Battle Creek Falls - Winter

Battle Creek Falls is a great shorter hike leading to the Beautiful Battle Creek Falls in Pleasant Grove. It is a famed twin waterfall, but so far I have not had the best luck seeing it as a twin waterfall, in fact we have done this trail quite a few times hoping to see the twin falls. I think something at some point has dammed the right side so it has been pretty lackluster compared to it’s left half for quite a while now. However a recent post I saw looked like the right side was more active again so I thought we would come check it out. The hike itself isn’t too bad however I definitely recommend at least microspikes in winter. The trail is nice and wide, and gradual for the first 2/3’s the last third is still wide, but gets a bit steep with the final decent to the base of the falls being the toughest part.



Quick Details:

Length: 1.2 miles out and back with longer options.
Trail Type: out and back
Difficulty: DR4. As mentioned it’s a gradual climb until the end. In winter that gets extra tough, particularly if you do not have microspikes!
Elevation Gain: About 600 feet.
Restroom: There is usually a porta-potty there. Today it was knocked over and unusable so don’t plan on it. There is a gas station down on State St. that has one.
Dogs? Yes, leashed.
Other Info: As with any winter time hike in the mountains, be very aware of avalanche conditions. This canyon is narrow and steep and does have some chutes so be mindful and hike at your own risk!

To Get Here:

Head south on i15. Take exit 275 for Pleasant Grove, and head east. Turn right on state St. turn left on 200 S. Follow that all the way up until the road turns into a dirt parking lot next to Kiwanis Park.



The canyon we will be climbing soon (Passenger Seat Photography (PSP)).



The Pleasant Grove water tower (PSP).

The Trail:



The trailhead starts at Kiwanis Park. You will NOT cross the creek here, instead head right before the sign there. Forward will go the the Pleasant Grove G, which we have not done yet.



Into the canyon!



Nice wide trail.



Looking back towards Utah Lake.



Rock formations above.



Starting to get a view of Mount Timpanogos above.



Holy icicles Batman!



Fun rock formations above.



I love pine trees in winter!



The creek.



A little freezing melting path makes a fun ice-falls!



I love the rock formations in this canyon.



The diversion pond, which doesn’t seem as deep as it normally is. Anyway, this is almost exactly 2/3’s of the way, as well as the point that the trail start to really climb. If you haven't put your micro spikes on yet, this is a good spot to do it.



Another neat ice fall.



Ice under the bridge.



A nice little ice chandelier above the bridge.



Downstream. After the bridge it really starts to climb.



Some great ice formations.



Another look at the creek.



The itty bitty cave.. mine? probably mine.



Cliffs above.



Another fun ice-fall.



Looking back out of the canyon towards Utah Lake.



Up canyon is a winter wonderland.



Before long we can see the waterfall.



You will take this steeper offshoot from the main trail to get down to the base of the falls. The main trail does continue further but we haven’t been too much further up yet. We tend to do this trail when we want something a little shorter. One day we’ll go up above.



While waiting for Landis to put his micro-spikes on I enjoyed the view.



Another awesome ice fall.



Now we go down the steep side trail. I don’t think we could have done it without the micro spikes. Phew!



Battle Creek Falls in all it’s glory! This is definitely the most twin falls like I have seen it. Though I will say, the right twin is still a little weaker.



I have 2 theories for finally seeing the twin falls. Either the super wet season finally dislodged whatever was damming the right side, or, enough ice has built up on the left side to allow more water to come over to the right side. Either way I am enjoying the results!



Loving the giant icicles as well. It kind of resembles a bear roaring!



Neat ice formations below the falls.



Quick panoramic.



Closer shot of the great icicles.



From a little lower.



The neat ice formations at the base of the falls. I wanted to get closer to them but uh, didn’t want to get soaked with the cold weather. The mist from the falls is wonderful during the summer though.





Slightly longer exposures.



The ice falls again.

Enjoying the waterfall, but it is time to head on back.



One last parting shot from the main trail. One of these days we’ll explore further up. One day.



Utah Lake again.



Pretty wintery alcove above.





The cliffs above.



Heading down canyon.



The creek below.



Back down to the bridge.



Cliffs and skies.



Another fun ice formation.



The creek again.



More fun cliffs.



Down to the little pool.



Looking down canyon.



Enjoying the trail.



Oh boy. Someone is having a rough hike. Actually there was quite a bit of blood all the way down from here. Hope everything turns out okay.



Utah Lake again.



I think this was a downy woodpecker. Should have put the telephoto lens in, but I didn’t.



Lots of ice around this outlet pipe.



Pretty blue skies.



Some steamy factory down below, thought it looked kind of neat.



The creek again.



Utah Lake, one last time from the trailhead.



Looking back at the canyon as we drive away (PSP).

That is always a great hike and I am super, super excited I finally got to see the twin waterfalls being, well more twin like. It wasn’t too crowded today and the trail was in great condition for a winter hike. Just be sure to bring your micro spikes, or show shoes. Going with 10 out of 10 squirrels today.



As for difficulty, it’s super short, and generally easy going. The last 3rd of it gets a little steeper and the final descent to the falls is even steeper. In winter, I definitely recommend at least micro spikes but still going to put this as a DR3 because the steep section is shorter.

Dogs are allowed, please clean up after your furry friends.