Chimney Rock Trail

Route Description for Chimney Rock Trail

The Chimney Rock Trail is a fantastic hiking loop in Capitol Reef National Park. This trail kicks off with a steep climb, so be prepared with proper footwear; we recommend bringing along hiking poles to aid on the ascent and save your knees some strain on the return. As with any hike in the Utah desert, lotion up with sunscreen, pop on a good sunhat and pack more water than you think you’ll need before hitting the trail.

The views from the Chimney Rock Loop are some of the best in Capitol Reef National Park. If you are an amateur or aspiring photographer or just appreciate some incredible geology, this is surely the hike for you. Chimney Rock itself is an impressive tower of Moenkopi sandstone that towers 91 m above the road below. If the hike up to Chimney rock doesn’t leave you breathless, the views from the Chimney Rock Loop sure will.

Follow the path northeast up the switchbacks to a divide from the Chimney Rock Trailhead. This divide marks the beginning and end of the Chimney Rock Loop. Take a right at the divide to follow the loop counterclockwise. Just under half a mile in, there is an overlook with excellent views of Chimney Rock; stop here before carrying on along the loop. One mile from the Chimney Rock Viewpoint, you’ll reach a second viewpoint at the top of Mummy Cliff; be sure to stop here for another rest and some incredible photo-ops. Approximately 0.3 km from the second viewpoint, the trail will divide—take a left to stay on route. Finally, 1.4 km from the divide, you will find yourself back where you started.

Upon completing the Chimney Rock loop, simply follow the switchbacks back down to the Chimney Rock Trailhead. If you are looking for more to do in the area, check out the Sulphur Creek Trail across the road.

Trail Highlights

Chimney Rock

Not to be confused with Chimney Rock in Nebraska, Chimney rock in Capitol Reef National Park is an imposing pillar of Moenkopi Sandstone that was formed approximately 245 million years ago.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Chimney Rock hike?

The Chimney rock trail is 5.6 km round-trip.

Insider Hints for Chimney Rock Trail

• The first half mile of this trail is the hardest, don’t give up too soon—it gets easier as you go!
• If you want to learn more about the geology of the area, there are informational talks at the Visitors Center every afternoon during tourist season.
• This hike is a hot spot for desert photographers.