Capitol Reef one of the most loved national park by hikers and rock climbers. The park is located in southern Utah in the United States. The park gives endless opportunity for hikers with plenty of trail from easy to challenging path. If you are a adventure seeker Capitol Reef gives you the best experience. Here we have mentioned the top places to visit in Capitol Reef National Park.
Drive Through Highway 24
Highway 24 is a scenic road with breathtaking views. Capitol Reef is filled with beauty that can be accessed by car. As you drive you get to see the stunning waterpocket fold, one of the highlights of the drive. Highway 24 passes through Capitol Reef National Park for 15 miles. The road twists and turns along the Fremont River, past massive domes and cliffs of white Navajo sandstone.
The road has plenty of pullouts that allow you to stop and enjoy the view. Beyond the paved road there are two dirt spur roads, Capitol Gorge and Grand Wash. These roads lead to canyons and trailheads, and are usually suitable for passenger cars and RVs.
Goosenecks Overlook
Goosenecks Overlook is a short uphill walk 0.2 miles round trip. It is not much of a hike, the trip can be completed in 5-10 minutes. The trailhead is located a mile south of Highway 24 in Capitol Reef National Park. The trailhead can be from the junction of Hwy 24 and Hwy 12 in Torrey, Utah. It is also the best place in the park to watch the sunset and sunrise.
The trail has views of the mountains and reefs and brings you to an overlook that has several interpretive signs with information about the canyon’s geological formation. The trail leads to a viewpoint of Sulphur Creek as it snakes its way through a rugged canyon.
Hickman Bridge
Hickman Bridge Trail is a 2.7 kilometer out and back trail that features a river and is rated as moderate suitable for all level hikers. The best time for hiking is from March to November. The trail is one of the highlights of Capitol Reef with a large and elegant natural arch.
The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, and nature trips. The trail offers you a scenic hike to an impressive natural bridge and also features views of Navajo Dome, Capitol Dome and Pectols Pyramid. Along the way you get to view the foundation of a pit house. Hickman Bridge is one of the best trails to hike with your family.
Grand Wash
Grand Wash is a 6.25 miles easy and family friendly hike in Capitol Reef . The trail cuts its way through the upper portion of the Waterpocket Fold in Capitol Reef. Grand Wash connects the scenic road as it heads south past Cassidy Arch, to Highway 24.
It is one of deep but easily-accessed canyons along the scenic drive at the center of park. The trail offers a pleasant, safe path to narrow canyon hiking. Grand Wash cuts right through the reef of cliffs of Wingate and Navajo sandstone up to 500 feet high. You get to see many colorful strata and eroded rock formations, with a section of the streamway the walls are less than 15 feet apart.
Capitol Gorge Road
Capitol Gorge Trail is a 4.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail. The trail offers scenic views and is rated as moderate. Capitol Gorge follows the Capitol Wash through the Waterpocket Fold of park going from the south end of the Scenic Drive. Through the Fold, Capitol Gorge becomes deep and narrow, with several sections. The trail is good for all levels of hikers.
Cathedral Valley
Cathedral Valley is located in the northern area of the park. It is a rugged, remote district of park. It is one Few people travel out this way, It has some of the most breathtaking views around. It is a bit difficult to get to, only few people visit this area. If you are looking for a peaceful place Cathedral Valley is the perfect one. If you are an adventure seeker or love to be alone in a beautiful place don’t miss out Cathedral Valley. If you like stargazing you can get a permit and stay the night.