Capitol Reef National Park stands as a testament to the raw beauty and geological wonder of the American West. With a diverse tapestry of trails, Capitol Reef offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and experience the magic of this unique park. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual nature enthusiast, this guide from nationalparkshops.com will navigate you through the best 10 Capitol Reef National Park hiking, each offering a distinct perspective and unforgettable experience.
Grand Wash Trail
- Distance: 4.8 miles
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Total Ascent: Minimal
- Time required: 2 hours
The Grand Wash is a wide canyon, reminiscent of Zion’s Narrows but without the Virgin River. If you enjoy the idea of a hike similar to the Narrows but want to keep your feet dry, the Grand Wash is a great option.
Both the Grand Wash and Cassidy Arch start at the same parking lot. To access the Cassidy Arch Trail, you will need to walk a short distance through the Grand Wash.
Walking the entire length of the canyon makes for a lengthy hike, but you can turn back whenever you feel like it. The most impressive section of the hike, where the canyon is narrowest (referred to as The Narrows), is approximately one mile from the beginning. Therefore, you can experience the best of the Grand Wash by hiking just 2 to 3 miles round trip.
Goosenecks & Sunset Point Trail
Two brief Capitol Reef National Park hiking begin at the same parking area which is Goosenecks & Sunset Point Trail. To reach Panorama Point and Sunset Point, take the gravel road from Highway 24.
Sunset Point Trail
- Distance: 0.8 miles
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Time required: 20 to 30 minutes
This brief and simple trek leads to a stunning viewpoint. It is called Sunset Point because it is one of the prime locations in Capitol Reef National Park for observing the sunset.
Goosenecks Trail
- Distance: 0.2 miles
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Time required: 10 minutes
This brief stroll leads you to a viewpoint where you can see the canyon formed by Sulphur Creek, with its winding shape resembling that of a gooseneck.
Cassidy Arch Trail
- Distance: 3.2 miles
- Difficulty level: Difficult
- Total Ascent: 845 feet
- Time required: 2 to 3 hours
Named after the infamous outlaw Butch Cassidy, who is said to have used Grand Wash as a hideout, Cassidy Arch is one of the most well-known natural attractions in the park. This impressive rock formation is set against a backdrop of colorful canyon walls, and while the journey to reach it is challenging, the experience is definitely worth it. For those interested in Capitol Reef National Park hiking, the trail to Cassidy Arch offers a rewarding adventure with stunning views and a sense of historical intrigue.
The trail to Cassidy Arch is conveniently located near Scenic Drive, offering breathtaking views of Grand Wash and the opportunity to stand on the arch itself. Whether you prefer to admire the arch from a distance or walk across it, this hike provides a unique and memorable photo opportunity in Capitol Reef National Park.
Rim Overlook Trail
- Distance: 4.6 miles
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Total Ascent: 430 feet
- Time required: 2 to 3 hours
Just like Cohab Canyon, the primary motivation for undertaking this hike is to enjoy the stunning vistas of Fruita and Capitol Reef National Park. The view is absolutely amazing as you can see all the way along Scenic Drive and the waterpocket fold. You have the option to include Hickman Bridge at the beginning or end of this hike, as it starts from the same trailhead.
Fremont River Trail
- Distance: 2 miles
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
- Total Ascent: 498 feet
This trail is located in a great spot for those interested in exploring the Fruita Historic District. It offers an easy walk along the Fremont River followed by a more challenging climb to reach an overlook of the area. For those keen on Capitol Reef National Park hiking, this trail provides a perfect blend of leisurely and strenuous sections. You have the option to park at either the Gifford House parking area or the nearby picnic area parking lot.
Walking alongside the river, you will be surrounded by a riparian zone that appears lush in comparison to the desert landscape around it. The hike will also take you past the historic fruit orchards of the area. As you leave the river behind and start ascending into the hills, the scenery changes from greenery to colorful rocks. From higher up, you will be able to enjoy panoramic views of the river valley below.
Hickman Bridge Trail
- Distance: 1.8 miles
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Total Ascent: 400 feet
- Time required: 2 to 3 hours
One of the most recommended short Capitol Reef National Park hiking is the trail that follows the Fremont River and leads to a stunning viewpoint overlooking Highway 24. The hike culminates at Hickman Bridge, a magnificent natural arch nestled in the depths of the canyon. This trail offers a perfect combination of scenic river views, a challenging uphill climb, and a rewarding sight of the impressive rock formation. It is a must-do for visitors looking to experience the beauty and diversity of Capitol Reef’s landscape in a relatively short amount of time.
Cohab Canyon Trail
- Distance: 3.4 miles
- Difficulty level: Strenuous
- Total Ascent: 800 feet
- Time required: 1.5 to 3 hours
Cohab Canyon provides an opportunity to customize your long day hike in the park. You can access the trail from either side, but starting from the western Cohab Canyon trailhead allows you to visit the visitor center before your hike and enjoy the pies at Gifford House afterward.
Beginning at the Cohab Canyon trailhead, the hike begins with a steep ascent from the Fremont River Valley, then levels out in the wide, colorful canyon. The trail includes sandy washes and slickrock sections as you traverse the area. Along the route, you’ll encounter the Wives, a set of short slot canyons popular for canyoneering, which merge into Cohab Canyon from the south.
In addition to these hidden canyons, you’ll have the chance to see various stunning viewpoints showcasing the colorful rock formations in the region. After about a mile, you’ll turn left onto the Cohab Canyon Fruita Overlooks Trail, leading to two short spur trails that culminate at the north and south overlooks of the Fruita area.
Chimney Rock Loop
- Distance: 3.6 miles
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Total Ascent: 600 feet
- Time required: 2 to 4 hours
For those seeking a hike that is not too difficult and provides excellent views of the park, consider doing the Chimney Rock loop. Following a brief but tough ascent, this trail levels out and circles around the sandstone mountains. The scenery overlooking Fruita and the waterpocket fold is truly breathtaking, making it a perfect option for Capitol Reef National Park hiking enthusiasts.
Surprise Canyon Trail along the Waterpocket Fold
- Distance: 2.2 miles
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Time required: 1 hour
The majority of the hike is level, with only a few slight inclines and declines near the canyon. As you get closer to the canyon, the trail goes into the waterpocket fold, allowing you to stroll through a broad slot canyon. The trail comes to an end at a rockfall.
Headquarters Canyon Trail
- Distance: 2.6 miles
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Time required: 1 to 1.5 hours
Similar to Surprise Canyon, this trail leads straight into the Waterpocket Fold. Headquarters Canyon is just as accessible for hiking. However, due to its narrower parts, it offers a more exciting experience compared to the other slot canyon. If you can only choose one hike due to time and energy constraints, I suggest opting for Headquarters Canyon instead of Surprise Canyon. For those interested in Capitol Reef National Park hiking, Headquarters Canyon provides a thrilling and memorable adventure.
Capitol Reef National Park offers a wealth of hiking opportunities for visitors of all skill levels. Each hike provides a unique perspective on the park’s geological features, showcasing the forces of erosion, uplift, and deposition that have shaped this remarkable landscape over millions of years. So lace up your hiking boots, pack plenty of water and snacks, and hit the trails to discover the hidden gems of Capitol Reef National Park hiking. With each step, you’ll be one stride closer to uncovering the wonders of this geological marvel in the heart of Utah’s red rock country.
Read more: Capitol Reef National Park Camping: Best Camping Information
