This shot features a grove of Gambel Oaks and some native plants in the canyon of Calf Creek Trail. Calf Creek Falls is one of the best known hiking destinations in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The hike from the Calf Creek Campground to the lower falls is 6 miles round trip with minimal elevation gain. The trail follows the creek as it winds through a canyon that has a lot of visual and biological diversity. While the 126 foot Lower Calf Creek Falls is the famous destination the canyon itself is very picturesque and worthwhile. In mid-May, wildflowers were blooming and many species of birds were singing, continuously. I have never heard so many bird songs on any one hike before. Among others we saw a Violet Green Sparrow, Spotted Towhees, Orioles and a blue bird we think was a Steller’s jay. The camp ground has a Trail Guide that tells a story for each of the 14 interpretive stops on the way to the lower falls.