Capitol Reef Natl. Park Top 5 Things To Do

When visiting Capitol Reef National Park there are many different adventures and places to explore. If you are like me, then you want to know what the top things are! In one day you can tackle all 5. Before I dive into the list, this park doesn't have a pay entrance station like most National Parks, so be sure to pay online or generously drop cash in the tubes provided. All of the money goes to keeping the parks clean and safe for our use. Best time of the year to visit this park is Fall or Spring. There are no gas stations inside the park, so make sure you have plenty of gas before entering.

1. Chimney Rock Loop Trail

This rock can be seen from the road, as well as the parking lot. But the best part is the hike itself. Starts off ground level looking up at Chimney Rock. As the trail gains elevation offering amazing views of every thing around until you eventually are above looking down at Chimney Rock. The loop is just under 4 miles with roughly 800 feet of elevation gain. The views overlooking the park are phenomenal as well. The loop takes you by some serious rock fall areas which blew my mind. These rocks were HUGE and unbelievable they had been weathered off the surrounding peaks.

2. Sulphur Creek

This hike starts at the visitor center and leads you to a tiny waterfall. A perk of starting at the visitor center is the water fountain to fill water bottles. Always nice to have fresh filtered water. My favorite thing about this short 1.6 mile hike, was the water. Granted there was not much trickling down this creek, but it was super neat to see way it has carved away. In one area you can walk underneath this big carved out area from the water. Blows my mind how over time this happens. The little waterfall at the end was anticlimactic, but we did witness parents supervising their kids to use it as a slide! This was kind of funny to watch, but not for adults!

3. Petroglyphs

These petroglyphs can be spotted in many parts of Utah, but no matter how many I've seen. I still think they are all an amazing part of history. I truly wish I could depict the stories or what they were supposed to mean. Less than a half mile walk, keep your eyes on the rocks. We spotted a few at different heights, so look high and low, and take your time.

4. Hickman Bridge

This hike was my personal favorite. The surrounding views were amazing, cool Nels Johnson Natural Bridges just right off the trail. Hard to explain but something worth checking out. The bridge itself was MASSIVE. I had looked this trail up prior to the trip, but was unaware how big this bridge was going to be. Super awesome being able to walk right underneath it. Just gives you a real perspective and shows how insignificant we are compared to nature. 2 miles roundtrip with only 450 feet of elevation gain. Not too bad, other than the lack of shade, especially on those hot summer days.

5. Temple of the Sun and Moon

Now this is the most iconic spot in all of Capitol Reef National Park, located in Cathedral Valley. To access this spot, you'll need to drive about 1 hour(one way) on a dirt road. 4x4 is recommended, along with high clearance...but what I encountered was a Subaru who had made it there and back. So, maybe some all wheel drive or 4x4, good driving skills and you'll be fine! The drive back is full of views around every corner, which helps make the 2 hour round trip go by quicker. There are a few places I saw to camp because it is BLM, so as long as you use preexisting sites and keep the disturbance to a minimal you can camp. I thought it would be nice to camp and wake up to a sunrise at the Temple of the Sun and Moon, unfortunately this didn't work out with out road trip plans. Will have to happen another time. Both of these monoliths out in the middle of nowhere like they are is just fascinating. It was worth every second driving on horrible washboard dirt roads to see them. If you can make the time and have the correct vehicle, then go check them out. DO NOTE, there is no cell service, so make sure you are well equipped with gear for worst case scenarios.

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