10 of The Best Hikes in Capitol Reef National Park For Families

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Are you wondering if Capitol Reef National Park is worth adding to your travel plans? While Utah’s famous Mighty 5 often brings attention to parks like Bryce Canyon National Park and Arches National Park, Capitol Reef is just as breathtaking and offers visitors plenty to do. The park’s colorful cliffs, dramatic canyons, and peaceful desert landscapes make it an incredible destination for outdoor adventure.

One of the things that makes this park especially appealing for families is the variety hikes that are suitable for kids. We have compiled a list of the best hikes in Capitol Reef National Park for families. From short scenic trails leading to natural bridges to canyon walks surrounded by towering sandstone walls, the options are plentiful.

We have also included some more challenging hikes for those visiting with older children or experienced hikers up for a challenge!

Tips for Hiking in Capitol Reef National Park

• Capitol Reef National Park is in a desert. In the summer months it can become very hot and with very little shade is some areas it is easy to overheat and get dehydrated. Make sure you bring proper sun protection and plenty of water!
• Hiking in the early morning or late evening can help you avoid the hottest parts of the day and make the hike more enjoyable for you!
• Make sure you wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots. Many of the trails involve hiking on slick rock, sand, or uneven terrain, so you want to make sure you have good footing.
• Watch out for wildlife on the trails. Desert bighorn sheep and mule deer are common on trails. Be sure to keep your distance and follow any park guidelines for interacting with wildlife.
• Cell service is limited in many areas of the park. Be sure to download maps ahead of time, grab one from the visitor center, or print them and bring them with you.

The Best Hikes in Capitol Reef National Park: Easy Hikes

Hickman Bridge

The Hickman Bridge trail is one of the best trails in Capitol Reef National Park for families. The highlight of this trail is the Hickman Bridge, a natural sandstone bridge that spans 130 feet and is 125 feet high. The bridge was formed over millions of years by water cutting through the Navajo Sandstone.

The trail has a gradual ascent that takes you past views of the park’s colorful sandstone cliffs and canyon views. It begins by following alongside the Fremont River, before beginning to climb up the hill. There are some switchbacks along the way. Once you reach the bridge, there is a small path that takes you right under it, so you can see its massive size and admire it from below.

The trail is 1.7 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 416 feet. The trail is accessed off of Highway 24 in the Fruita District, about 1.9 miles from the visitor center. The parking area is small and fills up quickly, so plan on arriving early in the morning. Overflow parking is allowed on the side of the road, but cars must be completely off the road.

Capitol Gorge Trail

The Capitol Gorge Trail is one of the best hikes in Capitol Reef National Park for families. The trail is mostly flat, following along the sandy floor of the Capitol Gorge, with an optional extension that is more of a moderate hike.

Two of the main highlights of this trail are the petroglyphs and Pioneer Register. The Pioneer Register is a wall that pioneers wrote their name and date on when passing through the area as long ago as the mid 1800’s. The engravings are found about 15-20 feet above the ground. Keep your eye open for petroglyphs along the way as well.

There is an optional extension for the trail that takes you to several natural water tanks. If you choose to do this, it will add on about half a mile and 100 feet of elevation gain. This part of the hike is more challenging.

The Capitol Gorge Trail is about 2 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 80 feet. Parking for the trail is found at the end of the Scenic Drive along the Capitol Gorge dirt road.

Grand Wash

The Grand Wash Trail is a flat, easy trail with unique views, making it one of the best hikes in Capitol Reef National Park with kids. The trail follows along a wide, sandy wash between towering sandstone cliffs. The Grand Wash does not have a major “end destination” and is more about the journey. You can hike as far as you want, and turn around when you are ready (or do the entire hike).

One of the main highlights of the trail is The Narrows, a section of the hike where the canyon walls begin to close in (it does not get close enough that you have to squeeze through). Along the way there are many small “cave” areas in the canyon walls and some small arches to see.

The Grand Wash Trail is 4.4 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 200 feet. The trail head is found on the dirt Grand Wash Road off of the Scenic Drive. There is another trail head on Highway 24. If you have 2 cars, you can do the trail one-way, or do it as a round trip hike.

Sunset Point Trail

The Sunset Point Trail is one of the easiest and shortest walks in the park, but it offers some of the best views. The trail is mostly flat with great views along the way, making it one of the best hikes in Capitol Reef National Park for families.

As the name suggests, the viewpoint is an excellent spot for hiking at sunset in Capitol Reef (and seeing how the light reflects on the colors of the rocks). If you have time, take the additional 600 foot walk to the Gooseneck Overlook. From this overlook you can see the Sulphur Creek below.

The Sunset Point Trail is about 0.8 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of less than 50 feet. The hike is accessible off of a 1 mile dirt road off of Highway 24.

Sulphur Creek

While the entire Sulphur Creek Trail is long at 5.8 miles one way, families can choose to do the hike just to the first waterfall and canyon narrows from the visitor center, which makes a round trip hike of 1.4 miles. Before you head out for this trail, be aware that you might get a little wet (there are several spots where you will have to cross the stream).

The trail is mostly flat and takes you past red cliff walls and across the creek. After about 0.75 miles you reach a small waterfall that is 8-10 feet tall and falls into a small pool. It is nothing spectacular, but it makes for a good hike with kids.

The Sulphur Creek trail starts at the visitor center with parking available. Be sure to bring shoes that you don’t mind getting wet, as there are times when you will have to cross the creek (shallow water).

The Best Hikes in Capitol Reef National Park: Moderate/Challenging Hikes

Cohab Canyon

The Cohab Canyon Trail is one of the best hikes in Capitol Reef National Park for families with a little more challenge, featuring stunning views overlooking the Fruita District and interesting rock formations. The Cohab Canyon trail starts as a steep incline (if you start from the Fruita side). up switchbacks, before you reach the top overlooking the valley below.

There are two optional overlooks on the trail, the North and South Fruita Overlooks, that are worth a visit. There are some small slot canyons along the way and towering cliff walls. Keep your eye out for lizards or if visiting during the right time of year some blooming desert plants.

You can start the Cohab Canyon Trail at either the Hickman Bridge trail head or in the Fruita District. Starting on the Fruita side will get the steeper part done quickly and bring you to stunning views faster. The Cohab Canyon Trail is 3 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 793 feet.

Fremont River Trail

The Fremont River Trail offers one of the best viewpoints in the Fruita area. The trail begins as an easy walk alongside the orchards, campgrounds, and Fremont River, before ascending a steep climb to panorama views overlooking the Waterpocket Fold on one side and the Fremont River Gorge on the other. The quick ascent makes this a moderate hike.

The Fremont River trail is 2 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 480 feet. It begins in the Fruita District near campground Loop B. The closest parking area for this trail is the amphitheater parking area right past the Fruita Campground.

Cassidy Arch

Cassidy Arch is a strenuous hike, but families with older children and more experienced hikers might want to give it a whirl! The main highlight of the hike is the natural sandstone arch. Cassidy Arch gets it name from outlaw Butch Cassidy who is believed to have had a hideout in Grand Wash.

The trail starts off flat along the Grand Wash trail. The trail then begins to ascend with zig-zags that take you up the canyon wall. Sections can be very steep, with most of the elevation gain being in the first half mile or so. Once you reach the canyon rim, the trail becomes flatter, with some ups and downs, but nothing strenuous.

The final section of the trail is on slick rock until you reach the Arch. You are able to walk across the Arch, just use caution, especially with younger kids-there is a steep drop off.

When climbing up, there are also some steep drop offs, so if visiting with young children make sure you watch them closely and keep them near you. There is no shade along the trail, so you will want to make sure you bring proper sun protection.

The Cassidy Arch Trail is 3.1 miles with an elevation gain of 670 feet. The parking lot for Cassidy Arch is located off of Grand Wash Road, which is off of the Scenic Drive (there is a fee for this road).

Chimney Rock Loop Trail

The Chimney Rock Loop Trail is one of the best hikes for views of the Waterpocket Fold. Chimney Rock can be viewed right from the parking area, but the hike takes you to the foot of the rock formation, giving you a unique view and perspective.

The trail begins as a somewhat steep uphill climb until you reach the ridge. You will go around Chimney Rock, past colorful sandstone cliffs, and across open slick rock. You will also get some nice views of the valleys formed by the Waterpocket Fold. Once you reach the highest point, you will be walking right beside the colorful sandstone cliffs. The trip back will be mostly downhill.

The trail is 3.6 miles with an elevation gain of 590 feet. There is a small gravel parking area off of Highway 24 for the trail head.

Navajo Knobs Trail

The Navajo Knobs Trail is one of the most challenging trails in the park, but we wanted to recommend it for those looking for a challenge. Because of the distance, this trail takes you to more remote areas of the park along sandstone cliffs, desert ridges, and slick rock.

The main highlight of the trail is the Navajo Knobs that you reach at the end of the trail. The knobs are a series of Rocky viewpoints giving you some of the best views in the park. This trail is definitely better suited for families with older children or more experienced hikers.

The Navajo Knobs trail is 9.1 miles with an elevation gain of 2,139 feet. It starts at the same trail head as the Hickman Bridge trail along Highway 24. You can add on the HIckman Bridge if you want without adding on too much distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

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