Round Trip Distance: 1.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 5097 - 5205 feet
Cellphone: 3-5 bars
Time: 1 hr.
Trailhead: Ken's Lake Campground
Fee: none
Attractions: Scenic waterfall
Faux Falls is located near Ken's Lake just south of Moab, Utah. The scenic man made waterfall was created when water was diverted from the nearby Mill Creek through a tunnel to create a reservoir. As the water comes out of the addit it cascades down the redrock cliffs and into a stream that fills the lake. Faux Falls is visible from as far away as Highway 191, a distance of several miles. It looks inviting even from there.
To get to the trailhead from Moab drive south on Highway 191, measuring from Center and Main, for 7.8 miles and turn left onto the Old Airport Road. After about a half mile the Old Airport Road ends at the Spanish Valley/La Sal Mountain Loop Road. Turn right and drive another 0.8 miles where you then turn left at the sign for Ken's Lake. Drive another mile and turn left on the Faux Falls Road which is actually the second loop of the campground.
From the parking area the route follows an old road that leads to a former trailhead that was much closer to the falls. After a short distance there is a singletrack trail that breaks off on the left that follows the creek up to the falls. For this post we made a little loop by hiking up the singletrack to the falls and then back down the road to the trailhead on the return trip.
As the trail approaches the creek there is another sign that points out the route to the falls.
The route near the creek has a lot more ups and downs than the road route. There is also some loose sand in places. The extra effort that the singletrack trail takes in comparison to the road route allows you to see a bit of different scenery.
The scenic little waterfall comes into view near the end of the trail.
Rocks have been stacked around the base of the falls to form a small pool.
The trail ends at the falls but it is possible to scramble up the slickrock all the way to Sheley Tunnel where the water comes out of the mountain.
There is a little information about Faux Falls available at the old trailhead. Mostly it mentions that the falls was created in '1981 when Sheley Tunnel began delivering water to Ken's Lake'.
Faux Falls is a nice short hike for anyone looking for something to do in the Moab area whether you are staying at Ken's Lake Campground or just happen to be in town. If you are looking for a place to camp, Ken's Lake has 31 sites to choose from. There is room for most any size motorhome. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table with restrooms nearby. Campsites are currently going for $15/night with a 14 day limit. Hiking to Faux Falls is free though. If you would like to see it for yourself then all you have to do is 'Take a hike'.