One Of Utah's Best Swimming Holes Is A Breathtaking Natural Red Rock Waterfall

Is there anything better than coming across a beautiful swimming hole in the desert? The contrast of rushing water cascading over sunbaked red rocks into an inviting pool is the stuff that road trip dreams are made of. Perhaps surprisingly, Southern Utah is home to many of these secret oases, from an under-the-radar swimming hole near Zion National Park to various places to plunge around the city of St. George. One of the area's most breathtaking swimming holes is Toquerville Falls – and just getting there is half the adventure.

Set against a rugged red backdrop, Toquerville Falls is a dramatic sight. Small cascades tumble over the tiered ledges, while the main 20-foot drop creates a dramatic rush into the pool below. The rocks glow amber in the sun, and while you'll find a few lonely trees and bushes scattered around, there's little shade, which is all the more reason to jump in. In the summertime, the water is pleasantly warm and perfect for a dip.

Toquerville Falls sits just 30 miles northeast of St. George, but it takes a while to get there because of the challenging road leading to the site. Reports on the road conditions vary, but the falls are best reached via SUV (at least), and most visitors recommend a high-clearance 4x4 or an ATV. Some reviewers on Tripadvisor recommend only making the journey if you're experienced with off-road driving. 

If you think you can make the drive, you'll be richly rewarded at the falls, particularly if you camp overnight. Southern Utah is a spectacular place to camp under the stars, and the stars at Toquerville Falls are especially dazzling, thanks to the relatively low levels of light pollution. The falls sit on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) where you can camp for free, though be warned: The campsites are primitive, with no facilities. 

If you're not sure you'll be able to get to Toquerville Falls, there are plenty of other water holes around St. George. A much easier drive out of the city will take you to one of Utah's most refreshing swimming coves at Fire Lake Park. While more developed than Toquerville Falls, it's still a gorgeous place to chill out and cool down in Utah.