6.5 mi RT
easy
spring, fall
The Strike Valley Overlook is an awe-inspiring viewpoint in a remote corner of Capitol Reef National Park. The overlook is located on a high sandstone cliff, offering expansive views of the Waterpocket Fold; a large geologic formation that spans nearly 100 miles and defines Capitol Reef National Park. This hike is suitable for most healthy adults and children but can be very hot during the summer.
Trailhead
The hike to the Strike Valley Overlook begins at the Upper Muley Twist Trailhead on the Burr Trail road in Capitol Reef National Park. Accessing the trailhead requires driving a significant distance on remote dirt roads with no services or cell phone reception. Under good conditions, the trailhead is accessible to passenger cars but a 4WD vehicle is sometimes required. Check with the Capitol Reef Visitor Center for current road conditions before heading out.
From Torrey, Utah:
Drive east on Highway 24 into Capitol Reef National Park for approximately 20 miles.
Turn right onto the Notom Bullfrog Road and drive approximately 33 miles. The road surface changes from pavement to dirt after the first 10 miles.
Turn right at the signed junction for The Burr Trail and follow the road 3.2 miles as it ascends the famous Burr Trail Switchbacks to the top of the reef.
Turn right at the signed junction for the Upper Muley Twist Trailhead.
Continue approximately 300 yards to the trailhead.
The trailhead is also accessible by driving west on the Burr Trail from Boulder, Utah. There is a $5 per vehicle fee to enter Capitol Reef National Park. No facilities are available at the trailhead.
NOTE: The first 3 miles of the trail follows a rugged dirt road that can be driven by high clearance 4WD vehicles to a signed parking area for the Strike Valley Overlook. Driving to the 4WD upper parking area requires good off-road driving skills and a capable vehicle. From the upper parking area, the hiking distance to the Strike Valley Overlook is just one half mile round trip.
The Hike
From the Upper Muley Twist Trailhead, begin walking north on the dirt road. It soon descends into the wash bottom of Upper Muley Twist Canyon and becomes more rugged. From here to the upper parking area, the route follows the wash bottom, passing by small undercuts and alcoves as well as two beautiful arches along the way.
The first arch is called Peek-a-boo Rock and is visible directly ahead as you begin walking from the parking area. It is a unique arch consisting of a small hole through a thick sandstone fin at the top of the reef. The second arch you will encounter is called Double Arch (37.875613,-111.045871), located in a small drainage on the west canyon wall, about 2.5 miles from the trailhead. The arch is very close to the trail but because of the angle, you might not see it until you are nearly right in front of it.
After about 3 miles of walking up the canyon, the 4WD trail ends at a small, signed parking area for the Strike Valley Overlook on the right (37.881562,-111.046648). Continue hiking a quarter mile on the signed trail heading east from the parking area. Watch for rock cairns along the way as the trail transitions from sand to slickrock, eventually climbing to the top of a ridge before arriving at the Strike Valley Overlook (37.883334,-111.042049).
The route ends at a massive precipice at the edge of the reef, offering breathtaking views of the Waterpocket Fold and much of Capitol Reef National Park. The Waterpocket Fold is the defining geologic feature of Capitol Reef National Park and spans nearly 100 miles from north to south. The Strike Valley Overlook is one of the best locations in the park from which to view this unique formation.
Total hiking distance from the Upper Muley Twist Trailhead to the overlook and back is approximately 6.5 miles.
NOTE: This route may be extended farther north into Upper Muley Twist Canyon. A narrow canyon and several more arches can be enjoyed but the route is significantly more difficult. Check with the Capitol Reef Visitor Center for more information about the Upper Muley Twist Canyon hike.
Rules and Regulations
No pets allowed.
No littering.
Pack out trash.
Permits are required for overnight use and can be acquired from the Capitol Reef Visitor Center.
Special Considerations
This area can be extremely hot in the late spring and summer. There is very little shade from the sun and no water along the route. Carry plenty of water and wear sunscreen and appropriate clothing for the conditions.
The trailhead is located in a very remote area of Capitol Reef National Park. Check with the Capitol Reef Visitor Center for current conditions before attempting the drive.
Showing posts with label Capitol Reef area. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Capitol Reef area. Show all posts
Friday, June 3, 2016
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Capitol Reef Petroglyphs
0.3 mi RT, easy, year round
This Capitol Reef boardwalk trail passes through a scenic grove of cottonwood trees while offering a close up view of ancient petroglyphs. The boardwalk is level and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. This trail is suitable for children and adults of all ages and skill levels.
The Trailhead
The Capitol Reef Petroglyphs Trailhead is located on Highway 24 in Capitol Reef National Park. To reach the trailhead from the junction of Hwy 24 and Hwy 12 in Torrey, UT:
Drive east on Highway 24 for 10.9 miles.
Turn left (north) into the signed parking area for Petroglyphs (38.288106,-111.242340).
The Hike
From the parking area, begin walking on your choice of two separate boardwalks. The first, and shortest of the two, begins near the center of the parking area. The short walk down the boardwalk leads to two viewing areas. The petroglyphs from this viewpoint are visible on the rock wall at the top of the slope near the end of the boardwalk. These may be the most impressive petroglyphs in the area but they are also some of the furthest away from the boardwalk. Interpretive signs and fixed binoculars are available.
After the first boardwalk, continue walking to the east end of the parking area to the second boardwalk. Follow the walkway as it traverses the canyon wall, offering a much closer look at the historic markings on the rock. These particular marks are called petroglyphs because they are chipped into the rock, as opposed to pictographs, which are painted on.
While many of the petroglyphs are easy to spot, many more are faint and can be easily missed, so pay close attention. There’s a good chance you’ll see even more on the walk back to the trailhead.
Rules and Regulations
Pack out all trash.
Do not draw or carve on rocks.
Do not touch or disturb artifacts.
Special Considerations
This area can be extremely hot during spring, summer and fall. Carry plenty of water and wear appropriate clothing.
This Capitol Reef boardwalk trail passes through a scenic grove of cottonwood trees while offering a close up view of ancient petroglyphs. The boardwalk is level and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. This trail is suitable for children and adults of all ages and skill levels.
The Trailhead
The Capitol Reef Petroglyphs Trailhead is located on Highway 24 in Capitol Reef National Park. To reach the trailhead from the junction of Hwy 24 and Hwy 12 in Torrey, UT:
Drive east on Highway 24 for 10.9 miles.
Turn left (north) into the signed parking area for Petroglyphs (38.288106,-111.242340).
The Hike
From the parking area, begin walking on your choice of two separate boardwalks. The first, and shortest of the two, begins near the center of the parking area. The short walk down the boardwalk leads to two viewing areas. The petroglyphs from this viewpoint are visible on the rock wall at the top of the slope near the end of the boardwalk. These may be the most impressive petroglyphs in the area but they are also some of the furthest away from the boardwalk. Interpretive signs and fixed binoculars are available.
After the first boardwalk, continue walking to the east end of the parking area to the second boardwalk. Follow the walkway as it traverses the canyon wall, offering a much closer look at the historic markings on the rock. These particular marks are called petroglyphs because they are chipped into the rock, as opposed to pictographs, which are painted on.
While many of the petroglyphs are easy to spot, many more are faint and can be easily missed, so pay close attention. There’s a good chance you’ll see even more on the walk back to the trailhead.
Rules and Regulations
Pack out all trash.
Do not draw or carve on rocks.
Do not touch or disturb artifacts.
Special Considerations
This area can be extremely hot during spring, summer and fall. Carry plenty of water and wear appropriate clothing.
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Fruita Petroglyphs
From the parking area, you will see two boardwalks. The shorter one right next to the parking lot has binoculars provided and takes you to the panel that I photographed above. The longer one to the right of the parking lot doesn’t provide any signs or definitive place to see the petroglyphs. We did see a few, but we had to hunt for them on our walk along the boardwalk. As far as we could tell, the best petroglyphs are at the end of the shorter boardwalk.
From Torrey, travel east on Highway 24 for 11 miles, at which point you will see the Visitor Center. Stay on the highway, passing the turnoff to the Visitor Center. Shortly after passing the Visitor Center, you will see a small parking area for the Fruita Schoolhouse. Pass the Schoolhouse and the Petroglyph Panel will be the next parking area on the left.
From Torrey, travel east on Highway 24 for 11 miles, at which point you will see the Visitor Center. Stay on the highway, passing the turnoff to the Visitor Center. Shortly after passing the Visitor Center, you will see a small parking area for the Fruita Schoolhouse. Pass the Schoolhouse and the Petroglyph Panel will be the next parking area on the left.
Scenic Drive (Capitol Reef)
The Scenic Drive is the only part of Capitol Reef that charges an entrance fee, which is $5 per car. Totally worth it. Drive slowly and enjoy the views!
You don’t want to be driving or hiking in this area at all if there is a chance of flash flooding. Check with the Visitor Center before you go.
From Torrey, take Highway 24 east for 11 miles to the Visitor Center. Turn right toward the Visitor Center and continue along the road past picnic area and campground to the entrance booth at the beginning of the Scenic Drive. Pay your entrance fee and then get ready for a beautiful drive.
Capitol Gorge Road is at the end of the Scenic Drive where the road curves to the left at a parking area with restrooms. Continue down the dirt road for 2.4 miles to reach the end of the road.
The drive on the Capitol Gorge Road was the surprise of the trip for me. I absolutely loved it. I was shocked at how close our car came to the canyon walls and how high the cliffs were above our heads. We had spectacular views of the Golden Throne and many other unique formations. The scenery was incredible and I am glad that we decided to take this drive.
This is a narrow and curvy dirt road, but we didn’t have any problems as we drove it. At the end of the road there are a few picnic tables under a pavilion and a pit toilet. No water is available.
You don’t want to be driving or hiking in this area at all if there is a chance of flash flooding. Check with the Visitor Center before you go.
From Torrey, take Highway 24 east for 11 miles to the Visitor Center. Turn right toward the Visitor Center and continue along the road past picnic area and campground to the entrance booth at the beginning of the Scenic Drive. Pay your entrance fee and then get ready for a beautiful drive.
Capitol Gorge Road is at the end of the Scenic Drive where the road curves to the left at a parking area with restrooms. Continue down the dirt road for 2.4 miles to reach the end of the road.
The drive on the Capitol Gorge Road was the surprise of the trip for me. I absolutely loved it. I was shocked at how close our car came to the canyon walls and how high the cliffs were above our heads. We had spectacular views of the Golden Throne and many other unique formations. The scenery was incredible and I am glad that we decided to take this drive.
This is a narrow and curvy dirt road, but we didn’t have any problems as we drove it. At the end of the road there are a few picnic tables under a pavilion and a pit toilet. No water is available.
Sunset Point Trail (Capitol Reef)
Capitol Reef Sunset Point
The end of the Sunset Point Trail is one of the best and most accessible places in the Park to see the Waterpocket Fold, or the unique upheaval of land that makes Capitol Reef a protected area. The formations along this fold go for miles and miles (about 100 miles actually) and this viewpoint gives you the opportunity to appreciate the vastness of the Park.
What You Need to Know
Although the Sunset Point Trail shares a parking lot with the Goosenecks Overlook, the two activities do not share the same trailhead. To access Sunset Point, take the marked trail from the left side of the parking area as you enter from the dirt road. Do not try to access Sunset Point from the Goosenecks Overlook Trail.
This trail has very little shade and the trailhead does not have water or bathrooms. It is 0.8 miles round trip.
Getting Here
Follow the directions above for the Goosenecks Overlook to get to the parking area. The trail is well marked and starts on the left side of the parking lot.
The end of the Sunset Point Trail is one of the best and most accessible places in the Park to see the Waterpocket Fold, or the unique upheaval of land that makes Capitol Reef a protected area. The formations along this fold go for miles and miles (about 100 miles actually) and this viewpoint gives you the opportunity to appreciate the vastness of the Park.
What You Need to Know
Although the Sunset Point Trail shares a parking lot with the Goosenecks Overlook, the two activities do not share the same trailhead. To access Sunset Point, take the marked trail from the left side of the parking area as you enter from the dirt road. Do not try to access Sunset Point from the Goosenecks Overlook Trail.
This trail has very little shade and the trailhead does not have water or bathrooms. It is 0.8 miles round trip.
Getting Here
Follow the directions above for the Goosenecks Overlook to get to the parking area. The trail is well marked and starts on the left side of the parking lot.
Goosenecks Overlook
This overlook is best done after you have hiked the Sulphur Creek Trail because it is really cool to be able to look down the area you hiked in and gain a new perspective of where you were. Also, this viewpoint is right on the cliff’s edge. Guardrails are provided, but the drop-off can be a little unnerving.
The trail to the Overlook is 0.2 miles round trip.
Getting Here
From Torrey, take Highway 24 east for 9 miles and turn right onto the Panorama Point/Goosenecks Overlook Road. Take a left at the Panorama Point parking area and travel on a dirt road for 1 mile. The parking area for the Goosenecks is at the end of this road, and the trail starts at the far end of the parking lot.
The trail to the Overlook is 0.2 miles round trip.
Getting Here
From Torrey, take Highway 24 east for 9 miles and turn right onto the Panorama Point/Goosenecks Overlook Road. Take a left at the Panorama Point parking area and travel on a dirt road for 1 mile. The parking area for the Goosenecks is at the end of this road, and the trail starts at the far end of the parking lot.
Panorama Point (Capitol Reef)
Panorama Point has a short, uphill paved pathway leaving from the parking area. Take this pathway to get the best views of the area.
Getting Here
From Torrey, take Highway 24 east for approximately 9 miles. Panorama Point is on the right side of the road, just past the Chimney Rock Trailhead.
Getting Here
From Torrey, take Highway 24 east for approximately 9 miles. Panorama Point is on the right side of the road, just past the Chimney Rock Trailhead.
Sulphur Creek
6.25 miles ONE WAY (need a shuttle)
easy (downhill if you start at Chimney Rock and go to the visitor center)
Wear water hiking sandals! Or old tennis shoes you don't mind getting wet and dirty, as long as they still have good traction.
One of the most fantastic hikes in Capitol Reef National Park, Sulphur Creek offers easy access to awesome canyoneering, complete with waterfalls, a 600-foot deep gorge, and great opportunities for wading, swimming, and rock scrambling. This is a family, and child-friendly hike that provides a rewarding experience for all skill levels and ages. The route is six miles long, and drops over 500 feet in elevation from Chimney Rock to the visitor center.
Most visitors begin the hike at Chimney Rock, work down to the dry streambed until they reach the confluence with Sulphur Creek, and then splash their way on downstream until they reach the visitor center. Note: There is NOT a park shuttle to take you back to your car at Chimney Rock, some visitors hike back along Highway 24 (adding an extra 3 miles to the trip) or leave a second car to transport them back.
Water levels fluctuate often within Sulphur Creek; visitors should check with the park officials at the visitor center before entering the canyon, especially when bringing children. The water level in the creek should not be much higher than your ankles (mid-calves in some deeper spots) for the hike to be safe.
Chimney Rock looms up above the parking area to the north. Visitors will cross the road and head south into the gulch. After almost one and a half miles, the dry gulch joins with Sulphur Creek, and marks the point where the fun starts.
Almost immediately, hikers will have to negotiate wading pools and waterfalls, some of them close to 15 feet high, while navigating the meandering turns of the Goosenecks, surrounded by cliff walls that reach upward of 600 feet tall.
Eventually, the canyon disappears, and the stream bubbles past the Capitol Reef visitor center on Highway 24. Hikers can fill up on water here—as there is no potable water in the canyon—as well as getting the latest weather and creek conditions.
To Hike the Traditional Route: Park at the Chimney Rock Trailhead and cross Highway 24 to get to the trail (don’t take the Chimney Rock Trail). You will see a dry wash that looks like a trail. This is where you begin.
For the first 1.5 miles of the Sulphur Creek Trail, follow the dry wash. When you reach the creek, take a left. You will hike through the Goosenecks, two waterfalls, the narrows, another waterfall, and then another 1.5 miles or so to the Visitor Center. Some non-technical bouldering and scrambling is required to get past the waterfalls. Just remember, for the first two waterfalls the trail is to the right. For the last waterfall, you will want to go down on the left side.
The hike ends when you get to the Visitor Center, at which point you will need to drive your shuttle car back to Chimney Rock, or walk the 3 miles along the highway.
To Hike the Shortened Route: Park at the Visitor Center. To the right of the Visitor Center, you will find a trail that leads down to the water. Take a left when you get to the water, and just follow the creek for approximately 1.5 miles to the waterfall. Return the same way you came.
Getting Here
From Torrey, take Highway 24 east for about 11 miles to get to the Visitor Center. If you are taking the traditional route, park a car here, and then with the other car, drive west on Highway 24 for 3 miles to get to the Chimney Rock Trailhead to start the trail.
If you are taking the shortened route, your hike will start at the Visitor Center so you can just park there and begin.
easy (downhill if you start at Chimney Rock and go to the visitor center)
Wear water hiking sandals! Or old tennis shoes you don't mind getting wet and dirty, as long as they still have good traction.
One of the most fantastic hikes in Capitol Reef National Park, Sulphur Creek offers easy access to awesome canyoneering, complete with waterfalls, a 600-foot deep gorge, and great opportunities for wading, swimming, and rock scrambling. This is a family, and child-friendly hike that provides a rewarding experience for all skill levels and ages. The route is six miles long, and drops over 500 feet in elevation from Chimney Rock to the visitor center.
Most visitors begin the hike at Chimney Rock, work down to the dry streambed until they reach the confluence with Sulphur Creek, and then splash their way on downstream until they reach the visitor center. Note: There is NOT a park shuttle to take you back to your car at Chimney Rock, some visitors hike back along Highway 24 (adding an extra 3 miles to the trip) or leave a second car to transport them back.
Water levels fluctuate often within Sulphur Creek; visitors should check with the park officials at the visitor center before entering the canyon, especially when bringing children. The water level in the creek should not be much higher than your ankles (mid-calves in some deeper spots) for the hike to be safe.
Chimney Rock looms up above the parking area to the north. Visitors will cross the road and head south into the gulch. After almost one and a half miles, the dry gulch joins with Sulphur Creek, and marks the point where the fun starts.
Almost immediately, hikers will have to negotiate wading pools and waterfalls, some of them close to 15 feet high, while navigating the meandering turns of the Goosenecks, surrounded by cliff walls that reach upward of 600 feet tall.
Eventually, the canyon disappears, and the stream bubbles past the Capitol Reef visitor center on Highway 24. Hikers can fill up on water here—as there is no potable water in the canyon—as well as getting the latest weather and creek conditions.
To Hike the Traditional Route: Park at the Chimney Rock Trailhead and cross Highway 24 to get to the trail (don’t take the Chimney Rock Trail). You will see a dry wash that looks like a trail. This is where you begin.
For the first 1.5 miles of the Sulphur Creek Trail, follow the dry wash. When you reach the creek, take a left. You will hike through the Goosenecks, two waterfalls, the narrows, another waterfall, and then another 1.5 miles or so to the Visitor Center. Some non-technical bouldering and scrambling is required to get past the waterfalls. Just remember, for the first two waterfalls the trail is to the right. For the last waterfall, you will want to go down on the left side.
The hike ends when you get to the Visitor Center, at which point you will need to drive your shuttle car back to Chimney Rock, or walk the 3 miles along the highway.
To Hike the Shortened Route: Park at the Visitor Center. To the right of the Visitor Center, you will find a trail that leads down to the water. Take a left when you get to the water, and just follow the creek for approximately 1.5 miles to the waterfall. Return the same way you came.
Getting Here
From Torrey, take Highway 24 east for about 11 miles to get to the Visitor Center. If you are taking the traditional route, park a car here, and then with the other car, drive west on Highway 24 for 3 miles to get to the Chimney Rock Trailhead to start the trail.
If you are taking the shortened route, your hike will start at the Visitor Center so you can just park there and begin.
Food near Capitol Reef
Cafe Diablo - 599 W Main St. Torrey, www.cafediablo.net, open 5-10pm for dinner only
La Cueva Restaurante Mexicano - 875 N SR 24 Torrey, www.cafelacueva.com, 12-3pm lunch, 5-9pm dinner
Historic Gifford Farmhouse - this is part museum, part store; this is a good place for a treat (ice cream, homemade breads and fruit pies)
La Cueva Restaurante Mexicano - 875 N SR 24 Torrey, www.cafelacueva.com, 12-3pm lunch, 5-9pm dinner
Historic Gifford Farmhouse - this is part museum, part store; this is a good place for a treat (ice cream, homemade breads and fruit pies)
Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, a 25-mile round trip paved road that is lined with pullouts that allow you to stop and take it all in. One highly recommended stop is the Panorama Point/Goosenecks view area, on the park’s west end. From the scenic drive, several nice, short side drives on well-maintained dirt/gravel roads can be negotiated in virtually any vehicle. The first of these, Grand Wash, is sort of like taking a Disneyland ride in your own car. The hike through the Narrows, from the trailhead at the end of the Grand Wash drive, is highly recommended.
Fruita (pick your own fruit!)
After a visit to Capitol Reef’s rocky wilderness, the green groves and fruit orchards around the intersection of UT Highway 24 and the park scenic drive are a cool and welcome sight. Just after the turn of the century, the Mormon community of Fruita, nestled in the shaded canyon formed by the Fremont River, was a lively, vibrant town of nearly 50. Though most of Fruita’s residents gradually moved away after Capitol Reef’s establishment as a national monument, the fields and orchards (and an abundance of wildlife) remain for your enjoyment. Visitors may even pick small quantities of fruit in season: cherries in June, apricots in July, pears in August, and apples in September. Look for U-Pick signs and be prepared to pay a small donation for any fruit you take with you (there is no charge for fruit you eat on-site). The money, collected on an honor system, goes to maintain the orchards—a very worthy cause.
While in the Fruita area, make sure you check out other historic attractions such as the Fruita Schoolhouse, old Blacksmith Shop, the Fremont petroglyphs and the Gifford Homestead, which in addition to offering a snapshot of pioneer life, bakes the harvest of the season into incredible pies.
The Fruita picnic area is a great place to take a time-out. With the Fremont River gushing on one side, a big grassy area in the middle, and towering red rock cliffs on the other side, this picnic area is an incredibly picturesque place to eat your lunch. The picnic area is one of the few places in the Park with trees that are substantial enough to provide some shade. No running water is available here so stop at the Visitor Center on your way in to fill up your bottles with any water you may need.
From Torrey, travel 11 miles east on Highway 24. Turn right toward the Visitor Center and continue along that road for another mile until you reach the picnic area on your left.
While in the Fruita area, make sure you check out other historic attractions such as the Fruita Schoolhouse, old Blacksmith Shop, the Fremont petroglyphs and the Gifford Homestead, which in addition to offering a snapshot of pioneer life, bakes the harvest of the season into incredible pies.
The Fruita picnic area is a great place to take a time-out. With the Fremont River gushing on one side, a big grassy area in the middle, and towering red rock cliffs on the other side, this picnic area is an incredibly picturesque place to eat your lunch. The picnic area is one of the few places in the Park with trees that are substantial enough to provide some shade. No running water is available here so stop at the Visitor Center on your way in to fill up your bottles with any water you may need.
From Torrey, travel 11 miles east on Highway 24. Turn right toward the Visitor Center and continue along that road for another mile until you reach the picnic area on your left.
Ripple Rock Nature Center
Open Memorial Day-Labor Day, Tues-Sat
281 Scenic Dr., Torrey (Capitol Reef)
Hands-on for kids
281 Scenic Dr., Torrey (Capitol Reef)
Hands-on for kids
Rim Overlook
Capitol Reef
4.6 mi RT
1,110 ft elevation gain
Strenuous
Panoramas of Fruita and Waterpocket Fold from atop dramatic cliff
4.6 mi RT
1,110 ft elevation gain
Strenuous
Panoramas of Fruita and Waterpocket Fold from atop dramatic cliff
Old Wagon Trail Loop
Capitol Reef
(round trip) 3.8 mi loop
1,080 ft elevation gain
Strenuous
Pinyon-juniper forest, views of cliffs and Henry Mountains
(round trip) 3.8 mi loop
1,080 ft elevation gain
Strenuous
Pinyon-juniper forest, views of cliffs and Henry Mountains
Navajo Knobs
Capitol Reef
9.4 mi RT
1,620 ft elevation gain
Strenuous
Continuation of Rim Overlook Trail, 360-degree mountaintop panorama
9.4 mi RT
1,620 ft elevation gain
Strenuous
Continuation of Rim Overlook Trail, 360-degree mountaintop panorama
Golden Throne
Capitol Reef
4 mi RT
730 ft elevation gain
Strenuous
Views of Capitol Gorge and Golden Throne
4 mi RT
730 ft elevation gain
Strenuous
Views of Capitol Gorge and Golden Throne
Frying Pan
Capitol Reef
5.8 mi RT
810 ft elevation gain
Strenuous
Connects Cohab Canyon and Cassidy Arch trails, ridgetop panoramas
5.8 mi RT
810 ft elevation gain
Strenuous
Connects Cohab Canyon and Cassidy Arch trails, ridgetop panoramas
Fremont Gorge Overlook
Capitol Reef
4.6 mi RT
1,090 ft elevation gain
Strenuous
Short climb to open mesa top, ends at high viewpoint on rim of gorge
4.6 mi RT
1,090 ft elevation gain
Strenuous
Short climb to open mesa top, ends at high viewpoint on rim of gorge
Chimney Rock Loop
Capitol Reef
round trip 3.6 mi
590 ft elevation gain
Strenuous
Panoramas of Waterpocket Fold cliffs, good for sunset
round trip 3.6 mi
590 ft elevation gain
Strenuous
Panoramas of Waterpocket Fold cliffs, good for sunset
Cassidy Arch
Capitol Reef
3.4 mi RT
670 ft elevation gain
Strenuous
Natural arch (you can actually walk on top of it!), slickrock, canyon views
This trail is best done in the morning before it gets too hot because most of the time you will be in direct sunlight. The first half mile or so is very strenuous as you climb up the cliffs, but after that it’s not too steep. Be sure to bring plenty of water. Most kids would probably do okay on this hike. There are a few drop-offs, especially at the beginning on the switchbacks and at the end when you reach the arch.
Some climbing up and down the slickrock is required. Also, you will need to follow cairns as you get closer to the arch.
After 2.2 miles along the Scenic Drive, turn left onto the Grand Wash Road. When you get to the end of this road, you will find the parking area and trailhead. Walk along the wash for 0.3 miles until you see a large sign for the Cassidy Arch Trail on your left.
3.4 mi RT
670 ft elevation gain
Strenuous
Natural arch (you can actually walk on top of it!), slickrock, canyon views
This trail is best done in the morning before it gets too hot because most of the time you will be in direct sunlight. The first half mile or so is very strenuous as you climb up the cliffs, but after that it’s not too steep. Be sure to bring plenty of water. Most kids would probably do okay on this hike. There are a few drop-offs, especially at the beginning on the switchbacks and at the end when you reach the arch.
Some climbing up and down the slickrock is required. Also, you will need to follow cairns as you get closer to the arch.
After 2.2 miles along the Scenic Drive, turn left onto the Grand Wash Road. When you get to the end of this road, you will find the parking area and trailhead. Walk along the wash for 0.3 miles until you see a large sign for the Cassidy Arch Trail on your left.
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