Camp > Destinations > Utah > Capitol Reef NP > Hiking
Capitol Reef National Park
Hiking
This page presents information on hiking and backpacking within Capitol Reef National Park in Utah.
Routes and trails located in the central part of the park are accessed by paved or graded roads. Routes in the outlying areas of the park are accessed by graded dirt roads that vary considerably in condition.
- The summer sun is intense, and some trails rise to 6,900 feet.
- You will find many hiking trails marked with rock cairns. Locating cairns may be difficult at first; look for piles or stacks of rocks.
- Stay on established trails.
- Do not shortcut switchbacks.
- Do not throw rocks.
- Camping is not permitted within sight or sound of any trail, maintained road, or developed area except at established campgrounds. Before taking overnight trips, contact a Park ranger who can suggest backcountry camping areas and who can issue a free backcountry permit.
- See the Park's Hiking and Backpacking page for more details.
- See our Backpacking Tips.
- See our Day Hiking Tips.
Trails
Hiked
Check our personal notes for detailed descriptions of these trails:
| Capitol Gorge Trail |
| Distance: |
1 mile one way |
Rating: |
Easy |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
< 50 feet |
| Trailhead: |
|
| Description: |
This walk follows a narrow wash bottom with sheer canyon walls and passes near the Pioneer Register and waterpockets or "tanks." |
| Cassidy Arch Trail |
| Distance: |
1.75 miles one way |
Rating: |
Strenuous |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
1,150 feet |
| Trailhead: |
|
| Description: |
This hike climbs steeply from the floor of Grand Wash to high cliffs, ending above the arch. |
| Chimney Rock Trail |
| Distance: |
3.5 mile loop |
Rating: |
Strenuous |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
600 feet |
| Trailhead: |
In a parking area just off of Highway 24, west of the Visitor Center. |
| Description: |
This trail climbs up switchbacks to an upper loop with views of Chimney Rock and a panorama of the region. |
| Chimney Rock Canyon Trail (Spring Canyon Route) |
| Distance: |
9 miles one way |
Rating: |
>600 feet |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
|
| Trailhead: |
In a parking area just off of Highway 24, west of the Visitor Center. |
| Description: |
This hike from Chimney Rock to the Fremont River Ford passes through a steep walled canyon. The Narrows can be bypassed on a primitive side trail. The hike requires fording the knee-deep Fremont River at the end of the route. A trail guide is available at the Visitor Center. |
| Cohab Canyon Trail |
| Distance: |
1.75 miles one way |
Rating: |
Moderate to Strenuous |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
400 feet |
| Trailhead: |
Near the Fruita campground. |
| Description: |
This trial is strenuous for the first .25 miles, then becomes moderate from that point on. The trail climbs to a fascinating hidden canyon above the campground. |
| Fremont Gorge Overlook Trail |
| Distance: |
2.25 miles one way |
Rating: |
Strenuous |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
1,000 feet |
| Trailhead: |
From the parking area near the blacksmith's shop. |
| Description: |
This trail crosses Johnson Mesa, then steeply climbs to an overlook 1,000 feet above the Fremont River. |
| Fremont River Trail |
| Distance: |
1.25 miles one way |
Rating: |
Easy to Moderate |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
770 feet |
| Trailhead: |
Near Loop B in the Fruita Campground. |
| Description: |
The first 0.5 miles of the trail is an easy, level walk along the Fremont River. This section is firmly packed. The last portion of the trail is a moderately strenuous climb to an overlook above the valley floor. |
| Frying Pan Trail |
| Distance: |
3 miles one way |
Rating: |
Strenuous |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
1,000 feet |
| Trailhead: |
|
| Description: |
This hike follows the ridge of the Capitol Reef Escarpment. |
| Golden Throne Trail |
| Distance: |
2 miles one way |
Rating: |
Strenuous |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
1,100 feet |
| Trailhead: |
|
| Description: |
This trail climbs from the bottom of a gorge to the top of sheer cliffs and ends with a view of the base of Golden Throne and other panoramas. |
| Goosenecks Trail |
| Distance: |
0.2 miles round trip |
Rating: |
Easy |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
<50 feet |
| Trailhead: |
|
| Description: |
This walk provides views of Sulphur Creek Canyon and panoramas of the surrounding region. |
| Grand Wash Trail |
| Distance: |
2.24 miles one way |
Rating: |
Easy |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
<50 feet |
| Trailhead: |
|
| Description: |
This hike follows a narrow wash bottom with sheer canyon walls on both sides. |
| Hickman Bridge Trail |
| Distance: |
1 mile one way |
Rating: |
Moderate |
| Elevation: |
5,320 feet at trailhead |
Total Ascent: |
400 feet |
| Trailhead: |
|
| Description: |
This hike is along a self-guiding nature trail that passes under the Hickman Natural Bridge. A trail guide is available at the Visitor Center. |
| Navajo Knobs Trail |
| Distance: |
4.5 miles one way |
Rating: |
Strenuous |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
>1,600 feet |
| Trailhead: |
|
| Description: |
This trail passes the Rim Overlook and continues another 2.25 miles for a 360 degree panorama from the knobs. |
| Old Wagon Trail |
| Distance: |
3.5 miles one way |
Rating: |
Strenuous |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
1,100 feet |
| Trailhead: |
|
| Description: |
This strenuous 3.5 mile loop follows an old wagon route to Miners Mountain and provides panoramic views of the Waterpocket Fold. See our Personal Notes. |
| Rim Overlook Trail |
| Distance: |
2.25 miles one way |
Rating: |
Moderate |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
1,580 feet |
| Trailhead: |
|
| Description: |
This hike ends on top of 1,000 foot cliffs with views of the orchards, campground, and the south end of the park. |
| Strike Valley Overlook Trail |
| Distance: |
1 mile one way |
Rating: |
Easy |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
|
| Trailhead: |
|
| Description: |
Located off of the Upper Muley Twist, this short hike ends at a spectacular overlook with incredible views north and south along the Strike Valley. |
| Sunset Point Trail |
| Distance: |
.66 miles round trip |
Rating: |
Easy |
| Elevation: |
|
Total Ascent: |
<50 feet |
| Trailhead: |
Near the Goosenecks Overlook parking area. |
| Description: |
This hike provides panoramic views of cliffs and domes, especially with the dramatic lighting at day's end. |
Not Hiked
- Brimhall Bridge
- Burro Wash Trail
- Cottonwood Wash Trail
- Halls Creek Canyon Trail
- Halls Creek Narrows Trail
- Headquarters Canyon Trail
|
- Lower Muley Twist Trail
- Pleasant Creek, East Red Canyon Trail
- Sheets Gulch Trail
- Sulphur Creek Trail
- Surprise Canyon Trail
- Upper Muley Twist Trail
|
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