Backcountry hiking opportunities abound in Capitol Reef's remote, southern Waterpocket District, ranging from one-hour walks to multi-day backpacking routes. Short-distance hikes into Red, Surprise, and Headquarters Canyons cut through multiple sedimentary rock layers, while slot canyons in Burro Wash, Cottonwood Wash, and Sheets Gulch are more arduous but rewarding. Upper and Lower Muley Twist Canyons and Halls Creek Narrows are popular overnight destinations. Use caution in narrow canyons, particularly during the flash flood season (typically July-September). Always check the weather forecast before your visit. Free backcountry permits are required for all overnight trips and can be obtained at the visitor center.
These routes are not official, maintained trails. Route conditions including obstacles in canyons, change frequently due to weather, flash floods, rockfall, and other hazards. Routefinding, navigation, and map-reading skills are critical. Do not rely solely on unofficial route markers (rock cairns, etc.); they are not maintained by the National Park Service (NPS), may not indicate the route in this description, or may be absent.
5.6 miles (9.0 km) round trip
3-4 hours
Easy to moderate
Starting at Cedar Mesa Campground, the Red Canyon Trail bears southwest across a sagebrush flat before climbing a low ridge that affords views of the Henry Mountains to the east. Here the trail follows an old dugway northwest into Red Canyon. After 1.3 miles (2.0 km), the trail drops into a sandy wash flanked by cottonwood trees. Here the route simply follows the wash bottom for more than a mile into an amphitheater of high, Wingate sandstone walls. The hike ends at a fork in the gray-green and lavender clay of the Chinle formation, beyond which progress is obstructed by a collection of large boulders.
Surprise Canyon Route
2.0 miles (3.2 km) round trip
1-2 hours
Easy
The short Surprise Canyon route crosses a broad, grassy drainage before entering a deep canyon in the Waterpocket Fold. After crossing the dry wash bed of Halls Creek, bear slightly left to crest a small, grassy hill. From here the cairned trail meanders west among colorful outcrops before dropping steeply into a rocky ravine. From here, follow the wash bottom into the deep, relatively narrow canyon. The route ends at the base of a spiraling pouroff 1.0 mile (1.6 km) from the Burr Trail Road. A bypass on the left offers access to the canyon's upper reaches. However, progress is challenging due to large boulder jams and steep, crumbling slopes.
Headquarters Canyon Route
3.2 miles (5.2 km) round trip
2-3 hours
Easy
Headquarters Canyon features sheer, vertical walls and slopes of Navajo sandstone streaked with color. Departing from the Burr Trail Road, a signed, sandy track cuts west across a sagebrush flat and crosses the dry drainage of Halls Creek. Within 0.5 mile (0.4 km), the route crosses a couple of dry washes, edges around orange Entrada sandstone outcrops, and descends to a wide, stony gulch. Follow this drainage west into the Waterpocket Fold. Less than one mile (1.6 km) from the start, the deep gorge constricts to a narrow slot usually free of significant obstacles. Beyond the slot, the canyon is flush with vegetation. The hike ends at a sandstone ramp in the ledge-forming Kayenta formation. A 6-foot (1.8 m) dryfall atop the slide is passable to agile climbers, but progress beyond is quickly halted by a much higher dryfall.
Strike Valley Overlook
0.9 mile (1.4 km) round trip
30 minutes-1 hour
Moderate
From the end of the 2.9-mile (4.7 km) Strike Valley Overlook (Upper Muley Twist) Road, it is a 0.4-mile (0.6 km) hike to Strike Valley Overlook. From the overlook high above the valley, nearly a dozen sedimentary rock layers representing approximately 150 million years of geologic history are on full display. The overlook, marked by a large rock cairn, sits atop a low saddle reached by way of a sandy trail, followed by two moderate-grade slickrock climbs. Driving the sandy and rock-strewn Strike Valley Overlook Road requires a high-clearance vehicle. Overnight camping is not permitted on the Strike Valley Overlook route.
Hikers are offered spectacular views along the Post Cutoff Trail (which completes a loop for Lower Muley Twist Canyon).
NPS/ Ann Huston
Additional Backcountry Routes
Detailed information on these longer, strenuous routes is available separately.
Sandstone narrows, arches, and panoramic views from high slickrock ridges. Accessed from Strike Valley Overlook (Upper Muley Twist) Road via Burr Trail Road. Either a long dayhike or overnight trip.
Long, sinuous canyon with narrows and large alcoves; scenic vistas and remote desert wilderness. Accessed either from Burr Trail Road or the Post Corral trailhead. Either a long dayhike or overnight trip, depending on the variation of the route chosen.
Long, multi-day hike through dry desert landscapes, leading to a deep, narrow canyon at the park's remote southern tip. Involves wading or possible swimming through sections of narrows. Accessed from Halls Creek Overlook via Burr Trail Road. Check the Halls Creek weather forecast before your trip.
Rules and Regulations
Free permits are required for backcountry camping, and are available in-person at:
Dispersed/at-large camping is prohibited within the park, including at or near trailheads. Dispersed/at-large camping is allowed on federal lands (USFS, BLM) adjacent to the park.
Pets are not permitted on trails or in off-trail or backcountry areas. Pets are permitted on roads and in designated campgrounds.
Fires are prohibited, except within fire rings provided in designated campgrounds.
Collecting or damaging any park resource (plants, animals, wood, rocks, bones, antlers, artifacts, etc.) is prohibited.
Violation of these regulations may result in a citation.
Additional Information
Best Season:
Spring and fall.
Maps:
USGS 7.5-minute series: Golden Throne, Notom, Bear Canyon, Sandy Creek Benches, Bitter Creek Divide, Wagon Box Mesa, The Post, Deer Point, Stevens Canyon North, and Halls Mesa.
For more information:
Contact the Capitol Reef Visitor Center at 435-425-4111.
435-425-3791
Recorded park information available 24 hours a day. Phones are answered when staff is available. If no one answers, please leave a message, your call will be returned. Questions may also be sent to care_information@nps.gov.
