Capitol Reef National Park
Top Spots
Lower Spring Canyon Trail
Torrey, Utah
10.41 mi
/ 2431 ft gain
Lower Spring Canyon Trail is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a river located near Torrey, Utah.
Hike the Chimney Rock Loop, Capitol Reef NP
Torrey, Utah
5.0
3.46 mi
/ 909 ft gain
From the trailhead, the trek starts off pretty step. You will reach a fork near the top of the plateau which starts the official loop. At the junction go left (counterclockwise). The trail offers wonderful views along the way. The loop will bring you on top of "chimney rock" for views over Hwy 24 as far as the eye can see. This is one of the best short hikes in Capitol Reef State Park that offe...
Capitol Reef's Sulphur Creek Route
Torrey, Utah
4.8
5.87 mi
/ 1191 ft gain
This is a point-to-point hike that either requires a shuttle or 3 mile walk along highway 24. The starting trailhead is the Chimney Rock Trailhead which has limited parking. The ending trailhead is the Capitol Reef National Park Visitors Center. We only had one car so I dropped everyone off at the Chimney Rock Trailhead and then parked the car at the visitors center and jogged to meet up with t...
Sunset Point, Capitol Reef NP
Torrey, Utah
2.53 mi
/ 1047 ft gain
Sunset Point Trail is an quick and easy 0.4 mile hike near the entrance of the park that provides you with beautiful views of the Capital Reef rim from the opposite side of the park. As the evening descends the setting sun illuminates the red rim rock formations giving them the best photographic views!
At the end of the hike there is an exciting rock formation with nature-made koozies, perfect...
Hike Lower Cathedral Valley Overlook
Wayne County, Utah
2 mi
/ 150 ft gain
Now most of the pictures you see from Capitol Reef are from cathedral valley. But not many take the time to get above the most photographed area of the park. Off of Hartnet Road, at mile 17.6 you will find a small dirt parking lot for the trailhead (were talking middle of nowhere, so no pit toilet, no fancy sign).
The trail starts in the far left corner of the parking lot, and is not super wel...
Fremont Gorge Trail
Torrey, Utah
4.29 mi
/ 1001 ft gain
Fremont Gorge Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Torrey, Utah.
Rim Overlook Trail
Torrey, Utah
4.21 mi
/ 1027 ft gain
Rim Overlook Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Torrey, Utah.
Hickman Natural Bridge Trail
Wayne County, Utah
4.5
1.82 mi
/ 413 ft gain
Starting at 5350' in elevation, the hike to Hickman natural bridge is one of the best hikes in Capitol Reef National Park for families with small children. The hike is just under two miles round trip and doesn't include any steep or exposed sections.
You'll begin your hike next to the Fremont River, surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs. The path is well defined and cairns make it easy to fo...
Navajo Knobs
Wayne County, Utah
9.11 mi
/ 2018 ft gain
Navajo Knobs is one of Capital Reef’s most spectacular hikes. It brings you, moderately, to one of Capital Reef’s most spectacular viewpoints of the main park’s viewpoints.
(Tip: Upon arriving at the park the Ranger recommended this as her favorite hike, and it lived up to the hype! If you’re looking to experience all of the park in one hike, this is it!)
To start, park at the TH for the Hick...
Places to stay
Teasdale, Utah
Fruita Campground
Overview
Located in south-central Utah in the heart of red rock country, Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden treasure filled with clif...
Torrey, Utah
Capitol Reef Np Group Campsite
Overview
Located in south-central Utah in the heart of red rock country, Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden treasure filled with clif...
Lyman, Utah
Elkhorn Campground
Overview
Elkhorn Campground is located 20 miles northeast of Loa, Utah, on the scenic Thousand Lake Mountain at an elevation of approxima...
Bicknell, Utah
Sunglow Campground
Overview
Sunglow Campground is located in a scenic red rock box canyon just 2 miles from Bicknell, Utah. Visitors enjoy exploring local t...
Teasdale, Utah
Singletree
Overview
Singletree Campground is located on the east side of Boulder Mountain in central Utah. Visitors enjoy hiking and sightseeing in ...
, Utah
Rosebud Atv
Overview
Rosebud ATV Campground is located high on the Colorado Plateau at an elevation of 8300 feet. Torrey, Utah is just 17 miles north...
Guides and stories
Quick links
- The best hiking trails in Capitol Reef National Park
- The best backpacking in Capitol Reef National Park
- The best camping in Capitol Reef National Park
- Top adventures in Capitol Reef National Park
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