Hikes in Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is a fantastic destination for hikers of all ages and abilities. This park has a wide range of trails from easy afternoon strolls to challenging overnight treks and is as beautiful as it is diverse. From the lush Fruita valley to the stark and striking Cathedral district, the trails of Capitol Reef National Park are full of stunning snapshots of the Utah landscape.
The most popular hikes in Capitol Reef National Park can be found in and around the historic Fruita district. Located along the Fremont River, Fruita has been home to many different people throughout history. In this area you can find ancient petroglyphs and pictographs drawn 700-1300 years ago by the Fremont people who are indigenous to this area. You can also hike around the historic mormon settlement established in the late 1800s. The one-room schoolhouse, orchards, and a pioneer homestead from this time still stand today. Other areas you should check out include Cathedral Valley where massive towers and fins of entrada sandstone rise above the desert floor like gothic cathedrals, and Capitol Gorge where pioneers and ancient peoples have left their markings for future generations to find.
10 Amazing Hiking Routes in Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef is home to incredible hiking trails that highlight the unique geology of this area and take you past some incredibly well-preserved pieces of American history. The trails in Captiol Reef National Park range from relaxing pathway strolls just off the highway to hardcore hikes up steep and rugged terrain. Most of the trails in Capitol Reef are moderately challenging and family friendly but there are options for the diehard adventure seeker too. With so many routes to choose from, it can be hard to pick. Check out this list of our favorite hikes in Capitol Reef National Park below:
- The Hickman Bridge Trail: Make your way past Fremont artifacts on the way to the impressive Hickman Bridge: an sandstone arch that spans 41 m and stands 38 m high.
- The Grand Wash Trail: This hike is a family-friendly route through a gorgeous canyon with tons of opportunities for exploration and adventure.
- The Cassidy Arch Trail: This out-and-back route takes you to an impressive arch named after wild west outlaw Butch Cassidy who famously hid from the law out in the Utah desert.
- The Chimney Rock Trail: Hike to an impressive tower of Moenkopi sandstone and take in the panoramic desert views along the way.
- Sulphur Creek Trail: Hike past three beautiful waterfalls and cool your feet as you splash your way down Sulphur Creek.
- The Fruita Trail: Hike through the pioneer town of Fruita and explore the historic buildings that still stand today. Visit Fruita in late summer to pick fresh fruit and nuts from the heirloom orchards along this trail.
- The Golden Throne Trail: Make your way 235 m up to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking Capitol Reef National Park.
- The Capitol Gorge Trail: Hike back into time along this family-friendly trail past ancient petroglyphs and historic pioneer registers. You can even take a side trip off this trail to visit large natural pools that are home to a plethora of aquatic invertebrates.
- The Cohab Canyon Trail: A steep climb and a canyon walk will lead you to stunning viewpoints overlooking Fruita and the desert landscape beyond.
- The Navajo Knobs Trail: This steep and challenging hike will bring you to a summit viewpoint with incredible 360 views of Capitol Reef National Park.
When is the Best Time to Hike in Capitol Reef National Park?
The best time to visit Capitol Reef National Park is in the spring and fall. Summertime is gorgeous out here, but sweltering temperatures and flash flooding during thunderstorms can pose a danger to hikers. Always check the forecast before you hit the trails and dress appropriately. When hiking anywhere in the Utah desert it's always best to wear ample sun protection and bring more water than you think you need. Capitol Reef often gets snow during the winter months that can make the trails wet, mucky, and slippery. If you are visiting in the winter, bring microspikes and appropriate footwear to support your hike.
Other Outdoor Activities in Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef, though known for its hiking, is a great place for a range of activities. On your visit, check out the ranger programs hosted by the National Park Service. The NPS provides geology talks, moonlight tours, and a Junior Ranger program where you can complete a workbook and earn a badge! Horseback riding, cycling, and rock climbing are also budding activities in this park. If you are interested in pursuing one of these other activities, check out the NPS site for information on permits and regulations. In the late summer, the historic orchards of Capitol Reef National Park are open to the public for harvest. Spend the afternoon picking ripe apples, apricots, cherries, peaches, pears, plums, and more!
Fantastic Adventure Tours in Capitol Reef National Park
With so much to explore and discover in Capitol Reach National Park, it can be hard to know where to begin, especially if you are new to the area. If you are looking for some assistance in planning your trip and structuring your time in the southwest, check out our guided tours in Capitol Reef National Park or contact us for more information about adventure travel in beautiful Utah.
Frequently Asked Questions About Capitol Reef National Park
Is Capitol Reef National Park Crowded?
Capitol Reef National Park is one of the less crowded parks in Utah, especially compared to areas like Zion, Arches, or Moab. Certain trails in this park can, however, be crowded in the summer and on weekends in the spring and fall.
Does Capitol Reef National Park get snow?
Capitol Reef National Park usually gets a few inches of snow between late November and early April.
Why is it called Capitol Reef?
Capitol Reef National Park is named for the stretch of sandstone cliffs that run along the waterpocket fold from the Fremont River to Pleasant Creek. This barrier, or Reef, is formed of Navajo sandstone topped with white sandstone domes reminiscent of dome atop the US Capitol building (hence Capitol).
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Best Hikes in Capitol Reef National Park
Sulphur Creek Waterfall Trail
The Sulphur Creek Waterfall Trail is a beautiful hike along and through Sulphur Creek to three cascading waterfalls in the Utah desert. This oasis is a quick hike with lovely views and lots of places to cool your toes along the way. The Sulphur Creek trail is a great way to cool off and stretch your legs hiking in a unique area of Capitol Reef National Park.
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Capitol Gorge to Tanks Trail
The Capitol Gorge Tanks Trail is a great hike with fascinating features both natural and human-made. This hike will lead you past the pioneer registers: names of early settlers carved into the rock. You will also pass ancient petroglyphs and pictographs left by the Indigenous people of this area. Finally, this hike will lead you to a series of natural water tanks, or “Tinajas”, large, deep pools that are home to aquatic invertebrates.
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Grand Wash Trail via Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
The Grand Wash Trail via Capitol Reef Scenic Drive is a gorgeous hike in Capitol Reef National Park. This hike is relatively easy, well-marked, and well maintained. Head out on this route to enjoy the incredible views, and spend the day exploring the beauty and wonder of the Utah desert with the whole family.
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Cohab to South Fruita Overlook
The Cohab to South Fruita Overlook Trail is a moderately challenging hike in Capitol Reef National Park. This trail ascends a steep set of switchbacks up to Cohab Canyon. After passing through the canyon, you can head on over to the South Fruita overlooks, which offer you incredible views of the Fremont River winding its way through the Utah desert.
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Cassidy Arch via the Frying Pan Trail
The hike to Cassidy Arch via the Frying Pan Trail is a fantastic route for experienced hikers. This hike takes you up a steep set of switchbacks to Cohab Canyon. After passing through the canyon, you will continue along the Frying Pan Trail, a section of trail with incredible desert views. Finally, you will wind up at Cassidy Arch: a striking sandstone arch named after wild west outlaw Butch Cassidy.
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Jailhouse Rock and Temple Rock Trail
The Jailhouse Rock and Temple Rock Trail is a great hike for the whole family. This trail leads you past two impressive formations in the Cathedral District of Capitol Reef National Park. This route is relatively flat the whole way and will provide you with incredible views of this magnificent area of the Utah desert.
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Brimhall Natural Bridge
The Brimhall Natural Bridge trail is an awesome adventure for experienced hikers. This trail leads you through the twists and turns of Brimhall Canyon over many obstacles up to the Brimhall Natural Bridge. This pothole style double arch is just as cool as the route to get there.
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The Cathedrals Trail
The Cathedrals Trail is a short hike with incredible views of the Cathedrals district in Capitol Reef National Park. This hike begins with a steep climb but is totally doable for families with children. After the short, steep climb, the trail gradually flattens out as you reach an overlook that gives you a stunning panoramic view of the valley below.
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Pleasant Creek Trail
The Pleasant Creek Trail is a desert route that really lives up to its name. This lovely little creek walk is nothing if not pleasant. This low traffic trail is a beautiful spot to get out and go exploring with the whole family.
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Red Canyon Trail
The Red Canyon Trail is a beautiful low-traffic hike in Capitol Reef National Park. This hike begins and ends at the Cedar Mesa Campground off of Notom-Bullfrog road with absolutely breathtaking views. The Red Canyon Trail is a great way to wind down after supper before crawling into your sleeping bag for a night under the Utah stars.
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Old Wagon Loop
The Old Wagon Loop is a beautiful hike along an historic wagon trail in Capitol Reef National Park. This hike starts with a steep and steady uphill then meanders its way through rocky terrain and a pinyon pine and juniper forest before descending back down to the trailhead. This trail sees little traffic and is a great way to get out and enjoy the peace and quiet of the Utah desert.
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West Pleasant Creek Trail
The West Pleasant Creek Trail is a beautiful out-and-back hike along a very pleasant creek that runs year-round. This area is susceptible to flash flooding, so save this hike for a fair weather day. The West Pleasant Creek Trail sees little traffic and is a great place to cool your feet and revel in the beauty of the Utah desert landscape.
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Morrell Cabin Trail
The Morrell Cabin Trail is an easy out-and-back hike to a historic site. The path to this cabin is relatively flat and very doable for families with kids of all ages. This hike is a great opportunity to see a wonderfully preserved piece of American history surrounded by the beauty of the Utah desert.
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Surprise Canyon Trail
The Surprise Canyon Trail is a low-traffic hike down a beautiful canyon in Capitol Reef National Park. This out-and-back hike is a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet in the desert wilderness. The Surprise Canyon trail is a surprisingly beautiful and wild little nook nestled in the heart of Capitol Reef National Park.
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Goosenecks and Sunset Point Trail
The Goosenecks and Sunset Point trail is a must-do hike in Capitol Reef National Park. This short trail is relatively flat and very family-friendly. As the name suggests, this trail is a perfect hike to get incredible panoramic views of the sun setting over the Utah desert.
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Panorama Point Trail
The Panorama Point Trail is a very short hike to an incredible viewpoint. This trail is flat and family-friendly. From the viewpoint, you will be able to look out over the incredible sandstone cliffs of Capitol Reef National Park. For an especially spectacular experience, try this hike at sunset to see the desert lit up in shades of pink and gold.
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Capitol Reef Petroglyph Trail
The Capitol Reef Petroglyph Trail is a short hike to beautifully preserved petroglyphs just across the road from Fruita. This trail is stroller-friendly and wheelchair accessible. This roadside stop is a great way to stop and take some time to learn about the incredible history of this area.
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Gypsum Sinkhole
The Gypsum Sinkhole Trail is a short and easy hike to a massive sinkhole in Capitol Reef National Park. This sink hole was created when groundwater dissolved a mass of gypsum. The sinkhole now measures approximately 50 feet in diameter and goes down for approximately 61 m below the surface. If you are into weird and wacky geology, this hike is a must-do for you.