Capitol Reef Trails:
ATV, Hiking, Horseback, Jeep, Bike

The trail has all maintained roads. The surface type is sand and red dirt. The trail is also an all-season accessible trail.

As you follow this trail while hiking, you will come to obstacles that are too difficult to pass. This would be an ideal place to turn around and hike out.

The whole trail is B Class county maintained road. Spur roads that are open to riding are D class county roads. There are also several washes along the trail.

Bull Creek Pass takes you up and through the Henry Mountains. Even though the road can me small in parts, make sure you stay on the designated path so you do not destroy the wildlife.

This trail will take you to views that are unique to this part of Utah. Without the usual red rock that southern Utah has been patched with, this beautiful white rock adds a unique and welcomed diversity to the area. This is definitely an area that you will want to see.

Get to know this 8-mile out-and-back trail near Capitol Reef, Utah. Generally considered a challenging route, it is recommended that at least two people hike this together to assist one another with the terrain. The trail starts as an easy walk through an open wash, but approximately three miles in, the slot canyons begin, presenting various obstacles. As you follow this trail while hiking, you will eventually come to obstacles that are too difficult to pass without technical climbing gear. This would be an ideal place to turn around and hike out unless you are an experienced climber prepared for a technical descent. It is unlikely you'll encounter many other people, making it a great spot to enjoy the unique white Navajo Sandstone in solitude.

An easy 2.0-mile out-and-back walk along a flat canyon floor that takes you past historic pioneer inscriptions, ancient petroglyphs, and unique natural waterpockets.

The Cassidy Arch Trail is one of the premier hikes in Capitol Reef Country. Starting from the floor of the Grand Wash, this trail quickly ascends the canyon walls, offering breathtaking views of the water-carved narrows below. As you climb, the perspective shifts from intimate canyon corridors to sweeping panoramas of the Waterpocket Fold. The trail involves some steep switchbacks and traverses slickrock sections where cairns guide the way. The distinct red and white Navajo Sandstone creates a surreal, painterly landscape that feels otherworldly. Upon reaching the arch, you’ll be rewarded with a rare opportunity: unlike many natural arches, you can actually walk across Cassidy Arch. It stands high above the scenic drive, providing a dramatic photo opportunity and a perfect spot for a well-earned lunch break.

The trail begins with a steep, 300-foot ascent through the colorful Chinle formation, following the "spine" of a gray-green hillside. Once you reach the top of the first band of cliffs, the path levels out onto a scenic bench. You’ll hike directly below towering Wingate sandstone red rock formations that have been sculpted by millions of years of erosion. The route features rocky terrain, gravel, and sandy washes, eventually leading to a viewpoint overlooking Holt Draw, the Boulder Mountains, and the Henry Mountains.

Hikers can expect a dynamic landscape that shifts from a wide, sun-drenched wash into a world of towering red and white sandstone walls. The first mile is relatively open, but as the canyon constricts, you will enter narrow "slots" where the cliffs nearly touch overhead, creating a cool, shaded environment even at midday. You will encounter obstacles such as boulder jams, dryfalls, and seasonal pools of water that require basic scrambling skills and a bit of agility. The true highlight is the intricate water-carved textures of the rock and the quiet solitude found deep within the folds of the earth.

Hikers can expect a relatively flat, well-maintained path composed of compact sand and desert grasses that follows the distinct grey-green Curtis formation. As you traverse this elevated "bench," you are treated to sweeping panoramic vistas: to the east, the "First Valley" of gnomes and goblins stretches out below you, while to the south, the snow-capped peaks of the Henry Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop. About halfway through, you'll encounter a marked cutoff trail that offers the option to descend directly into the labyrinth of hoodoos. It is a perfect, low-intensity trek for families or photographers looking to capture the vast scale of the San Rafael Swell without the crowds found on the valley floor.

Staging is available at the Aquarius Ranger Station located between the communities of Bicknell and Loa. This high-mountain journey transitions from well-maintained gravel roads to rugged forest tracks, making it a premier destination for Jeeps and OHVs alike. As you climb toward 10,000 feet, you’ll be surrounded by dense Quaking Aspen groves that come alive with color in the fall. The trail opens into vast alpine meadows where you can spot elk, deer, and even the occasional black bear. While the main 20-mile loop is moderate enough for 4WD pickups and Jeeps, the technical "Shelf" sections are strictly reserved for OHVs. Be prepared for a true mountain adventure—it's always wise to bring a saw or winch for the occasional downed tree after a high-altitude storm.

For the full 13.6-mile round-trip journey, riders should expect a rewarding climb that transitions rapidly from high-desert sagebrush into a lush landscape of Ponderosa pines, quaking aspens, and Engelmann spruce. The trail is primarily a maintained dirt path, but operators will encounter technical rocky sections that require careful navigation, especially after recent rainfall when the terrain can become slick. As you ascend toward the 10,000-foot mark on Boulder Mountain, the route passes several picturesque water features including Coleman Reservoir and Round Lake. The ultimate destination, Donkey Reservoir, sits tucked beneath a dramatic volcanic rim, offering a serene atmosphere for fishing or a midday break. Along the route, keep a sharp eye out for a true local giant: the largest recorded Ponderosa pine in the Dixie National Forest, which stands as a silent sentinel over this high-country trail.

Hikers can expect a wild and less-traveled adventure through a classic desert wash that slices through layers of geological history. The journey begins in a wide, sandy wash surrounded by rolling hills before the canyon walls of Navajo sandstone begin to rise and tighten around you. As you progress, you’ll encounter sculpted rock formations, small dryfalls, and seasonal pools that reflect the towering white cliffs above. The experience is one of profound isolation and natural beauty, offering a "trip through time" where the only sounds are the crunch of sand beneath your boots and the wind whistling through the narrows. While the lower section is accessible to most hikers, the deep narrows provide a cool, shaded sanctuary that showcases the raw, rugged character of Capitol Reef’s backcountry.

Enjoy a serene escape on this 2.5-mile out-and-back trail that follows the winding Fremont River. Unlike trails located within the National Park, this route is situated on BLM land, making it a completely free and fully dog-friendly destination. The path offers a relaxing stroll through desert vegetation and riverside greenery, framed by the towering red rock cliffs of the Fremont River gorge. While the trail is generally moderate with a total elevation gain of 480ft, hikers should be prepared for some overgrowth near the riverbanks—adding a touch of rugged adventure to the scenery. It is an ideal spot for those seeking solitude and a chance to explore the Waterpocket Fold landscape with their leashed pets.

Riders can expect a well-maintained dirt path that climbs through beautiful stands of aspen, juniper, and spruce as it wraps around the base of Geyser Peak. The journey offers sweeping eastern views overlooking the rugged landscapes of Cathedral Valley, the San Rafael Swell, and the distant Manti-La Sal Mountains. Please note that this trail features strict 50-inch width restrictions at several forest gates. While the path provides a perfect, low-stress environment for younger riders or a relaxing afternoon picnic, it is restricted to ATVs and narrow Side-by-Sides. Owners of wider off-road vehicles should utilize the main forest service roads instead.

If you are looking for maximum visual drama with minimal physical effort, Goosenecks Overlook is impossible to beat. Requiring just a short 10-minute walk from the parking area, this ultra-short path terminates at a railed, bird's-eye observation point hanging directly over a dizzying geological wonder. The trail takes you straight to the edge of a sheer canyon rim where the earth drops violently away. Looking down, you are treated to a view of the canyon floor 800 feet below, where ancient Sulphur Creek has spent millions of years carving a series of tight, dramatic, hairpin "gooseneck" switchbacks through the dark layers of Moenkopi sandstone. The scale is immense, and the sound of the rushing water echoing up the canyon walls adds an auditory magic to the stark desert silence. Because it is fully railed at the viewpoint, it provides a safe, thrilling look into the abyss for families with children. Since it shares a trailhead with Sunset Point, visitors should always pair these two quick strolls together for a spectacular double-feature.

For travelers looking to experience the jaw-dropping scale of Utah's red rock canyons without a grueling climb, Grand Wash is an absolute must-hike. This flat, relatively effortless trail guides you deep into a massive gorge cut straight through the heart of the Waterpocket Fold. As you wander along the gravelly wash bottom, the canyon walls quickly tighten around you, soaring over 800 feet into the sky. The crown jewel of the trek is the "Narrows" section, where the sheer Navajo sandstone cliffs close in to just 15 feet wide, creating a dramatic corridor of deep shadows and sculpted rock. Along the way, keep an eye out for small desert potholes, hidden caves, and unique honeycomb weathering in the canyon walls. Because the trail can be accessed from either Highway 24 or from the Scenic Drive (via the Cassidy Arch trailhead), it can be completed as a comfortable out-and-back or a point-to-point shuttle hike. Because this is a true drainage wash, it is incredibly prone to flash floods—always check the weather forecast at the visitor center before entering.

This scenic multi-use corridor is located on the outskirts of Bicknell off Highway 24.

Hikers can expect a scenic journey that begins near a quiet pond and quickly transitions into a vibrant, sprawling meadow nestled within a red rock canyon. The path is primarily packed sand and dirt, making it a manageable walk for families or those looking for a quick nature escape. As you move northeast, you’ll stay high on the left hillside to avoid the washes below before reaching the back of the canyon where the trail forks. The highlight of the trip is the wide-open meadow that fills two-thirds of the canyon floor, offering a striking green contrast against the rugged Utah landscape.

A moderate 1.7 mile out-and-back trail with a 300 foot incline. The trailhead is two miles east of the visitor center on Highway 24. Hickman Natural Bridge, a massive natural sandstone arch formation that spans across a canyon is the crowning jewel of this hike.

Your adventure begins long before you reach the trailhead. The journey to Horseshoe Canyon is a scenic 30-mile drive along a graded B-class county road. This stretch is a favorite for OHVs, ATVs, and high-clearance vehicles, offering a fast and dusty ride through classic Utah backcountry. While standard cars can usually make the trip when the road is dry, the remote nature of the desert means you should always check conditions before heading out. The motorized fun ends at the rim staging area, as the canyon itself is a protected part of Canyonlands National Park. From here, you’ll trade your engine for hiking boots. The initial 2-mile trek involves a flat walk across the mesa followed by a steep, 780-foot descent down a historic slickrock route. This section provides a vigorous workout, especially on the sandy climb back up at the end of the day. Once you reach the lush canyon floor, the real exploration begins. Most visitors travel here to witness the Great Gallery.

Hikers will follow a sandy wash into a breathtaking slot canyon where the red rock walls glow like fire when the sun hits them. You can expect to navigate tight narrows, wade through shallow washes, and scramble over rock obstacles. While the lower section is a relatively easy walk through stunning geology, the deeper parts of the canyon provide a true canyoneering experience with dramatic squeezes and hidden chambers.

This classic slot canyon experience winds through the heart of the San Rafael Swell, offering hikers a stunning journey through long sections of narrow, convoluted sandstone "narrows" that twist and turn so tightly you may have to turn sideways to pass. As you trek through the deep, water-sculpted corridors, you'll see sunlight filtering through overhead cracks to illuminate hidden caverns and colorful rock textures, eventually transitioning into an open wash that connects with Bell Canyon to complete a scenic desert loop.

Expect a diverse landscape that transitions from the cool, high-elevation pines of Oak Creek Reservoir at 10,100 feet down to the arid, sagebrush-lined shores of Lower Bowns Reservoir. The route offers stunning views of the Waterpocket Fold and the Henry Mountains to the east. While the path is well-defined, explorers will encounter rough terrain and significant elevation changes that require a capable 4WD vehicle or steady endurance for bikers and hikers. Numerous campgrounds like Rosebud and Pleasant Creek offer perfect spots to rest and take in the remote beauty of Boulder Mountain.

Factory Butte serves as the dramatic gateway to this 40-mile Class B road, a route that quickly leads to the breathtaking Moonscape Overlook (also known as the Skyline View Overlook). From this vantage point, the landscape transitions from "lunar" gray Mancos Shale badlands to the vibrant, Martian-like hoodoos of Goblin Valley State Park. This otherworldly journey takes travelers past jagged ridges and stark desert vistas to historic landmarks like the Factory Butte Coal Mine and the original log structures of the Hunt Ranch. While the dry terrain is typically manageable for high-clearance vehicles, the clay-heavy soil becomes notoriously "greasy" and impassable when wet, making clear weather essential for the 4-to-6-hour trip. Because cell service vanishes almost immediately after leaving the Factory Butte Staging Area, it is vital to have a full tank of fuel and to have all necessary maps downloaded.

At the summit of the Henry Mountains, you will stand at the highest peak in the range with views stretching across the entire Colorado Plateau. The Mt. Ellen trail is an alpine adventure above the treeline, beginning from the high-altitude parking lot at Bull Creek Pass. Hikers can expect a steep, rocky ascent where the trail occasionally fades but remains easy to track by following the ridgeline. The summit reward is a spectacular 360-degree panorama of the Waterpocket Fold, the La Sal and Abajo Mountains, and the sweeping desert below. These heights are often shared with the Henry Mountains bison herd; as one of the only genetically pure, free-roaming herds in the country, these descendants of Yellowstone transplants can often be seen grazing in the high alpine meadows of Mt. Ellen during the summer months to escape the desert heat.

Hikers should prepare for a "stair-master" workout as the trail climbs sharply through the grey Mancos Shale badlands and up onto the sandstone cap of the mesa. The route begins across from the historic "old cement truck" landmark and quickly transitions from soft, silty ridges to a steep, rocky scramble. Along the way, you will navigate narrow spines and tight boulder passages, including a small "talus cave" crawl just before reaching the summit. Once on top, the reward is an unparalleled 360-degree panorama of the Factory Butte badlands, the Henry Mountains, and the red rock cliffs of Capitol Reef National Park.

The North Slope trail is a premier mountain route that transitions from manageable dirt paths to rugged, rocky terrain as you climb toward the plateau. Starting just off Highway 12, the trail winds through dense stands of aspen and pine, providing a refreshing escape from the desert heat below. Along the way, you can stop at several staging areas to access side hikes leading to pristine alpine waters like Green Lake and Fish Creek Reservoir. The final miles of the loop become significantly more advanced and rocky, rewarding those with high-clearance vehicles with sweeping vistas of the surrounding peaks and the sprawling valleys of Capitol Reef Country.

This trail is located on the North River Road just off Highway 24 and offers a journey through both prehistoric and interplanetary landscapes. On this route, you will experience a surreal, barren environment that scientists use as a terrestrial analog for the Red Planet, complete with views of the Mars Desert Research Station. As you traverse the gravel and dirt paths, you'll transition from these "Mars-like" vistas to areas rich with prehistoric history where large quantities of dinosaur fossils have been unearthed at the Burpee dinosaur dig site

Expect a refreshing journey that alternates between sandy footpaths and frequent stream crossings, where jumping from rock to rock or wading through calf-deep water is part of the adventure. The trail is framed by a striking contrast of red Wingate and cream-colored Navajo Sandstone cliffs, accented by lush groves of Fremont cottonwood trees that turn a brilliant gold in autumn. Along the way, you may discover ancient Fremont-style petroglyphs and historic inscriptions carved into the canyon walls. Because the route is largely unmaintained, it offers a true sense of exploration with ample opportunities to venture into hidden alcoves and narrow side canyons.

Stretching from the high desert of Highway 95 to the rugged canyon floor, this route offers the ultimate remote Utah experience. The trail winds through towering Wingate Sandstone walls and across multiple sandy wash bottoms, challenging riders with technical terrain before descending toward the valley. As you navigate the deep solitude of the canyon, keep an eye out for "The Bullseye"—a unique, target-like geologic formation embedded in the White Rim Sandstone. The journey reaches its dramatic conclusion at the banks of the Dirty Devil River, where travelers can take in the vast, untouched beauty of the river corridor before beginning the return trek.

This remote journey takes travelers 28 miles deep into the desert hideout once used by the Wild Bunch to evade the law, offering a rugged landscape of hidden canyons and the historic stone remains of Butch Cassidy’s cabin. While the primary route to the cabin and back is a 56-mile round trip, the actual trail distance can be whatever visitors want it to be as they explore the various overlooks and off-shoots in the area. Travelers can expect wide-open desert vistas, maintained B-class gravel roads suitable for high-clearance vehicles, and a true sense of "Outlaw Country" isolation.

Accessible via the rugged Roost Road, this trail serves as a gateway to the high desert wilderness of the Robbers Roost area. Hikers and riders will traverse a sandy, high-plateau landscape dotted with rocky outcroppings and juniper trees, leading to breathtaking viewpoints like the Happy Canyon and Mesa Towers overlooks. The experience offers a deep sense of solitude and "Old West" history, featuring dramatic vistas of the Dirty Devil River canyon and the distant Henry Mountains, with sections of the road cutting directly through twin rock pinnacles.

Hikers can expect a mostly rocky terrain that follows a winding dry wash into increasingly narrow corridors. About 3.5 miles into the trek, a stunning vertical "jug handle" arch appears on a bench to the right, which can be reached with a short 20-foot scramble. As you continue deeper, the towering canyon walls transition from the creamy white of Navajo Sandstone to the deep reds of the Wingate layer. Shaded north slopes provide a surprising microclimate for Douglas Fir trees, while the turnaround point near the six-mile mark features a lush grove of cottonwood trees surrounding a seasonal seep. Most of the route is straightforward, though a few dry falls and boulder obstacles may require a helping hand to navigate safely.

As the most accessible of the "Irish Canyons," this route offers a fantastic introduction to the North Wash for both hikers and canyoneers. Casual hikers can enjoy a straightforward out-and-back walk from the bottom of the wash to explore the winding red rock narrows and towering sandstone walls. For those seeking a technical adventure, the top-down route features two mandatory rappels—the longest being 110 feet—requiring at least 220 feet of rope to safely descend and retrieve your line. The canyon is relatively open, allowing beautiful light to hit the textured walls as you navigate toward the scenic confluence where the forks meet.

The trail experience begins with a crossing of the Fremont River before tackling a "stair-master" climb up the gray Mancos Shale ridges. Once you crest the rim, the terrain levels out into a vast, rolling plateau. Hikers should trek approximately one mile south across the mesa top to discover the remarkably well-preserved Steele Sheepherder’s Cabin, a stone relic from the late 1800s. From this summit vantage point, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Henry Mountains to the south, Factory Butte to the east, and the colorful landscape of Capitol Reef National Park to the west

Hikers can expect a rocky dirt path that follows a spring-fed stream, requiring minor boulder scrambling and stream hopping to reach the back of the canyon. The trail features several small, vibrant waterfalls and a natural wonder—a massive tree whose roots have literally split a giant boulder in two. While the hike is short, it offers a high variety of sights, including towering Wingate Sandstone walls and lush greenery that contrasts sharply with the surrounding desert.

True to its name, Sunset Point delivers an unmatched golden hour experience and stands as the premier location for evening photography inside Capitol Reef National Park. This short, flat, and family-friendly trail is accessible to hikers of all ages and fitness levels, requiring only a brief stroll to reach one of the grandest vistas in the region. Winding along a wide, well-marked path over dirt and slickrock, the trail guides you to the edge of a dramatic cliffside overlook. From this high vantage point, the panoramic views open up completely, showcasing the massive red rock waves of the Waterpocket Fold, the prominent peak of Fern's Nipple, and the distant, towering Henry Mountains. As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, the intense desert light sets the canyon walls ablaze in brilliant shades of fiery orange, deep pink, and glowing purple. Because it is exceptionally short and highly rewarding, it serves as the perfect post-dinner activity. The trailhead features a moderate amount of parking, but because it shares a lot with the Goosenecks Overlook, spaces can fill up rapidly right before twilight.

This trail is a spectacular ride through Capitol Reef country beginning at the Rosebud Trailhead just south of Pleasant Creek Campground on Scenic Byway 12. Riders will experience a flawless transition from mountain aspen and fir forests at 8,600 feet down into the striking red rock monoliths and high desert vegetation of Capitol Reef National Park. The route follows maintained roads and doubletrack trails, offering expansive views of the Henry Mountains and unique desert rock formations, though participants should be prepared for sandy sections and a significant descent into the heat of the lower desert.

A breathtaking climb that opens up a whole new side of southern Utah’s beauty. This high-elevation loop winds around Boulder Mountain, reaching heights of 10,000 feet where riders are treated to a literal "thousand views" of the surrounding red rock desert and lush alpine plateaus. You can expect steep, rugged inclines that lead to iconic overlooks like Red Canyon and Deep Lake, with several spots to park and enjoy a short hike to secluded fishing spots like Neff Reservoir.

Travelers can expect a rocky and sandy journey through a picturesque landscape of rolling hills and grassy valleys frequently used for summer cattle grazing. The route winds through dense groves of aspen, pine, and spruce, offering expansive open spaces where wildlife like deer and elk are often spotted in the quiet hours of early morning and late evening. As you traverse the slopes, you will encounter sections of the historic Great Western Trail, providing a sense of scale and connection to the broader Utah backcountry.

Experience a stunning journey across a high-desert ridge of abrasive bentonite and vibrant red rock, culminating in a technical, deep-sand ascent to the 8,650-foot summit at Hell’s Hole. While much of the trek is moderate, the final mile transitions into challenging deep sand. Reaching the summit requires a high-clearance vehicle or a strenuous technical hike, offering rewarding 360-degree views of the rugged Utah landscape. On your way up, be sure to stop at the Great Western Trail Overlook for the region's premier panoramic vistas.