Gordon Creek Falls is a refreshing pair of waterfalls tucked into the high desert canyons near Helper, Utah, in the Carbon County backcountry. With an accessible lower falls and a more remote upper falls, it's a fun, scenic outing for hikers, mountain bikers, and ATV riders looking to chase some flowing water in an otherwise dry landscape.

The lower falls is the main draw and the easier to reach — roughly a mile from the Trestle Road trailhead along a route popular with hikers, bikers, ATVs, and horses. From there, the upper falls lies about a mile and a half further along the trail for those wanting more adventure (and a historic cabin awaits even deeper in, around 6.4 miles round trip). The falls are at their most impressive in spring and early summer, when snowmelt sends the water roaring.

You can get right up close and even dip your toes at the top of the falls, but take real care here: this is a flash-flood-prone canyon, so never venture in when rain threatens, and watch your footing — the rocks around the falls are slippery and the water moves faster than it looks. Keep kids close and stay back from the edges.

Spring and early summer bring the fullest flow; the route can be hot and exposed in midsummer. The road in toward the creek gets steep and soft, so a capable high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicle (or your own two feet) is the way to go. Dogs are welcome on the trail. Bring plenty of water, watch the weather, and pack out your trash — Gordon Creek Falls is one of Carbon County's most rewarding little adventures.