Trail Guide

The Hickman Bridge Trail goes under and around the natural bridge, and is considered moderate.

NPS

TRAIL DIFFICULTY RATINGS:

Easy: uneven ground, but fairly level.

Moderate: a mix of steep grades and level sections.

Strenuous: steep grades, uneven terrain and long, steady climbs.

Starting elevation for many trails in Capitol Reef is around 5,000 feet (1524 meters), which can make even "easy" trails challenging for people visiting from lower elevations. Parking at many trailheads fills by 9 am and remains crowded until after 4 pm. If you have the time, plan to hike early or late in the day.

 

Trail	One-Way Distance	Elevation Change	Difficulty	Description
Goosenecks	0.1 mi (0.2 km)	<50 ft (<15 m)	Easy	Dramatic canyon views
Grand Wash	2.2 mi (3.6 km)	200 ft (61 m)	Easy	Deep canyon, narrows
Sunset Point	0.4 mi (0.6 km)	<50 ft (<15 m)	Easy	Panorama, good for sunset
Cohab Canyon	1.7 mi (2.7 km)	440 ft (134 m)	Moderate	Hidden canyons, views of Fruita, panoramas at spur trail view points
Fremont River	1.0 mi (1.7 km)	480 ft (146 m)	Moderate	Easy stroll along river, then steep climb to panoramas
Hickman Bridge	0.9 mi (1.4 km)	400 ft (122 m)	Moderate	133-foot natural bridge, canyon views
Cassidy Arch via Grand Wash	3.6 mi (5.8 km)	870 ft (246 m)	Strenuous	Deep canyon, natural arch, slickrock
Chimney Rock Loop round trip	3.6 mi (5.9 km)	590 ft (180 m)	Strenuous	Panoramas of Waterpocket Fold cliffs, good for sunset
Fremont Gorge Overlook	2.3 mi (3.6 km)	1,090 ft (332 m)	Strenuous	Short climb to open mesa top, ends at high viewpoint on rim of gorge
Frying Pan	2.9 mi (4.6 km)	810 ft (247 m)	Strenuous	Connects Cohab Canyon and Cassidy Arch trails, ridgetop panoramas
Navajo Knobs	4.7 mi (7.6 km)	1,620 ft (494 m)	Strenuous	Continuation of Rim Overlook Trail, 360-degree mountaintop panorama
Rim Overlook	2.3 mi (3.6 km)	1,110 ft (338 m)	Strenuous	Panoramas of Fruita and Waterpocket Fold from atop dramatic cliff

 

Check out the trailhead wayside panels below for elevation profiles and additional hike information.

Chimney Rock Trail

Hickman Bridge-Rim Overlook-Navajo Knobs Trailhead

Fremont River Trail

Cohab Canyon Trail

Grand Wash-Cassidy Arch Trailhead

Capitol Gorge-Golden Throne Trailhead

 

You will find many hiking trails marked with rock cairns.  Locating cairns may be difficult at first; look for rock piles or stacks.  PLEASE DO NOT BUILD NEW CAIRNS!

Hiking Suggestions

• Bring a map on the trail! Download the Fruita Map and Guide, or pick one up at the visitor center. Hiking route descriptions can be downloaded and printed off as well.
• Plan for all types of weather. The summer sun is intense, and some trails rise to 6,900 feet (2,100 m) in elevation. ALWAYS CARRY WATER. The summer can also bring monsoon rains and dangerous flash floods.
• For your own and other's safety, stay on established trails; do not shortcut switchbacks or throw rocks.
• Check out these tips for hiking with kids!
• Know where you can go with your pet.
• Follow these tips to have a safe hike!
• Camping is not permitted within sight or sound of any trail, road or developed area except at established campgrounds. Before taking overnight trips, contact a park ranger who can suggest backcountry camping areas. A permit is required for backcountry camping and can be obtained at the visitor center free of charge.
• Possession, destruction, or removal of any animals, plants, rocks or artifacts is prohibited. Leave no trace of your visit.
• Detailed trail descriptions, hiking guides, and maps are available from the Capitol Reef Natural History Association Bookstore.