to help you up, but the waterfall is just raging too much at the moment.

I eventually worked up the courage to make it to the stream. It really is steep and slippery after the rain so I was not comfortable, but I made it this far.

Landis being a mountain goat.

Back down through the woods.

Helpful rope to get through the steep, slippery section. I probably wouldn’t have made it that far if this were not here.

The landslide section before the steep slippery part. It really doesn’t look too bad from here but I don’t like steep slopes, particularly above raging creeks. I might be less nervous later in the year with less water gushing down.

More pretty woods.

I knew the waterfall lookout was not much better, but decided to see how far out I could make it. It was only another 1000 yards.

Not sure what this one is either.

Indian Annie Rock. It was named for her because it resembles a face.

Landis is a shutterbug too, though he typically uses his phone.

Indian Annie Rock. This thin trail does take you to the falls, but the top, so I didn't particularly feel up to continuing today.

Back down the thin trail.

As I mentioned, there are a lot more things to see along this trail system if this was not enough of an adventure for you. Keep heading up and see El Capitan Rock, Wolf head Rock, Pretty Valley, Hell Hole, Christmas Tree Lane, and an additional 4 waterfalls! Just know, no mater which way you chose to continue up, it is a bit tough.

Another shot f the falls from Diamond View Bench.

View of the valley below.

More woods.

More pretty flowers.

Big beetle. we called these stink bugs when I was a kid, but I don;t think that’s what they are.

Back to the dirt road, and the small parking lot.

Where Davis Creek lets out below the road.

I decided to tromp up the Triumph Trail to see how it was. I have been meaning to check it out, but haven’t.

Davis Creek. Actually doesn’t seem so bad down here. Maybe I was being a big wuss.

I was hoping the trail followed the creek to the first waterfall, but it switched backed up above. Meh, we had our adventure for the day. Maybe we will head up this trail another time.

Another wildflower. I think this is a Cutleaf Anemone.

Extended exposure of the creek over a rock.

And again.

And again.

Where the creek goes below the BST trail/road.

View up canyon.

This is a great short trail to see a nice waterfall, and some neat natural formations. And if that isn’t enough for for you, you have the option for more. Going with a 9 out of 10 squirrel rating. Losing one for some sketchy parts to get in close to the falls, and the baths.

As for difficulty, It was a pretty steep climb for most of the way, and the view points for the waterfall and the baths were really steep and sketchy. Some ropes have been added which do help, but I would have been happier with more. Going with a DR4.

Dogs are allowed! Please clean up after your furry friend.