Capitol Reef National Park is definitely one of the less visited National Parks in the Southwest, but that doesn’t mean it should be. There are plenty of fun hiking trails and the landscape offers more breathtaking views. I would definitely come back on our next Southwest road trip. There is plenty more hiking to be done here.
Getting There
Since we were driving from Bryce Canyon National Park we took Scenic Utah Byway 12 to reach Capitol Reef National Park. Scenic Utah Byway 12 has been named an All-American Road by the Federal Highway Administration, making it one of the most unique roads in the country. The drive takes approximately two hours, longer depending on how many stops you make for pictures.
My favorite part of the drive is “The Hogback.” This section of the narrow and winding road runs along a narrow ledge of slickrock with steep drops into the canyon on either side. The views are impressive! There are interpretive signs along the way detailing the history of the area.
We got to the park around noon. Our first stop was the Visitor Center for passport stamps and Junior Ranger books.
Scenic Drive
After stopping at the Visitor Center we took the Scenic Drive and Capitol Gorge Road for an introduction to the beauty of the landscape in Capitol Reef National Park. The Scenic Drive is a 7.9-mile paved road, and the Capitol Gorge Road is only 2.4 miles but unpaved. Since the roads do not create a loop, you need to return the same way. Vehicles larger than 27 feet are not permitted.
Hiking
Cohab Canyon Trail
This is a 3.4-mile round trip hike that gains 440′ in elevation. We parked the car in a parking lot across from the campground in the Fruita Historic District. The first part of the trail consists of switchbacks that are manageable with rest breaks.
The trail starts to level out as it turns to enter Cohab Canyon. This sandy wash makes for an enjoyable hike. Between the solution cavities, slot canyons, and slickrock there is a lot to explore in the area. We didn’t pass many people on the trail but did run into a dad with his son that we recognized from our first day at Zion. We stopped to chat with them and see what they thought of the trail so far.
Cohab Canyon Trail Slot Canyons
Since we got to Capitol Reef a little later than we originally planned, we cut this hike short and didn’t continue all the way to the overlooks. We realized we were taking lots of breaks in the wash for pictures and to explore the slot canyons. There are three slot canyons on the right side after you make that first initial climb via the switchbacks.
Hickman Bridge Trail
This is a 1.8-mile round trip hike that gains 400′ in elevation on the way to a gorgeous 133′ natural bridge with plenty of canyon views along the way. We did this hike in the late afternoon/early evening and passed very few people on the trail. To access the trail from the Visitor Center you’ll need to drive east on Highway 24 past the Fruita Schoolhouse and Petroglyph Panel. While we were able to easily find parking, this is the park’s most popular trail. Therefore, parking could be an issue if you visited during the busy season.
The trail starts on a section of trail that runs along the Fremont River. This section has signs posted at both ends warning of the danger of rockfalls in the area and encouraging you to continue walking to speed past the area. The trail then makes a steep turn as it makes its way towards the natural bridge.
The hike has interpretive markers along the way pointing out sites used by the Fremont people, plants, and changes in the landscape along the way.
Sunset Point Trail
Sunset Point makes for a nice, short hike at the end of your day. It’s only 0.8-mile round trip and offers a great spot for sunset pictures. There is plenty of area to walk around, but be careful near cliff edges.
Important to Know
- Nearest restaurants to Capitol Reef National Park are in Torrey. We stopped at a Subway just outside the park entrance for lunch.
- There is a separate parking area to view the petroglyph panel.
- I highly recommend staying at the Capitol Reef Resort. We had a nice, clean room just outside of the park entrance. Cost was $186.00 for a room with two queen beds.
- Do not build new cairns (stacked rocks) or destroy existing ones.
Day 5 miles hiked:
4.6 miles
Total miles hiked since our Southwest vacation began:
20.35 miles
