Hiking Mill Creek Trail to a Moab Swimming Hole
Moab, Utah, offers an array of natural spectacles, among which Mill Creek Trail is an oasis for adventurers and relaxation seekers alike. A short distance from the urban charm of downtown Moab, this trail leads to a 30-foot waterfall and refreshing swimming hole that blends the beauty, adventure, and the thrill of exploration. Here’s your guide to discovering Mill Creek Trail. Post‑swim snack? Check out these local favorites.
Embark on a Journey of Discovery
Mill Creek Trail, also known as North Fork Trail, unveils the majestic beauty of Utah’s Canyon Country with each step. Flanked by towering red rock formations, many of which contain hidden ancient rock art panels, this path is a vibrant tapestry of nature’s best landscapes.
On warm, sunny days, Mill Creek becomes a lively social hub where locals gather for a refreshing dip in the cool waters of the creek. Visit this easy-to-access gem outside of Moab and enjoy a refreshing mid-day escape.
Getting to Moab’s Mill Creek Falls and Swimming Hole
Mill Creek Canyon Trail, locally known as “Left Hand,” is less than three miles from downtown Moab. It is a short 10-minute drive south on Route 191, followed by a turn onto Sage Avenue and then a quick right onto Holyoak Lane. Drive two blocks to Mill Creek Drive and make a left before driving half a mile to Powerhouse Lane and turning right. Take this road to the designated parking area for hikers.
Hiking Mill Creek Trail to the Waterfall
The 1.6-mile, out-and-back Mill Creek Trail winds through a beautiful canyon dotted with small natural pools. As you’re hiking, watch for petroglyphs and ancient habitation sights on the canyon’s cliff walls—the more you look, the more you will find! (Reminder: Do not to touch the rock art; it is fragile and easily damaged, and we need to do our part to preserve it for current and future generations.)
Approximately 30 minutes into the hike (after several creek crossings with rock stepping stones), the beautiful Mill Creek Waterfall comes into view. This lovely destination features cascading waters and a sizable swimming hole that is ideal for cooling off on warmer days. Take a refreshing dip in the pool as you marvel at the towering canyon walls that surround you.
Families with kids will enjoy the relatively easy hike, and dogs are welcome too, making it a perfect excursion for the entire family. Ideal times for a visit are early morning or later in the day, offering a peaceful experience with fewer crowds.
More Moab Waterfall Adventures: Faux Falls
Just a short drive from town, Faux Falls is a delightful addition to your Moab itinerary—especially if you’re already planning the hike to Mill Creek Trail. Despite its name, Faux Falls delivers real charm. Located near Ken’s Lake in Spanish Valley, the waterfall is actually man-made, created when water was diverted from Mill Creek to fill the reservoir.
The hike is short and family-friendly: from the Ken’s Lake campground area you can take a 0.5-mile sandy road or follow a shaded creek-trail to reach the base of the falls. At the bottom you’ll find a shallow pool (around 2–3 feet deep) ideal for kids or dogs, or a quick cooling break in the summer hush of the canyon.
Faux Falls contrasts beautifully with the red-rock desert around Moab and provides an easy, less-crowded aquatic stop compared to busier trails. If you love Mill Creek, this is a perfect complementary outing.
Your Moab Retreat Awaits at ULUM
After a day of adventure, immerse yourself in the beauty and serenity of ULUM Moab. Savor a relaxing evening of elevated dining amidst desert surroundings, then sleep under the stars in a safari-inspired Suite Tent awash in comfortable and luxurious amenities. This exceptional outdoor resort is the ideal retreat, sure to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. Your desert adventure awaits.
