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HIKING AND BACKPACKING
DAY HIKING
In the Fruita area, there are 15 day hiking trails with trailheads
located along Utah Hwy. 24 and the Scenic Drive. These trails
offer the hiker a wide variety of options, from easy strolls along
smooth paths over level ground to strenuous hikes involving steep
climbs over uneven terrain near cliff edges. Hikes may take you
deep into a narrow gorge, to the top of high cliffs for a bird’s
eye view of the surrounding area, under a natural stone arch,
to historic inscriptions...and much, much more! Round trip distances
vary in length from less than 1/4 mile to 10 miles. All trails
are well-marked with signs at the trailhead and at trail junctions
and by cairns (stacks of rocks) along the way. A free guide to
the trails is available at the visitor center or by clicking here.
Some trails have self-guiding brochures which are available, for
a nominal fee, at the trailhead or at the visitor center.
BACKCOUNTRY HIKING
Capitol Reef offers many hiking options for serious backpackers
and those who enjoy exploring remote areas. Marked hiking routes
lead into narrow, twisting gorges and slot canyons and to spectacular
viewpoints high atop the Waterpocket Fold. Popular backcountry
hikes in the southern section of the park include Upper and Lower
Muley Twist Canyons and Halls Creek. Backcountry hiking opportunities
also exist in the Cathedral Valley area and near Fruita...the
possibilities are endless! Stop in the visitor center and talk
to a ranger if you are interested in a backcountry hike. They
can help you pick out a hike that will fit your time and abilities.
If you plan to take an overnight hike, you need to obtain a free
backcountry permit at the visitor center prior to your trip. Backcountry
group size cannot exceed 12 people.
POPULAR BACKCOUNTRY ROUTES
WATER
Always carry water! Even the shortest stroll will make you thirsty
on a 100 degree summer day. Potable water is available at the
pump located in the visitor center parking lot, and at the spigots
in front of each restroom in the Fruita campground. A minimum
of one gallon per person per day is recommended, more for backpackers.
Water is scarce in the backcountry, especially during the hot
summer months. Waterpockets, seeps, and springs are scattered
throughout canyon country but are unreliable. Plan to carry in
all your water. If you do use water from backcountry sources,
boil or filter the water before drinking to kill Giardia.
Hiking in canyon country is not something to be taken lightly.
The elevation and high desert climate make this area prone to
temperature extremes. Summer months are HOT with temperatures
near 100 degrees F and the sun is intense. Summer evenings cool
to 50 or 60 degrees. At this time of year, rapid dehydration is
common and could be fatal to the unprepared hiker. Spring and
Fall are mild seasons and are the best times for hiking and backpacking.
Winter (Nov. through Feb.) is cold with highs in the 30s & 40s
and nighttime temperatures below freezing. Elevations in the park
range from approximately 3,800 to 8,200 feet.
Wear appropriate clothing, footwear, sunscreen and a hat.
Capitol Reef receives approximately 7 inches of precipitation
each year. Thunderstorms can move in quickly (July - September),
dropping large amounts of rain over a short period of time,
causing flash floods. Get up-to-date weather information and
watch for changing weather conditions during this time of year.
Do not enter a narrow gorge or slot canyon if storms are threatening
and never camp in wash bottoms. Infrequent winter snows often
fall and melt the same day, but can stay on the ground for days
or weeks.
RESOURCE AND SAFETY CONCERNS
Help protect the fragile desert environment. Stay on established
trails, avoid stepping in cryptobiotic crust,
and do not shortcut switchbacks. Do not throw rocks. Climbing
on loose talus or steep slickrock is dangerous, and it is always
harder to climb down than to climb up. Don’t take unnecessary
risks...help may be a long way off. Think before you act. If you
do become rimrocked, call for help and wait for assistance rather
than attempting to climb down...one misplaced step or handhold
could end in tragedy. Think safety!
PETS
Pets are not permitted on trails or anywhere in the backcountry.
Pets may not be left unattended at trailheads or in other locations.
MAPS
Available from the CRNHA at the park Visitor
Center.
BACKCOUNTRY DOs AND DON'Ts
DO:
- Tell others your plans and expected return date.
- Obtain a free backcountry permit prior to your hike.
- Carry topographic maps and guides of the area.
- Pack out all trash, including garbage, cigarette butts,
and toilet paper. Do not burn or bury.
- Bury human waste 6" deep in soil and 100' from water sources.
- Stay on marked routes whenever possible. When hiking crosscountry,
walk in wash bottoms, on slickrock, or use animal trails to
avoid stepping in cryptobiotic crust.
DON'T:
- Collect firewood or build ground fires. Instead, use portable
stoves for cooking.
- Pollute water sources by washing or bathing. You should
always carry water away from the source to clean dishes or
bathe then strain out food particles and disperse dirty water.
Always use biodegradable soap. Never swim in waterpockets;
lotion, sunscreen, and residue on skin can quickly pollute
water sources that are not free-flowing.
- Camp within 1/2 mile or in sight of roads or trails. In
narrow canyons, try to camp as far away from the hiking route
as possible and out of sight.
- Carry firearms.
- Disturb or deface natural features, historic, or archeological
sites.
- Collect items of any kind, including rocks, plants, animals,
or artifacts.
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