Rock Creek Canyon, Hurricane Cliffs, in a Storm

Rock Creek Canyon with Scenic Small Waterfalls

Rock Creek Canyon pierces the Hurricane Cliffs just south of the town bearing the same name.  Water flowing in Fort Pearce Wash several weeks after any active rain made me question where this originated.  The main tributary to this was Rock Creek.  This canyon goes back about 2 miles before a pouroff.  From satellite images I figured I could explore back at least that far and then see about further exploration.

Another big storm forecast on my hiking day gave me hope for some waterfalls.  Mud and slippery rocks would be hazards.  I parked my car above the wash, not liking the rocky slick mud section with a storm coming.  I didn't want to get stuck with no help nearby.

The trail up-canyon has clearly been used by cattle.  Once past the canyon mouth, the scenery closed in around me and I did find flowing water.  Plenty of enormous boulders had rolled far into the canyon.  They rested on a sandstone patio which formed the bedrock of this canyon.  Small and medium pools could be bypassed without much difficulty.

Tall canyon walls within Rock Creek

Moss on sandstone with small waterfall

Three waterfall chutes into a murky pool in Rock Creek Canyon

Typical view hiking along Rock Creek after a storm

Gordon Smith hiking to the end of Rock Creek where a seasonal waterfall happened!

Before long I reached the end pouroff.  A trickling waterfall of 80 feet fell into a murky pool in a stoney amphitheater.  Layers of exposed rock wrapped around me as I enjoyed quiet in this remote corner.  A storm approached down the canyon:  looked like rain.  Pattering hail came suddenly upon me.  I quickly took shelter under an alcove and waited for my trickling waterfall grow.  I figured it might turn into a gushing torrent.  One can hope.

Waterfall in Rock Creek Canyon

Check out the video of the hail and waterfall.  Pretty cool stuff to be there and know this happens maybe 3 times a year.

Slow but steady water flowed more and more off the waterfall.  All the hail mixed with rain created a great waterfall by desert standards.  It was amazing!  The scenery got better and better as I hiked out because a patch of blue sky appeared to give me that "beautiful day" appearance.  Who would know I'd just endured a hailstorm from this picture?

Landscape photography near St. George and Hurricane, Utah:  Rock Creek is a wonderful discovery!

Gordon's hike rating:
Hike Difficulty:                   ★★★★ Moderately hard
Trail Condition:                   ★  Poor with no real trail
Trail Hazards:                      ★★★★ Difficult:  boulders, pools, slickrock
Trailhead:                             Fort Pearce trailhead, 13 miles south of Hurricane, Ut
Time Required:                    5-7 hours
Distance round trip:             4 miles
Off the Beaten Path:             ★★★★★ Yes, 5 Stars
Scenery:                                ★★★ Good, 3 Stars
Photographic Potential:        ★★★ Good, 3 Stars