When you hear “man-made waterfall” you probably think of something that’s made of concrete and installed at a shopping mall, right? There’s a waterfall in Moab that wasn’t naturally created, but it’s a far cry from an urban fixture. Check out Faux Falls:
The vast landscape around Moab is a beautiful place to explore. Arches National Park has plenty to see and do, but there are lots of other spots nearby to spend a day as well.
Stephanie Young Merzel/flickr
Faux Falls is just south of Moab, and it’s definitely a destination to visit, especially on a hot, summer day.
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There’s a small parking area at the trailhead, and it’s just a short, half-mile hike down a trail that was once a dirt road before it was washed away.
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Faux Falls got its name because it’s not a “real” waterfall, meaning that it isn’t naturally occurring. It was created in 1981 as part of a water storage system. Water from Mill Creek was diverted through a tunnel, and then over the landscape itself to cascade down until it reaches Ken’s Lake.
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Depending on the time of year, and the amount of rainfall in the area, the waterfall can be pretty impressive.
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Because there isn’t an actual river here, the water tends to spread out into its own little channels as it flows.
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This is a popular spot for swimming, so bring your bathing suit and a towel. The water is icy cold! Stand underneath for an all-natural shower if you dare, or just dip your toes in. The pool rarely gets deeper than three or four feet, but it’s always bracing to say the least.
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Of course, the waterfall isn’t the only scenic thing around. The landscape itself is stunning, with jagged, sandstone cliffs and rock formations.
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This area is dog friendly, so bring your pup along for the adventure. Just make sure to pick up after him (and yourself) to keep this place beautiful for future visitors.
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If you’ve visited Faux Falls, we’d love to hear about your trip! And if you’re looking for more waterfalls in Utah, you might like to take a look at these majestic falls that don’t even require a hike, or visit this waterfall-fed pool.
Stephanie Young Merzel/flickr
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