Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
Lisa Falls is typically known as a short roadside hike near Salt Lake City, but if you are about canyoneering, it becomes a technical, unique, and wet adventure.
The 'extended route' takes things further by looping around to a higher section of the canyon and descending multiple granite waterfalls. While the lower falls are commonly rappelled, this extended version adds several more rappels and a longer adventure overall. Not a bad way to spend a Labor Day holiday.
The worst part? The approach can be rough—steep terrain, loose dirt, route-finding, and some bushwhacking before reaching the upper canyon. But once you’re in, the reward is a series of clean granite rappels with flowing water and great views down canyon.
📍 Route Overview
The route starts from the standard Lisa Falls trailhead but quickly diverges west from the typical hiking path at the base of the falls.
From there, the extended route climbs high above the falls before traversing back into the drainage. Once in the canyon, the descent consists of multiple rappels down smooth granite slabs and waterfalls.
Flowing water depends on the season - be careful!
📊 Route Stats
Time: ~3–12 hours
Distance: ~1.1 miles total
Rappels: 4–5 rappels (up to ~60 m / 197 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Water: Flowing in canyon (typically no wetsuit needed in hot conditions). No swimmers.
Season: Summer to early fall
Flash Flood Risk: Moderate
💡 Important Info
-This route requires strong route-finding skills and comfort with exposure.
-The approach can be physically demanding with steep terrain and lots of bushwhacking.
-Slick granite and flowing water can make rappels more hazardous.
-Always check weather conditions due to flash flood risk.
Subscribe for full-route adventures—hiking, canyoneering, running, and urban exploring.
Lisa Falls is typically known as a short roadside hike near Salt Lake City, but if you are about canyoneering, it becomes a technical, unique, and wet adventure.
The 'extended route' takes things further by looping around to a higher section of the canyon and descending multiple granite waterfalls. While the lower falls are commonly rappelled, this extended version adds several more rappels and a longer adventure overall. Not a bad way to spend a Labor Day holiday.
The worst part? The approach can be rough—steep terrain, loose dirt, route-finding, and some bushwhacking before reaching the upper canyon. But once you’re in, the reward is a series of clean granite rappels with flowing water and great views down canyon.
📍 Route Overview
The route starts from the standard Lisa Falls trailhead but quickly diverges west from the typical hiking path at the base of the falls.
From there, the extended route climbs high above the falls before traversing back into the drainage. Once in the canyon, the descent consists of multiple rappels down smooth granite slabs and waterfalls.
Flowing water depends on the season - be careful!
📊 Route Stats
Time: ~3–12 hours
Distance: ~1.1 miles total
Rappels: 4–5 rappels (up to ~60 m / 197 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Water: Flowing in canyon (typically no wetsuit needed in hot conditions). No swimmers.
Season: Summer to early fall
Flash Flood Risk: Moderate
💡 Important Info
-This route requires strong route-finding skills and comfort with exposure.
-The approach can be physically demanding with steep terrain and lots of bushwhacking.
-Slick granite and flowing water can make rappels more hazardous.
-Always check weather conditions due to flash flood risk.
Subscribe for full-route adventures—hiking, canyoneering, running, and urban exploring.
