Grand Wash Trail, Capitol Reef National Park

Follow the scenic road just past the Fruita Campground to the first dirt road on the left. The dirt road meanders through cool rock formations (great for night photography) and eventually dramatic cliffs that you will be climbing up. The parking area is obvious and there are primitive restrooms. Follow the well-marked trail into the canyon until you reach the Cassidy trailhead on your left. On...

Inside Capitol Reef National Park, you’ll find a wonderful treasure. There are acres of orchards inside the park, all of which you are welcome to roam around and explore, you’ll see old farms buildings from the Mormon settlers that came through that are still kept up! Not to mention they have horses in nearby pastures.  If you find an unlocked orchard you are allowed to walk through them, and t...

Inside Capitol Reed National Park there is a scenic drive. The drive you do have to pay for ($15 bucks a car) but considering the park is free, you may as well!  The drive is about 8 miles long, with pull offs for ideal picture taking, the landscape is vast and ever changing with every turn, including red rock formations as far as the eye could see. You can access Cassidy Arch Trailhead, Capito...

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...

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...

Drive along Scenic Drive in Capitol Reef National Park and you'll find this trailhead at the end of the road. After 7 miles of driving, you'll arrive at the Pleasant Creek Road turnout and parking area. From here, the road continues to Capitol Gorge, but is unpaved. We had to park at a small parking lot near Pleasant Creek Road because Capitol Gorge Road was closed to vehicles. This was not...