If you’re planning to visit Capitol Reef National Park in Utah, you’re probably interested in hiking a few of its many gorgeous hiking trails. The Capitol Reef is famous across the United States for being one of the best places for hikers of all levels to test their mettle.
This national park features trails of varying difficulty levels. While some are suitable for beginners, others can challenge expert hikers.
While there are numerous trails you can consider, we’ve brought you a guide to some of the best Capitol Reef hikes.
The Grand Wash Trail
If you’re a beginner, then you can’t go wrong by choosing the Grand Wash Trail. There’s a high chance that you’ll want to become a seasoned hiker after completing this trail. Many hikers feel exhilarated by the natural beauty and a sense of oneness with their surroundings.
This trail does not take too long to complete and can be done within two hours at a reasonable pace. The trail is open from March to November but is closed during the winter months. You can also bring kids on the trail, making it a family-friendly adventure.
Rim Overlook Trail
The Rim Overlook Trail is usually considered to be suitable for hikers with some experience looking for a challenge. This trail boasts an overall elevation gain of around 300 meters, which will take you through the heart of the national park. The trail can be completed within two and a half hours, during which you’ll cover approximately 7 kilometers.
The Rim Overlook is quite a popular trail, and it’s likely that you’ll encounter lots of other hikers. It is open throughout the year, including the winter months.
Hickman Bridge Trail
The Hickman Bridge Trail is one of the shorter trails in the park, with a length of just 2.7 kilometers, and can be crossed in a single hour. The most interesting feature of this trail is the Hickman Bridge, which will send chills down your spine as you cross it.
There are several other notable features as well. The official brochure, which you’ll receive at the start of the trail, will point out at least 15 of them peppered throughout the hike. Unfortunately, there are no prizes for spotting them all.
Cassidy Arch Trail
If you’re looking to take a few great photographs, then this trail might be the right choice. The Cassidy Arch Trail is a 5 km long stretch of beauty. The highlight of the trek is a view of the Cassidy Arch, which makes the hike worth it on its own.
Hikers should be warned that there are a few parts that are high and might cause vertigo, while some parts may require you to scramble with your hands. The best time to tackle this trail is during the summer when the conditions are quite mild.
How to Prepare for a Hike
If you’re new to hiking, make sure that you keep a few things in mind:
- The best time to hike in Capitol Reef National Park, and in Utah in general, is the spring. During the spring months, the weather is quite pleasant and avoids the extreme temperatures of summer and winter. The parks are decently crowded while avoiding overcrowding during the summer holidays. It’s also the season when wildflowers bloom across the state, which adds to the scenic beauty.
- Remember to carry all the essentials for a good hike, which include lots of sunscreen, lots of water, a hat that is wide enough to provide shade, and a sturdy pair of hiking shoes.
- There can be some areas where you may not receive an internet connection. It’s best to carry a physical map of the area with you just in case.
Where to Stay?
It’s best to stay at a place that is close to Capitol Reef National Park and also offers a full suite of amenities. Cougar Ridge is a luxury resort located in Torrey that provides modern comforts nestled in the midst of nature.
It offers a host of on-site amenities such as a spa, BBQs, hot tubs, e-bike rentals, and more. There are plenty of great restaurants in the area, and you can reach Capitol Reef without any hassle.
You can either stay in The Grand Lodge or in one of the villas. Couples and families will find a lot to enjoy over a short stay with us.
Wrapping Up
Apart from Hiking, Capitol Reef National Park also offers rock climbing, scenic drives, historic locations, and more. You can also opt for a bit of canyoneering or horseback riding.
Overall, a visit is guaranteed to be packed with adventure and new experiences. There’s a visitor center located at the entrance, which provides details about everything you can do, along with all the do’s and don’ts to follow during Capitol Reef hikes and other activities.