Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [97]
Cohab Canyon Trail
1.75 miles one-way. Moderate to strenuous. Access: Across from Fruita Campground.
After the first .25 mile, which is rather strenuous, this trail levels out a bit and has fewer steep grades. It climbs to a hidden canyon above the campground, and has two short side trails leading to overlooks. From the overlooks you get good views of the Fremont River, historic Fruita, and the campground.
Fremont Gorge Overlook Trail
2.25 miles one-way. Strenuous. Access: Blacksmith shop.
A strenuous climb to 1,000 feet above the Fremont River, this trail rewards you at the end with a great view into the Fremont Gorge. The middle of the hike, across Johnson Mesa, is fairly easy. The trail also affords good views of Fruita and the escarpment of the Waterpocket Fold.
Frying Pan Trail
3 miles one-way. Strenuous. Access: Across from Fruita Campground or Grand Wash parking area.
This strenuous but scenic trail, which links Cohab and Cassidy Arch trails, follows the ridge of the Waterpocket Fold escarpment, with a number of climbs up and down canyons and over slickrock.
You'll get good views of Miners Mountain to the southwest, rugged canyons to the side, and the Grand Wash below near the end of the trail.
Golden Throne Trail
2 miles one-way. Strenuous. Access: Capitol Gorge parking area.
A strenuous climb from the bottom of the gorge to the top of the cliffs at the base of the Golden Throne, this trail provides several panoramic vistas, which are good spots to stop to catch your breath. The Golden Throne is a large formation of Navajo sandstone that glows golden yellow in the light of the setting sun.
Grand Wash Trail
2.25 miles one-way. Easy. Access: Grand Wash parking area, or on Utah 24 east of visitor center.
This is a relatively easy hike along a narrow wash bottom with sheer rock walls on both sides. The trail shows the phenomenal power of water as it winds between tall polished walls of stone, scoured smooth by the force of flash floods.
Old Wagon Trail
3.5 miles RT. Strenuous. Access: West side of Scenic Dr. near end.
This 1,000-foot climb up the east flank of Miners Mountain is certainly strenuous, but it affords spectacular and unusual views of the Waterpocket Fold escarpment. This hike is best done late in the day when the cliffs are lit by the setting sun.
Rim Overlook Trail
2.25 miles one-way. Strenuous. Access: Hickman Bridge parking area on Utah 24 east of visitor center.
After a strenuous 1,000-foot climb, hikers are rewarded with good views of Fruita and vistas to the south.
Exploring the Backcountry
The park offers a variety of backpacking opportunities, including the 15-mile round-trip Upper Muley Twist route, which follows a canyon through the Waterpocket Fold and offers views of arches and narrows, and panoramic vistas from the top of the fold; and the 22-mile round-trip Halls Creek Narrows, which follows Halls Creek through a beautiful slot canyon (where you may have to wade or swim). Free backcountry permits (available at the visitor center) are required for all overnight hikes. Backcountry hikers should discuss their plans with rangers before setting out because many of these routes are prone to flash floods.
Other Sports & Activities
Four-Wheel-Drive Touring & Mountain Biking. As in most national parks, bikes and 4WD vehicles are restricted to established roads, but Capitol Reef has several such "established" roads—actually little more than dirt trails—that provide exciting opportunities for those using 4WD or pedal power. Use of ATVs is not permitted anywhere in the park.
The only route appropriate for road bikes is the Scenic Drive, described above. Both the Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge roads (see "Exploring the Park by Car," above), plus three longer backcountry roads, are open to mountain bikes as well as four-wheel-drive vehicles. Be aware that rain can make the roads impassable, so it's best to check on current conditions