Capitol Reef National Park Hiking Guide - 33 Hikes in Capitol Reef
No matter your age or experience level, you’ll find a trail to suit you at Capitol Reef. There, you can find easy, short trails over level ground, all the way up to 3-day long backcountry trails through winding canyons and up steep inclines that challenge even the hardiest of backpackers. You’ll see natural arches and bridges, hoodoos, towers, domes, and some truly breathtaking vistas. Walk where the pioneers and Indigenous People of southern Utah walked and experience the majesty of the Waterpocket Fold for yourself.
When hiking in Capitol Reef, make sure to stay on the established trails in order to protect the fragile biocrust. Biological soil crusts contain cyanobacteria, lichen, moss, green algae and micro-fungi. It appears as knobbly black bumpy soil, helps to prevent erosion, and in some places composes 70 to 80 percent of the living ground cover. Remember, don’t bust the crust!
In this guide we’ve broken down the park into three sections:
- Fruita
- Cathedral Valley
- Waterpocket Fold
You’ll find easy, moderate and strenuous hikes in each district as well as six backpacking trails!
Day Hikes in Capitol Reef National Park
Hiking in Fruita
Fruita is the heart of Capitol Reef and home to the visitor center, fruit orchards, campground, and the Scenic Drive.
Easy
Famartin, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Distance (roundtrip): 0.2 miles (0.4 km)
- Time: <10 minutes
- Elevation Change: <50 feet (<15 m)
Goosenecks Overlook offers stunning views of the Sulphur Creek goosenecks a few miles west of the park’s Visitor Center. Here, the creek twists and turns as it carves its way through the Moenkopi sandstone, Kaibab Limestone, and White Rim Sandstone 600 feet below. The term “gooseneck” refers to the way the creek meanders and carved through the rock, leaving behind loops that resemble the bend of a goose’s neck. To access the viewpoint, drive to the end of the short unpaved road beginning at Panorama Point and hike a short 600-foot trail up slickrock to the metal railing. There’s a single switchback and a few steps over slickrock.
2. Sunset Point
Channel City Camera Club from Santa Barbara, US, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Distance (roundtrip): 0.8 miles (1.2 km)
- Time: <30 minutes
- Elevation Change: <50 feet (<15 m)
Sunset Point is an easy hike from the parking area for Goosenecks Overlook that offers additional views of Sulphur Creek as it meanders its way towards the Visitor Center. There’s a park bench at the top of the trail to relax and soak in the views after hiking along the slickrock and moenkopi. Views from this point at sunset are truly breathtaking but parking fills up quickly.
2. Capitol Gorge trail to the Tanks
- Distance (roundtrip): 2 miles (3.2 km)
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Elevation Change: 80 feet (24 m)
Capitol Gorge Trail is an easy 2-mile hike round trip with special historical significance. Along the way you can see ancient petroglyphs left by the Fremont Culture, a group of Indigenous People that occupied the area roughly 1,500 years ago. You’ll also see the Pioneer Register, where pioneers and settlers carved their names into the rock. At the turnaround point 1 mile in, you can find the trailhead for The Tanks Trail, a half-mile round trip walk to view giant water pockets in the sandstone. The trail is easy but the wash floor is covered in loose rocks and ankle-breakers, so watch where you walk.
Famartin, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Distance (roundtrip): 4.4 miles (7.2 km)
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Elevation Change: 200 feet (61 m)
Grand Wash Trail is a 2.2 mile hike each way through a deep canyon. It’s an easy walk over flat ground where you’ll get some beautiful sights of the canyon walls, especially as you pass through The Narrows, where the canyon walls are only 15 feet apart. There isn’t much shade so take plenty of water. Trailheads are located at the eastern end of Grand Wash spur road and along route 24, 4.5 miles east of the Visitor Center. The trail can be done from either direction. The trail is easy but the wash floor is covered in loose rocks and ankle-breakers, so watch where you walk.
Moderate
brewbooks from near Seattle, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Distance (roundtrip): 3.4 miles (5.4 km)
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Elevation Change: 440 feet (134 m)
Cohab Canyon trail is a moderate 1.7 mile hike each way, climbing over 400 feet with stunning views overlooking fruita. A number of steep switchbacks are found at the start of the trail before it levels off. The trailhead is found across from the Campground in Fruita. The trail connects to The Frying Pan and Cassidy Arch Trails for a combined 6.3 strenuous miles each way, or you can arrange to be picked up at the Cassidy Arch trailhead in Grand Wash.
Andrey Zharkikh from Salt Lake City, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Distance (roundtrip): 2 miles (3.4 km)
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Elevation Change: 480 feet (146 m)
Fremont River Trail is an easy stroll along the Fremont River, starting in the picnic area parking lot and heading down alongside the campground. There is a steep climb toward the end for panoramas of Fruita and the surrounding area.
SridharSaraf 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)
- Distance (roundtrip): 1.8 miles (2.8 km)
- Time: 1 hour
- Elevation Change: 400 feet (122 m)
Hickman Bridge Trail is a moderate 2-mile hike with views of Capitol Dome, Navajo Dome, Hickman Natural Bridge and the smaller Nels Johnson Bridge. The trail is steep in some places and includes stone steps. The trailhead is located at a parking lot less than 2 miles east of the Visitor Center. Signs on route 24 point the way.
English: NPS, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Distance (roundtrip): 3.4 miles (5.6 km)
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Elevation Change: 670 feet (204 m)
Cassidy Arch Trail is a strenuous 1.7-mile hike each way beginning at the end of Grand Wash spur road that climbs 670 feet up the canyon wall. The trail starts out steep and climbs most of that distance early before leveling out. At the end, you’re greeted by the famous Cassidy Arch, a natural stone arch named for Butch Cassidy, one of the most famous outlaws in the American west, who is rumored to have hidden there from the law.
James St. John, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Distance (one-way): 5.8-mile (9.3 km)
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Elevation Change: 410 feet (125 m)
Sulphur Creek route follows Sulphur Creek from the trailhead on route 24 west of Chimney Rock 5.8 miles to the Visitor Center. Traveling west-east the route is mostly downhill and traverses a number of small waterfalls, depending on how recently it last rained. This route more or less follows the creek instead of an established trail, and allows for up-close views of the oldest rocks inside the park, as well as a pioneer era lime kiln near the visitor center.
Strenuous
English: NPS, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Distance (roundtrip): 3.6 miles (5.9 km)
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Elevation Change: 590 feet (180 m)
The trailhead is located off route 24 near the western border of the park, minutes away from the Visitor Center. The trail is 3.5 miles long and pretty steep early on, so only attempt if you’re prepared. There is some shade when near canyon walls so long as you start early in the day. Take this hike in the spring or summer to see some gorgeous wildflowers.
Famartin, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Distance (roundtrip): 4.6 miles (7.2 km)
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Elevation Change: 1,090 ft (332 m)
This trail begins at the Merlin Smith Blacksmith shop along an access road before splitting off onto a single track. It climbs steeply at first before leveling off along the Johnson mesa for about a mile, giving you up close views of black volcanic boulders. The trail climbs steeply toward the end, gaining 622 feet in only .75 miles to the overlook. A pile of rocks marks the end of the trail but you can continue along the rim. Stay back from the edge as it is unstable. This trail is entirely exposed so bring water and UV protection.
12. Frying Pan Trail
Cassidy Arch dkm725 from Getty Images
- Distance (one-way): 2.9 miles (4.6 km)
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Elevation Change: 810 ft (247 m)
Frying Pan Trail connects Cohab Canyon and Cassidy Arch trails so it’s definitely a good ‘bang for your buck’ trail as it’s really 3-in-one. But it does mean you need to plan for a ride back from the Grand Wash trailhead as the total distance is closer to 7 miles, and can take about 5 hours to complete. It can get miserably hot in the summer so stick to spring or fall, or do it early in the morning and bring lots of water. Begin the hike at Cohab Canyon trailhead and follow the posted signs or bring a map to navigate the various spur trails and overlooks.
Qfl247,CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Distance (roundtrip): 4 miles (6.4 km)
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Elevation Change: 730 ft (223 m)
Golden Throne trail doesn’t actually take you to the Golden Throne but to an excellent viewpoint of the famous peak. It also offers stunning views of the canyon walls as you ascend the cliff to the viewpoint. The trailhead is at the end of the Capitol Gorge spur road and rises moderately steep at first before abating. You’ll gradually ascend Kayenta sandstone benches through three drainages before the grade increases again to the viewpoint. This trail can get hot in the midday sun so do early or later in the afternoon.
Capitol Reef by Maciej Bledowski
- Distance (roundtrip): 3.8 mi (6.1 km)
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Elevation Change: 1,080 ft (329 m)
The Old Wagon Trail Loop trailhead can be found along the Scenic Drive. There’s a paved turnout just below Slickrock Divide. This isn’t an exceptionally fun or interesting hike but it does give some nice views of the Waterpocket Fold from the west. It also follows an old wagon road for a short time. The trail is a steady climb up Miners Mountain through Pinyon Pine and Juniper forest.
15. Rim Overlook
brewbooks from near Seattle, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Distance (roundtrip): 4.6 miles (7.2 km)
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Elevation Change: 1,110 ft (338 m)
Rim Overlook is a hike with views overlooking route 24 and Fruita. There are also great views of Hickman Bridge, Navajo Dome, and Capitol Dome. The trail begins at the Hickman Bridge trailhead before splitting off .25 miles in and is mostly uphill on the way in. Rim Overlook extends onto the Navajo Knobs trail which more than doubles the length and difficulty.
16. Navajo Knobs
Rick McCharles, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Distance (roundtrip): 9.4 miles (15.2 km)
- Time: 4-6 hours
- Elevation Change: 1,620 ft (494 m)
Navajo Knobs is a strenuous 9.4-mile out-and-back trail skirting the cliff edges along route 24. It’s the most difficult hike in this section of the park but offers dramatic views overlooking Fruita. It is the longest of the maintained hiking trails in the park and has the highest elevation climb at 1,620 feet. Bring plenty of water, maybe even more than you think you need. Access this trail from the Hickman Bridge trailhead less than two miles east of the Visitor Center on route 24.
Cathedral Valley
North of Fruita and best accessed via high-clearance, 4-wheel-drive vehicles, Cathedral Valley is much more remote than Fruita. It opens into broad desert with less vegetation and more sand. But, some of the park’s most iconic features can be found here, so it’s definitely worth the trip. This area is also best visited March through November, as winter conditions can sometimes make the roads impassable. Whenever you visit, always check with the park visitor center about road conditions first.
Easy
17. Upper Cathedral Valley Overlook
Anna Irene, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Distance (roundtrip): 0.2 mile (0.3 km)
- Time: <30 minutes
- Elevation Change: 30 feet (9 m)
This short hike is rated as easy, and though the elevation change is only 30 feet, parts of it are steep. But, at the end, you’re greeted by a fantastic view of Cathedral Valley looking north, north east. There, you can see a row of monoliths in the valley known as The Cathedrals. This is a great place to get out and stretch your legs if you’re taking the Cathedral Valley Loop.
Morrell Cabin - Canva Kamchatka
- Distance (roundtrip): 0.4 mile (0.6 km)
- Time: <30 minutes
- Elevation Change: 17 feet (5 m)
The Morrell Cabin is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is accessed on a short road off of Cathedral Road. Walk a short distance to the Cabin and peer inside through the windows. To the south, you can find the remains of a corral. This cabin was used by cowboys tending their cattle during the winter. This is an easy walk for families looking to stretch their legs or learn more about the history of the area.
19. Lower South Desert Overlook
Lower South Desert Overlook - Canva Kamchatka
- Distance (roundtrip): 0.5 mile (0.8 km)
- Time: 30 minutes
- Elevation Change: 21 feet (6.5 m)
If you take the Cathedral Loop in the recommended clockwise direction, the Lower South Desert Overlook will be one of your first stops inside Cathedral Valley. This short and easy hike takes you to a viewpoint overlooking the southern desert area of Cathedral Valley and provides a view of the east side of Jailhouse Rock.
20. Cathedrals Trail
Cathedral Valley Overlook - Paulbrady
- Distance (roundtrip): 2.4 miles (3.9 km)
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Elevation Change: 324 feet (99 m)
If you visited the Upper Cathedral Valley Overlook and wanted to get a closer look at the Cathedrals, here’s your chance! This trail follows a low ridgeline that parallels the Cathedrals, getting you within 400 feet of Cathedral Mountain. The trail begins with a short, steep ascent but quickly levels out. If you can make it up the ascent, you’ll have an easy walk the rest of the way.
Moderate
21. Upper South Desert Overlook
Henry Mountains - Overlook m-kojot Getty Images
- Distance (roundtrip): 0.4 mile (0.6 km)
- Time: <30 minutes
- Elevation Change: 80 feet (24 m)
This trail would be considered easy if not for the steep incline right at the end. But if you can conquer that, you’ll get terrific views of the upper portion of the South Desert, just below the Cathedrals and east of the Lesley Morrel Cabin. You can see the Henry Mountains to the east in the far distance.
22. Lower Cathedral Valley Overlooks Route
Cathedrals Trail - Canva Kamchatka
- Distance (roundtrip): 2.5 miles (3.9 km)
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Elevation Change: 149 feet (45 m)
Like most of the overlook trails in the park, this one starts easy but has a steep climb at the end for the actual overlook. But, whereas most visitors to the Cathedral Valley have to look up at the Temples of the Sun and Moon, this overlook lets you look down on them from above! Be warned, though, this trail is faint so be careful where you step. There are actually two viewpoints here, connected by an even harder to spot trail, but both are worth visiting to complete a loop back to your car.
23. Jailhouse Rock and Temple Rock Route
Amy Washuta, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Distance (roundtrip): 4.5 miles (7.3 km)
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Elevation Change: 213 feet (65 meters)
Beginning at the Lower South Desert Overlook, this trail includes a steep descent to the valley floor. In the valley, the trail is reasonably level, only changing another 100 feet in elevation. You’ll get up close to the northern side of Jailhouse Rock, a large promontory surrounded by flat desert. From there, it’s on to Temple Rock along a faint but noticeable trail. Retrace your steps out of the valley to return to your vehicle.
Waterpocket District
The Waterpocket District of Capitol Reef lies south of Fruita and can be accessed from either Scenic ByWay 12 west of the park or Notom Road to the east. Whereas the northern district of Capitol Reef is characterized by broad desert and giant monoliths, the Waterpocket district is a maze of slot canyons and challenging hikes extending some 50 miles south of the Scenic Drive. Like the Cathedral Valley, access usually requires high-clearance 4-wheel drive or better.
Easy
Burr Trail Slot Canyon Don Miller Getty images
- Distance (roundtrip): 2.0 miles (3.2 km)
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Elevation Change: 423 feet (129 m)
The Surprise Canyon route can be found just south of the Notom Road junction with the Burr Trail and is well marked. The short canyon does get narrow but not enough to be considered a slot canyon. With no real obstacles, this hike is easy enough for most people, even children. Be aware there may be puddles in the canyon after a rain. The canyon ends at a chute and this is where most hikers turn around. Experienced canyoneers could traverse up the chute for a challenge.
- Distance (roundtrip): 3.2 miles (5.2 km)
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Elevation Change: 406 feet (124 m)
Just to the south of Surprise Canyon is Headquarters Canyon. A true slot canyon, the entrance is less than 3 feet wide and is full of vegetation. Generally free of obstacles, this route is family friendly and is often combined with Surprise Canyon for a half-day’s adventure. The route ends at a Kayenta Sandstone slickrock slab where hikers turn around to begin the journey back.
Moderate
Bob Palin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Distance (roundtrip): 0.9 mile (1.4 km)
- Time: 1 hour
- Elevation Change: 400 feet (122 m)
Although the trail is short, the 400-foot climb puts this trail in the moderate category. However, if you’re able to make it to the top of the low saddle, you’ll see nearly a dozen layers of rock covering 150-million years of geologic activity. You can find the trailhead at the end of the Strike Valley Overlook Road. Some people choose to hike the road portion as well, making this a more than 7-mile hike.
27. Red Canyon Trail and Route
- Distance (roundtrip): 5.6 miles (9.0 km)
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Elevation Change: 223 feet (68 m)
Despite its length, the Red Canyon trail is relatively easy due to the limited elevation change. The trailhead can be found at the Cedar Mesa Campground. With rocky wingate sandstone promontories similar to “The Needles” at Canyonlands National Park, this area also hides a double arch, requiring a .25 mile detour to find. The trail winds through about six different rock layers, ending up in a bowl filled with boulders that blocks further progress.
Backpacking Trails
28. Pleasant Creek
English: NPS, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Distance (roundtrip): 14.5 miles (23.3 km)
Pleasant Creek trail is an unmaintained and unofficial but noticeable trail. From the trailhead on Pleasant Creek Road south of Capitol Gorge, you can hike to both the east and west park boundaries. You can do sections of this as a day hike or there are primitive campsites if you want to conquer the whole thing. If hiking all of Pleasant Creek to both boundaries and beyond to Pleasant Creek Cascades, the total distance is 14.5 miles roundtrip. Because it is not maintained, obstacles and conditions may vary wildly so route-finding and map reading skills are essential.
29. Spring Canyon
- Distance (roundtrip): 33.2 miles (53.4 km)
Spring Canyon is a 33.2-mile strenuous trail best done in 3-4 days or broken up into smaller day hikes. The first trailhead can be found on route 24, one mile east of the Rim Rock Inn. The canyon is divided into Upper and Lower sections. You can access the lower trail from the Chimney Rock Trailhead. The trail is only intermittently marked so a topographic map and GPS device are recommended. Because it is not maintained, obstacles and conditions may vary wildly so route-finding and map reading skills are essential.
- Distance (roundtrip): 22.8 miles (36.7 km)
The lower portion of Muley Twist Canyon is a 22.8-mile strenuous trek through a narrow canyon with large alcoves. There are also many opportunities to explore side trips along the way. The trail is located in the southern Waterpocket Fold district of the park and the trailhead can be found at the top of the Burr Trail switchbacks, 35 miles south of route 24. Because it is not maintained, obstacles and conditions may vary wildly so route-finding and map reading skills are essential.
ALAN SCHMIERER, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Distance (roundtrip): 14.8 miles (22.5 km)
If you’re up to the challenge, Upper Muley Twist Canyon trail offers sights of arches, slickrock expanses, narrow canyons, and inspiring vistas from the top of the Waterpocket Fold. The canyon got its name because pioneers said it was narrow enough to “twist a mule.” Round trip, this trail is 14.8 strenuous miles. Because it is not maintained, obstacles and conditions may vary wildly so route-finding and map reading skills are essential.
32. Burro, Cottonwood, & Sheets Gulch
- Distance (roundtrip): various
If you want even more of a challenge, try Burro Wash, Cottonwood Wash, and Sheets Gulch slot canyons. Warning - these are for experienced canyon-country hikers only. The slot canyons get narrow and at times need to be traversed sideways. There is also standing water and the potential for short swims. All three trails may be done as day hikes though you might want to allow 2 days for Sheets Gulch. Because they are not maintained, obstacles and conditions may vary wildly so route-finding and map reading skills are essential.
- Distance (roundtrip): 22.4 miles (36 km)
Halls Creek Narrows is probably the most famous and challenging of the Capitol Reef backcountry routes. A 22.4-mile rugged and mostly unmarked trail, the hike requires wading and sometimes swimming in water. It follows the Halls Creek drainage system at the southern end of the park and offers incredible views of canyon walls. You can find the trailhead at the Halls Creek Overlook, 56 miles from the Visitor Center. The trail is also not maintained so obstacles can change periodically due to flash floods, rock falls, and more. It can get blisteringly hot in the summer so wear appropriate clothes and drink plenty of water. It’s recommended to do this as a 3-4 day excursion.
Conclusion
As you can see, Capitol Reef is a hiker’s dream! With no shortage of trails and fantastic scenery to look at, the only way you’ll get tired of hiking here is by putting in too many miles. Remember, when it comes to hiking and backpacking: pack it in, and pack it out. Always carry enough water, and leave no trace you were ever there.
Related: The Ultimate Capitol Reef Travel Guide and Weather in Capitol Reef National Park - When's the Best Time to Visit?
Capitol Reef National Park Tour
