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Walks and Hikes
Back country Hiking
Capitol Reef offers many hiking options for serious backpackers
and those who enjoy exploring remote areas. Popular back country
hikes in the southern section of the park include Upper and Lower
Muley Twist Canyons and Halls Creek.
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Back country hiking opportunities also abound in the Cathedral
Valley area and near Fruita. Stop at the visitor center and ask
a ranger to help you select a hike that will fit your time and
abilities.
Common sense, preplanning and safety are important on any back
country trip. If you plan an overnight hike, first pick up a free
back country permit at the visitor center. You'll also receive
a brochure detailing back country conduct and etiquette. Please
note, back country group size cannot exceed 12 people.
Anyone venturing into the back country should carry a map. A variety
of topographic maps and hiking guides are available at the visitor
center.
Water is scarce, especially during the hot summer months. Water
pockets, seeps and springs are scattered throughout the back country,
but are unreliable, so plan to carry all your water. A minimum
of one gallon per person per day is recommended, more for backpackers.
If you do use water from back country sources, boil or filter
the water before drinking to kill Giardia.
Trail Hiking Descriptions
Capitol Gorge
Miles: 1
Description: Easy; mostly level walking along narrow wash bottom
with sheer canyon walls plus Pioneer Register and water pockets
or "tanks."
Cassidy Arch
Miles: 1 3/4
Description: Strenuous; climbs steeply from floor of Grand Wash
to high cliffs, ending above the arch.
Chimney Rock
Miles: 3 1/2*
Description: Strenuous; climbs up switchbacks to upper loop; views
of Chimney Rock and panoramas; self guiding trail.
Cohab Canyon
Miles: 1 3/4
Description: Strenuous for first 1/4 mile, then moderate; climbs
to a hidden canyon above the campground.
Fremont Gorge
Miles: 2 1/4
Description: Strenuous; crosses Johnson Mesa, then climbs steeply
to 1,000 feet above the Fremont River.
Fremont River
Miles: 1 1/4
Description: Very easy first 1/2 mile, strenuous thereafter; through
orchards to overlook of the valley, self guiding trail.
Frying Pan
Miles: 3
Description: Strenuous; follows ridge of Capitol Reef escarpment.
Golden Throne
Miles: 2
Description: Strenuous; climbs from bottom of gorge to top of
cliffs and views of the base of Golden Throne; panoramas.
Goosenecks
Miles: 1/10
Description: Easy; views of Sulphur Creek Canyon, panoramas, interesting
rock formations beside the trail.
Grand Wash
Miles: 21/4
Description: Easy; mostly level walking along narrow wash bottom
with sheer canyon walls rising on both sides.
Hickman Bridge
Miles: 1
Description: Moderate; self-guiding nature trail leads under Hickman
Natural Bridge.
Navajo Knobs
Miles: 4 1/2
Description: Strenuous; follows trail to Rim Overlook; then climbs
another 2 1/4 miles for a 360 degree panorama.
Old Wagon Trail
Miles: 3 1/2*
Description: Strenuous; follows wagon route on Miners Mountain;
panoramic views of the Waterpocket Fold.
Rim Overlook
Miles: 2 1/4
Description: Strenuous; ends on top of 1000 foot cliffs with spectacular
views of the orchards, campground, and southward along the Waterpocket
Fold.
Sunset Point
Miles: 1/3
Description: Easy; panoramic views of cliffs and domes; dramatic
lighting at day's end.
All distances are ONE-WAY except for those marked with an asterisk
(*), which indicates loop trails.
Very Easy -smooth path over level ground.
Easy -uneven ground, but fairly level.
Moderate -some steep grades, some level sections.
Strenuous -steep grades, uneven terrain, and long, steady climbs.
Rangers at the visitor center can advise you of current road,
trail and weather conditions.
For More Information
- Contact
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- Capitol Reef National Park
HC 70 Box 15
- Torrey, Utah 84775
Phone: 435-425-3791
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Plan your own adventure! Use the Utah Parks Adventure Guide to
find places to stay, places to eat, things to do and how to get
there... |
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