In case you are on the lookout for an incredible hike to do in Capitol Reef, the listing is surprisingly lengthy. In Capitol Reef, you’ll be able to hike to arches which are tucked away within the colourful sandstone mountains, by way of simple slot canyons, and as much as overlooks with jaw-dropping views. On this submit, we share 16 wonderful day hikes in Capitol Reef Nationwide Park.
About this Climbing Listing
The hikes on this listing are organized by geographical space. The sights and climbing trails alongside Freeway 24 and Scenic Drive type the core of Capitol Reef Nationwide Park. However it’s also possible to go away the crowds behind and enterprise into the backcountry. Exploring Cathedral Valley and Looping the Fold are wonderful adventures to place in your Capitol Reef to-do listing, and it’s right here that you will see that a number of the most stunning and least crowded climbing trails in Utah.
On the finish of this submit, I can even share with you many longer trails which are usually completed as very lengthy day hikes or as in a single day backpacking journeys.
The entire distances on this submit are spherical journey except famous in any other case.
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Greatest Hikes in Capitol Reef Nationwide Park
Hikes Alongside Freeway 24 and Scenic Drive
- Goosenecks & Sundown Level
- Chimney Rock
- Hickman Bridge
- Capitol Gorge
- Cassidy Arch
- Grand Wash
- Cohab Canyon
- Rim Overlook
- Navajo Knobs
- Sulphur Creek
Hikes in Cathedral Valley
- Cathedrals Path
- Decrease Cathedral Valley Overlook
Hikes alongside the Waterpocket Fold
- Shock Canyon
- Headquarters Canyon
- Strike Valley Overlook
- Slot Canyons
Whereas in Capitol Reef Nationwide Park, please follow the seven rules of Depart No Hint: plan forward, keep on the paths, pack out what you deliver to the climbing trails, correctly eliminate waste, go away areas as you discovered them, decrease campfire impacts, be thoughtful of different hikers, and don’t method or feed wildlife.
Hikes Alongside Freeway 24 and Scenic Drive
Alongside Freeway 24 and Capitol Reef Scenic Drive you will see that the biggest focus of climbing trails. These are all simple to get to (no high-clearance car or 4×4 vital) and are centrally situated throughout the park.
These trails additionally are usually essentially the most crowded. Noon throughout peak journey occasions, you’ll have bother getting a parking house, because the parking tons are notoriously small in Capitol Reef. I like to recommend getting an early begin if attainable, simply so that you don’t wrestle to get a parking house.
Goosenecks & Sundown Level
Two very quick hikes begin from one car parking zone. From Freeway 24, flip onto the gravel highway for Panorama Level and Sundown Level. Panorama Level would be the first overlook you’ll come to. Merely step out of your automotive and benefit from the view. Then, proceed down the gravel highway to the top and park within the car parking zone. This highway is appropriate for normal automobiles.
Sundown Level
Distance: 0.8 miles | Problem: Simple | Time: 20 to half-hour
It is a quick, simple hike out to a beautiful overlook. It will get its identify as a result of it is among the greatest spots in Capitol Reef to observe the sundown, however the views are stunning all day lengthy.
Sundown Level
Goosenecks Overlook
Distance: 0.2 miles | Problem: Simple | Time: 10 minutes
This quick stroll takes you to an overlook the place the Sulphur Creek carved out a canyon, its curving path resembling that of a gooseneck.
Goosenecks Overlook
Chimney Rock
Distance: 3.6 miles | Problem: Average | Whole Ascent: 600 ft | Time: 2 to 4 hours
In case you are on the lookout for a comparatively quick hike that isn’t too difficult and provides nice views over the park, hike the Chimney Rock loop. After a brief and strenuous climb, this path stays comparatively flat, because it makes a loop alongside the sandstone mountains. The views of Fruita and the waterpocket fold are spectacular.
Hickman Bridge
Distance: 1.8 miles | Problem: Average | Whole Ascent: 400 ft | Time: 2 to three hours
This is among the greatest quick hikes to do in Capitol Reef. Stroll alongside the Fremont River after which hike as much as a spectacular viewpoint the place you’ll be able to look out over Freeway 24. The path ends at Hickman Bridge, a big, pure arch that’s tucked away close to the again of the canyon.
The view of Freeway 24 from the climbing path
Hickman Bridge
Capitol Gorge Path
Distance: 1.5 miles | Problem: Simple | Whole Ascent: Minimal | Time: 45 minutes
The Capitol Gorge Path is a flat path that heads by way of a large canyon. It was the one highway by way of the waterpocket fold till Freeway 24 was constructed.
It’s a 1.5 mile spherical journey stroll to get to the Pioneer Register. When Mormon settlers handed by way of this space within the late 18th century and early nineteenth century, they scrawled their names on the canyon partitions. This assortment of names is named the Pioneer Register. Mainly, it’s historic graffiti. On this identical canyon, it’s also possible to see American Indian petroglyphs.
Observe: Don’t write your identify or go away any marks on the canyon partitions. This space is underneath surveillance by the nationwide park service and the fantastic is large for those who get caught writing on the partitions.
To get to this trailhead, it’s a stunning drive by way of Capitol Gorge. Capitol Gorge Highway is a 2.3 mile gravel highway that’s appropriate for normal automobiles underneath 27 ft size.
Capitol Gorge Highway
Cassidy Arch
Distance: 3.4 miles | Problem: Average | Whole Ascent: 845 ft | Time: 2 to three hours
If you happen to solely have time in Capitol Reef Nationwide Park for one hike, this is among the trails that I like to recommend.
The hike to Cassidy Arch is among the most thrilling trails in Capitol Reef Nationwide Park. Simply accessible from Scenic Drive, this quick hike options beautiful surroundings, views over the Grand Wash, and the possibility to face on Cassidy Arch. On this hike, you’ll be able to view the arch from afar or stroll throughout it for one of the crucial distinctive photograph ops in Capitol Reef Nationwide Park.
LEARN MORE: Cassidy Arch, An Important Hike in Capitol Reef Nationwide Park
Grand Wash
Distance: 4.8 miles* | Problem: Simple | Whole Ascent: Minimal | Time: 2 hours
The Grand Wash is a really large canyon, just like the Narrows in Zion, solely with out the Virgin River. If you happen to like the concept of climbing one thing just like the Narrows, and holding your ft dry, this can be a very good hike to do.
The Grand Wash and Cassidy Arch share the identical car parking zone. You’ll really hike a small portion of the Grand Wash to get on the Cassidy Arch Path.
It is a lengthy hike for those who stroll your entire size of the canyon, however you’ll be able to flip round when you’re prepared. The perfect a part of the hike, the place the canyon is the narrowest (referred to as The Narrows), is about one mile from the beginning, so you’ll be able to see the perfect of the Grand Wash for those who solely hike 2 to three miles spherical journey.
I actually see no must hike your entire size of the Grand Wash. We did and it will get to be a bit boring, particularly on the stroll again, since you’re repeating the identical views. In case you are quick on time, or need to save your power for one more hike, go so far as the Narrows and switch round (2.5 miles, about 1 hour).
Observe: There are two trailheads for the Grand Wash: one on Freeway 24 and one on the finish of Grand Wash Highway, the identical place the place the hike to Cassidy Arch begins. You probably have two automobiles and drivers, you’ll be able to hike this level to level. The Narrows is the central part of the Grand Wash, and it’s roughly 1 mile from each of those trailheads. So, you’ll be able to hike to the Narrows from both start line and it’s the identical distance.
Cohab Canyon
Distance: 3.4 miles | Problem: Strenuous | Whole Ascent: 800 ft | Time: 1.5 to three hours
The primary motive to do that hike is for aerial views over Fruita. This path begins in historic Fruita after which quickly climbs up into the sandstone cliffs. It meanders by way of a canyon (Cohab Canyon) earlier than climbing one last time. As soon as on high of the mesa, the path splits to 2 totally different viewpoints, the north overlook and the south overlook.
Cohab Canyon
North Overlook
North Overlook
Path to the south overlook
South Overlook
The hike begins and ends with these switchbacks
Observe: You’ll be able to mix the Cohab Canyon hike with Cassidy Arch. The Frying Pan Path is a 2.9 mile path (one-way) that connects Cassidy Arch and Cohab Canyon.
Rim Overlook
Distance: 4.6 miles | Problem: Average | Whole Ascent: 430 ft | Time: 2 to three hours
Much like Cohab Canyon, the primary motive for doing this hike are for jaw-dropping views of Fruita and Capitol Reef Nationwide Park. It’s a really unimaginable view as you get to look proper alongside Scenic Drive and the waterpocket fold.
Firstly or finish of this hike, you’ll be able to add on Hickman Bridge, which shares the identical trailhead.
LEARN MORE: Easy methods to Hike the Rim Overlook and Navajo Knobs Path
Distance: 9.5 miles | Problem: Strenuous | Whole Ascent: 2,725 ft | Time: 4 to 7 hours
This is among the longest, hardest hikes on this listing however it’s an superior expertise.
From the valley flooring, you’ll steadily hike as much as the Rim Overlook, for jaw-dropping views over Fruita, Freeway 24, and Scenic Drive. The path continues its climb for one more 2.5 miles, with views over Citadel Rock and waterpocket fold.
One last steep climb, with a little bit of rock scrambling thrown in, and also you’ll be standing on high of the Navajo Knobs. From right here, the views are really epic. From the Navajo Knobs you may have 360° views, arguably top-of-the-line viewpoints in Capitol Reef Nationwide Park.
On high of the Navajo Knobs
Trying west alongside Freeway 24
View down the waterpocket fold and over Fruita
View from the path
Yet another view from the path
LEARN MORE: Easy methods to Hike the Rim Overlook and Navajo Knobs Path
Sulphur Creek
Distance: 5.8 miles one-way | Problem: Strenuous | Time: 3 to five hours
This 5.8-mile one-way hike is usually completed point-to-point, which requires a having a second car as a shuttle. This isn’t a maintained path, so route-finding abilities and prior climbing expertise are vital. Nevertheless, this can be a nice hike to contemplate, if you wish to hike by way of a deep canyon and in a river, just like the Narrows in Zion.
Hikes in Cathedral Valley
Cathedral Valley is the rugged, distant northern district of Capitol Reef Nationwide Park. On this 58-mile loop, you drive on gravel roads by way of distinctive landscapes which are not like these you get to see in different components of Utah. To get right here, that you must have a high-clearance car, though a 4×4 is good.
On the Cathedral Valley Loop, there are two hikes that we suggest.
LEARN MORE: The Full Information to Cathedral Valley
Cathedrals Path
Distance: 2.5 miles | Problem: Simple | Whole Ascent: 400 ft | Time: 1 hour
This simple hike provides very good views of the monoliths of Cathedral Valley. The perfect a part of this hike, in my view, is the primary half, as you stroll alongside this chain of sandstone formations. The path ends on high of hill the place you may have panoramic views of Cathedral Valley.
Cathedrals Path
Decrease Cathedral Valley Overlook
Distance: 1.8 miles | Problem: Simple | Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
For aerial views over the Temple of the Solar and the Temple of the Moon, this can be a comparatively fast and straightforward hike. A lot of the hike is flat and quick. It ends with a brief however strenuous hike as much as the perspective. There’s a sketchy path that heads up the hillside for even increased views.
Decrease Cathedral Valley Overlook
Hikes alongside the Waterpocket Fold
Capitol Reef Nationwide Park preserves a portion of the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile lengthy wrinkle within the Earth’s crust. It’s mainly a protracted chain of sedimentary rock layers which are being eroded, revealing arches, canyons, large domes, and monoliths.
Among the finest issues to do in Capitol Reef is to “Loop the Fold,” or drive across the waterpocket fold. Usually missed by most guests to Capitol Reef, this highway, and the climbing trails that lead away from it, get only a few guests. After we did this, we had the climbing trails to ourselves and noticed only a few folks.
LEARN MORE: Easy methods to Loop the Fold in Capitol Reef Nationwide Park
Shock Canyon
Distance: 2.2 miles | Problem: Simple | Time: 1 hour
This hike is generally flat, apart from a couple of very small ups and downs as you method the canyon. The path enters the waterpocket fold and it’s right here that you simply get to stroll by way of a large slot canyon. The path useless ends at a rockfall.
Shock Canyon
Headquarters Canyon
Distance: 2.6 miles | Problem: Simple | Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Like Shock Canyon, this path heads immediately into the Waterpocket Fold. Headquarters Canyon can be very simple to hike. However with its narrower sections that is the extra thrilling of the 2 slot canyons right here. If you happen to solely have the time and power for one hike, I like to recommend Headquarters Canyon over Shock Canyon.
Headquarters Canyon
Strike Valley Overlook
Distance: 1 mile* | Problem: Simple | Time: half-hour
The Strike Valley Overlook is a ravishing viewpoint. From right here, you’re standing on high of the waterpocket fold and have sweeping views over Strike Valley.
There are two methods to get to Strike Valley Overlook: drive the extraordinarily tough Higher Muley Twist Canyon Highway to the trailhead (a 4WD car is critical) or hike alongside the highway.
Higher Muley Twist Canyon Highway is 2.9 miles lengthy, one-way. It ends on the trailhead for Strike Valley Overlook and for the Higher Muley Twist Canyon path.
If you happen to don’t have a 4WD car, there’s a parking space that’s situated 400 meters from Burr Path Highway. To get to the trailhead for Strike Valley Overlook, you’ll have to stroll simply over 2.5 miles, one-way, to get to the trailhead. This makes your hike 6 miles spherical journey.
Is it value it? You probably have a high-clearance 4WD car, then it’s value it. Nevertheless, in case you are driving a regular car, it’s a couple of 6-mile spherical journey stroll to get the view, and in my view, it’s most likely value skipping it. You will get an identical however barely much less dramatic view from the highest of the Burr Path Switchbacks.
Slot Canyons
On Notom-Bullfrog Highway, there are a number of longer hikes by way of slot canyons that you are able to do. There might be swimming pools of water in these canyons. However in case you are on the lookout for a difficult slot canyon, these are hikes to contemplate.
Burro Wash is 7.5 miles lengthy, Cottonwood Wash is 6 miles lengthy, and Sheets Gulch, at 14 miles, is the longest and most difficult of the bunch.
Backcountry Hikes in Capitol Reef
Along with the day hikes listed above, there are a number of longer hikes in Capitol Reef. These are usually completed as multi-day backpacking journeys however a number of might be completed as very lengthy day hikes.
Halls Creek Narrows is over 20 miles spherical journey and usually completed as a 3 to 4 day backpacking journey. You’ll hike by way of a large slot canyon, just like the Zion Narrows.
Higher Muley Twist Canyon is 9 miles spherical journey. You’ll hike by way of a slot canyon, previous a number of arches, and have views over Strike Valley. This hike begins on the identical trailhead for Strike Valley Overlook.
Decrease Muley Twist Canyon is a 23 mile loop that’s usually completed as an in a single day backpacking journey. On this hike you will notice caves, canyons, and a cowboy camp.
Our Suggestions
Our favourite hikes are Cassidy Arch (enjoyable, comparatively simple hike with the possibility to have your photograph taken on an arch), Navajo Knobs (unbeatable views over Capitol Reef Nationwide Park), and Headquarters Canyon (simple slot canyon with little to no crowds…plus it’s a stunning drive to get right here).
The basic hikes for first-timers are Hickman Bridge, Cassidy Arch, Sundown Level, and the Capitol Gorge Path.
In order for you a brief, simple hike, we suggest Grand Wash, Sundown Level, and Hickman Bridge.
If you wish to go away the crowds behind, hike the paths in Cathedral Valley or whereas Looping the Fold. These embrace the Cathedrals Path, Decrease Cathedral Valley Overlook, Shock and Headquarters Canyons, and Strike Valley Overlook. Crowds can even be gentle on the slot canyons on Notom-Bullfrog Highway.
For the final word day climbing expertise, hike to Rim Overlook and Navajo Knobs.
Earlier than you go, get up to date path situations on the Nationwide Park Service web site.
