Bureau of Land Management Paria River District Manager Harry Barber told St. George News renovations and construction will be underway at one of the “most cherished recreation sites” in Garfield County inside the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Barber said the project is intended to enhance the visitor experience at the area known for trails that meander through a lush canyon with a 126-foot waterfall, life-size pictographs, granaries, beavers, oak trees and prickly pear cacti. The Calf Creek Recreation Site includes the campground, parking area and trail/hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls.

“The Calf Creek Recreation Area is an iconic part of Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument,” Barber said. “I’ve been associated with it for about 27 years. That’s how long I’ve worked in this area. We’re closing it because we need to make some upgrades. Being here 27 years, we haven’t made a lot of improvements to Calf Creek. It gets used a lot.”

Barber thanked the public for their patience. Lower Calf Creek Falls and its campground will be closed as mixing heavy equipment and construction traffic with visitor traffic poses immediate safety concerns.

“We appreciate the public’s patience as we enhance visitor infrastructure in this area,” Barber said.

The estimated budget for work slated for 2024 is between $500,000 to $1 million. David J. Hercher, public affairs specialist for BLM’s Paria District, told St. George News that the phasing details for the remaining work still need to be completed. Hercher added that the construction will address the parking problem along Highway 12.

“This project intends to improve user experience and public safety. Working in conjunction with Garfield County and the Utah Department of Transportation, we hope to eliminate the hazards to pedestrians and lessen vehicle traffic caused by parking along Scenic Byway 12,” Hercher said. “A no parking zone is set to be established (a) half mile to each side of the Calf Creek Recreation Site entrance once construction is completed.”

Barber added that the funding comes from the Great American Outdoors Act, BLM recreation fee dollars and the Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation. He said his office also worked with BLM’s Color Country District in Cedar City to combine some projects to ensure funding from the Great American Outdoors Act.

The Calf Creek Recreation Site upgrade includes campground renovations, new shade shelters, new retaining walls along the creek, a water play area and the repair of the campground swinging pedestrian bridge.

Barber said there also will be new vault toilets installed and improvements to the road in the area.

“So really, there’s going to be a lot done with the area that people camp in and recreate in; not so much on the trail itself, but more of the camping area, parking area, picnic area — that’s where we’ll be making the changes and the improvements,” Barber said. “It was a little problematic sometimes to get in and get a parking place. That’s why we’re trying to address some of those issues.”

The project is divided into phases and is so extensive that it will take at least two years to complete, Barber said. The first phase of the Calf Creek project is expected to be completed by Labor Day.

“We worked really close with Garfield County, too, because we know that this site is important to them in terms of visitation,” Barber said.

Most of the infrastructure at Calf Creek is decades old and was built in the 1960s. In sum, authorities say the improvements will:

• Improve human health and safety.
• Address deferred maintenance needs.
• Improve universal accessibility.
• Enhance visitor experience.
• Address resource degradation.

Barber noted that the “gorgeous” waterfalls, Lower Calf Creek Falls and Upper Calf Creek Falls, are a big draw for many people. He said hikers planning to visit this area in the future should be aware that the trail to the upper falls is a little more complex and steep. The sand gets very dry, making the 6-mile round trip problematic for some people.

“We have seen quite an escalation of visitation there over the last few years, and we don’t anticipate that to stop because it’s a really cool place, and people want to see it.”

Barber said the area has many other recreation sites. Visitors can visit this webpage to find alternative hikes in the area.

Barber cautioned about hiking in the area in the summer. He advised travelers to bring plenty of water and snacks and not be in a rush.

Visitors should also dress appropriately, such as wearing hats and summer hoodies that breathe easily and provide protection from the sun. And don’t forget to apply sunscreen, as the area has little shade.

For more information and a complete list of project actions about the project, read the final environmental assessment at the BLM National Register.

Construction updates will be provided as required via on-site signage, local media, social media and the Monument webpage, courtesy of the Garfield County Office of Tourism.

Barber thanked the staff of BLM’s Paria River District and the Public Works Director of Garfield County, David Dodds, and his department.

In a news release, Garfield County Office of Tourism Executive Director Falyn Owens added that there are “still plenty of public land destinations to visit here in Bryce Canyon Country.”

Stephanie DeGraw is an award-winning journalist. For 25 years, she engaged in journalism, broadcasting and public relations. DeGraw worked for the Salt Lake Tribune, Associated Press and The City Journals. She was a reporter for a CBS television station in Twin Falls, Idaho. She graduated from Weber State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Broadcasting.