Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Hiking the Capitol Gorge Trail: What You Need to Know
The Capitol Gorge Trail is 2.1 miles total and has roughly 80 feet of total elevation gain. It is listed as easy on the park’s website. There is so much to see as you hike through this river gorge. This trail features petroglyphs, a pioneer register, and a short side trip to see natural “tanks” in the slickrock. Parts of the trail are exposed to the sun, so make sure to bring lots of water and sun protection!
TRAILHEAD:
From the Capitol Reef Visitor Center drive to the end of the Scenic Drive road (about 8 miles). At the end of the Scenic Drive, you will then drive another 2.5 miles down Capitol Gorge Road. At the end of this dirt road, you will find a parking lot, vault toilets, and a place to have a picnic. This is a great place to eat before or after your hike.
From the parking lot, you will walk through the canyon which is the Capitol Gorge Trail. This is also the trailhead for the Golden Throne Trail. The majority of the trail is sandy/rock surface with little elevtion change. The short climb to the “tanks” has rock stairs and a slickrock trail. The “tanks” are large potholes in the rock that collect water year-round. They are worth the extra effort to go and see! Parts of the trail are fully exposed to the sun. Make sure to bring plenty of water, (more than you think you will need), and plenty of sun protection!
Petroglyphs can be found on the canyon wall about a quarter mile from the trailhead.
The Pioneer Register is about a half mile from the trailhead.
The trail to see the “tanks” takes off to the left of the Capitol Gorge Trail at about 0.7 miles from the trailhead. There is a sign that directs you to the “tanks” trail.
A WARNING ABOUT WEATHER:
Capitol Reef National Park is open year-round, so it is important to know about weather conditions before you visit. During the summer months, July-September, monsoon rains often cause flash flooding in the canyons and trails. Make sure you know the forecast during your visit and be flexible to change plans if the weather is poor. The Visitor Center will always have the current forecast available for visitors.
My trip to Capitol Reef was at the beginning of June and the weather was very warm and sunny. The day after my visit a summer rain came through that caused flash flooding that washed out roads, flooded canyons, and stranded cars. You never know when it could happen, so be prepared!
Click here for more information about the Capitol Gorge Trail and other trails in this area!
What to Bring on the Capitol Gorge Trail
Here are my hiking essentials:
- WATER!
Always bring more water than you think you are going to need when hiking at Capitol Reef National Park. I bring two water bottles (32oz or larger) per person when hiking. Hiking with heat and/or altitude can cause you to dehydrate quickly. There are water refill stations located at the Visitors Center. - Hiking Sticks (Optional)
The Capitol Gorge Trail is fairly flat and doesn’t necessarily require hiking sticks. The exception would be the short trail up to see the tanks. If you find it helpful on your knees to use hiking sticks for hiking up/down stone steps, you may want to bring them on this hike. - Salty Snacks
Replenishing your electrolytes is always important, but especially when hiking in the heat. Salty snacks and electrolyte mixes (such as Liquid IV) for your water bottle are a great way to make sure you stay hydrated. Some of my favorites are jerky, pretzels, and roasted nuts or trail mix. - Sun Protection
Make sure to apply (and reapply) sunscreen often, wear long sleeves, and never forget a hat that shades your face and neck! - Phone/Camera
There are so many great photo opportunities along this hike. Also, make sure that your cell phone has a full charge when you start your hike. - First Aid Kit
It is always a good idea to pack a small first aid kit in your hiking backpack. I like to include bandaids, Advil, items for scrapes, and moleskin for blisters in my hiking first aid kit.
Last Minute Advice…
When it comes to hiking my number one piece of advice is to stop and enjoy where you are! Hiking is about the journey as much as it is about the destination. So make sure to look around, enjoy where you are, and soak in your surroundings! Trust me, you won’t want to miss a minute of this hike!
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Happy Sojourning!