Hiking in Capitol Reef National Park
A paramount of color and exuberating tints enhance the mind as hikers explore the wonders of Capitol Reef National Park. Fifteen day hikes are located along Utah Highway 24. Some involve an easy stroll on level surfaces to steep climbs up uneven terrain. Natural stone arches to historic inscriptions are only a few of the sites along the interweaving trails. Trails are marked by cairns (small piles of rocks).
Twisting gorges and slot canyons characterize Capitol Reef backcountry offering spectacular viewpoints of the park. The southern section of the park includes the popular hikes of Upper and Lower Muley Twist Canyons and Halls Creek. Trails. Area Map.
Capitol Reef Trails
| Trails | Miles/km | Avg. Time | Difficulty | Description |
| Capitol Gorge | 2 mi | Easy | ||
| Sunset Point | .7 mi | Cliff, domes, dramatic in late day | ||
| Goosenecks | .2 mi | Easy | Sulphur Creek Canyon, rock formation | |
| Grand Wash | 4.5 mi | Easy | Canyon walls | |
| Cohab Canyon | 3.5 mi | Moderate | Hidden Canyon | |
| Hickman Bridge | 2 mi | Moderate | Natural Bridge | |
| Chimney Rock | 3.5 mi | Strenuous | Panoramas | |
| Cassidy Arch | 3.5 mi | Strenuous | Arch | |
| Fremont Gorge | 4.5 mi | Strenuous | Johnson Mesa, Fremont River | |
| Fremont River | 2.5 mi | Strenuous | Orchards | |
| Park Avenue | 1 mi | 30-60 min | Moderate | Canyon, Courthouse Towers |
| Frying Pan | 6 mi | Strenuous | Capitol Reef escrapment | |
| Golden Throne | 4 mi | Strenuous | Golden Throne base, gorge | |
| Navajo Knobs | 9 mi | Strenuous | Panoramic view | |
| Old Wagon | 3.5 mi | Strenuous | Panoramic View | |
| Rim Overlook | 4.5 mi | Strenuous | Orchards | |
| Lower Muley Twist | 23.4 mi | Overnight | Strenuous | Canyons, Mormon historic site |
| Upper Muley Twist | 9-15 mi | Overnight | Strenuous | Arches, overlooks |
| Hall Creek Narrows Trail | 22 mi | Overnight | Strenuous | Narrows, water hiking |
| Spring Canyon | 61.5 mi | 2-3 days | Strenuous | Thousand Lake Island |
| Sheets Gulch | 12 mi | 7-8 hours | Strenuous | Scenic, unchartered |
| Burro Wash | 8 mi | 6-7 hours | Strenuous | Waterpocket Fold overlook, unchartered |
| Cottonwood Wash | 6 mi | 3-4 hours | Strenuous | Narrows, hiking in water, may require swimming |
| Hamburger Rock | 9-12 mi | Overnight | Strenuous | Hoodoos |
| Brimhall Bridge | 4.6 mi | 2-3 hours | Strenuous | Overlook |
General Tips:
- Always carry a topographical map.
- Carry plenty of water as temperatures hit over 100 degrees on summer day. Filter or purify any water before drinking to kill Giardia.
- For all overnight trips, backcountry permits are required. Permits are available at any park visitor center at no cost.
- Do not enter a narrow gorge or slot canyon if storms are threatening and never camp in wash bottoms.
- To preserve natural habitat, hike along existing roads and trails. Avoid walking on crypto biotic crust.
- Disturbing, defacing or collecting items of any natural features, historic sites or archaeological sites is strictly prohibited.
- Pack out all trash. Burning or burying toilet paper is prohibited.
- Pets are not allowed along trails. Do not leave them unattended. Pets must be leashed at all times.
- Camp a ½ mile from roads or trails (out of sight and sound of the trail). Do not camp near flowing water, historical sites or junctions.
- Fires are prohibited along trails and backcountry; use of fuel-burning stoves is mandatory.
- For disposal of human waste, bury 6 inches in soil and at least 100 feet away from water sources.
- Overnight groups are limited to no more than 12.
- Off-road and ATV use is strictly prohibited.
- Mountain biking is permitted only on designated roads, and is not on any trail or anywhere off-road.
- Firearms, hunting and trapping are prohibited.
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