As you look at the canyon walls you can see the typical cream to red-colored sandstone layers formed millions of years ago by ancient sand dunes. Vertical discoloration is created by rain water running down the cliffs. An old fence is a reminder of the settler's early use of Calf Creek. Weaned calves, just taken from their mothers, were turned into the natural pasture created by the box canyon above the fence. These dams help control spring flooding, reduce siltation downstream, and provide habitat for mature fish.
Riparian areas are one of the most productive and important types of ecosystems.
These areas display a greater diversity of plant and animal life than adjoining ecosystems. A healthy riparian zone filters and purifies water passing through it, reduces sediment loads, enhances soil stability, and contributes to groundwater recharge and flow. Many species of birds find the lush vegetation and abundant water of the canyon bottom ideal habitat. A few of the birds you may observe are the hummingbird, downy woodpecker, golden eagle, mourning dove, western bluebird and common crow. Mist from the 126-foot high Lower Calf Creek Falls, and shade provided by the canyon, combine to keep temperatures cool and comfortable even during the hottest of summer days.