Capitol Reef is a lesser-known gem with amazing red rocks and cool formations! It is much less-crowded that the other four National Parks in Utah, but no less awesome! I have posted several hikes in Capitol Reef, but I thought I’d include them all in one post.
The drive through the park is impressive.
Cassidy Arch
Cassidy Arch is spectacular because you can walk right on top of it! This is a 3 mile round trip moderate hike:
Cohab Canyon
One of the coolest hikes is Cohab Canyon. Unlike many of the hikes found in washes or slots, this can even be hiked in the rain. Here are a few photos of this three mile roundtrip hike:
Click here to learn more about the Cohab Canyon hike:
Sulphur Creek Waterfall
Sulphur Creek Waterfall is a great one even during the heat of the day, because you walk through the cooler water to get there. This one is 1.8 miles roundtrip and easy:
For more information on the Sulphur Creek Waterfall hike, click here:
Hickman Bridge
Of course the most iconic hike in the park is to Hickman Bridge. This is 1.8 miles roundtrip and moderate:
For more details on Hickman Bridge click here:
Goosenecks and Sunset Point
The Goosenecks Overlook is a beautiful overlook down to the winding Sulphur Creek 800 feet below. There is a short 0.6 roundtrip mile easy walk to the Sunset Point Viewpoints.
For more information click here:
Grand Wash
Grand Wash Trail is the narrow canyon where the rains collect. It has sections of tall walls to walk between. It is an easy 1-4 miles, depending on how far you go.
Click here for more information on the Grand Wash Trail:
If you are coming from the west side, check out Fish Lake. If you are coming from the East, check out the Mars-like badlands in Hanksville or Goblin Valley just north of Hanksville.
Stats:
Seasons to hike – Year-Round
Permits needed – $20 per car for a 7-day pass (or a National Parks Pass)
Pets allowed – No
