Capitol Reef National Park - Trail Guide (U.S. National Park Service)

Hiking Map & Guide to the Fruita Area

Click here to view trail map.

NPS

TRAIL DIFFICULTY RATINGS:

Easy: uneven ground, but fairly level.
Moderate: a mix of steep grades & level sections.
Strenuous: steep grades, uneven terrain and long, steady climbs.

*NOTE: All distances are ONE-WAY except for those marked with an asterisk (*) which are loop trails.

Trail	Distance in Miles (km)	Elevation Change in Feet (m)	Description
Capitol Gorge	1.25 (2.0)	< 50 (15)	Mostly level walking in narrow wash bottom with sheer canyon walls, Pioneer Register, and waterpockets or "tanks".
Goosenecks	0.1 (0.2)	< 50 (15)	Views of Sulphur Creek Canyon; panoramas.
Grand Wash	2.25 (3.6)	< 50 (15)	Mostly level walking along narrow wash bottom with sheer canyon walls on both sides.
Fremont River	1.25 (2.0)	770 (235)	Very easy first 0.5 mile (0.8 km) along river, strenuous thereafter; through orchards to valley overlook; self-guiding nature trail
Sunset Point	0.3 (0.5)	< 50 (15)	Panoramic views of cliffs & domes; dramatic lighting at day's end
Rim Overlook	2.25 (3.62)	1,580 (482)	Ends on top of 1,000 foot (305 m) high cliffs with views of the orchards, campground and south.
Cohab Canyon	1.75 (2.8)	400 (122)	Strenuous for the first 0.25 mile (0.4 km), then moderate; climbs to a hidden canyon with spur trails, overlooking Fruita.
Hickman Bridge	1.0 (1.6)	400 (122)	Self-guiding nature trail leads to the base of Hickman Natural Bridge.
Cassidy Arch	1.75 (2.8)	1,150 (351)	Climbs steeply from floor of Grand Wash to high cliffs, ending above the arch.
Chimney Rock	*3.5 (5.6)	600 (183)	Steep climb up switchbacks at the start going counterclockwise; moderate hike afterwards; views of Chimney Rock and panoramas.
Fremont Gorge Overlook	2.25 (3.62)	1,000 (305)	Crosses Johnson Mesa, then steep climb to 1,000 feet (305 m) above Fremont River.
Frying Pan	3.0 (4.82)	1,000 (305)	Follows ridge of Capitol Reef.
Golden Throne	2.0 (3.2)	1,100 (335)	Climbs from bottom of gorge to top of cliffs and ends with a view of the base of Golden Throne; panoramas.
Navajo Knobs	4.5 (7.2)	1,600+ (488+)	Follows trail to Rim Overlook; then continues another
Old Wagon Trail	*3.5 (5.6)	1,100 (335)	Follows wagon route on Miners Mountain; panoramic views of the Waterpocket Fold.

Artists image of a rock cairn. You will find many hiking trails marked with rock cairns. Locating cairns may be difficult at first; look for rock piles or stacks. PLEASE DO NOT BUILD NEW CAIRNS!

You will find many hiking trails marked with rock cairns. Locating cairns may be difficult at first; look for rock piles or stacks. PLEASE DO NOT BUILD NEW CAIRNS!

Hiking Suggestions

The summer sun is intense, and some trails rise to 6,900 feet (2,100 m) in elevation. ALWAYS CARRY WATER.

For your own and other's safety, stay on established trails; do not shortcut switchbacks or throw rocks. Hiking routes shown on this map are for location reference only. Routes are not trails and are not maintained.

Camping is not permitted within sight or sound of any trail, road or developed area except at established campgrounds. Before taking overnight trips, contact a park ranger who can suggest backcountry camping areas. A permit is required for backcountry camping and can be obtained at the visitor center free of charge.

Possession, destruction, or removal of any animals, plants, rocks or artifacts is prohibited.

Detailed Trail Descriptions, Hiking Guides, & Maps are available from the Capitol Reef Natural History Association Bookstore.

You are exiting the National Park Service website

Thank you for visiting our site.