Trails

North Slope

Explore the high-alpine beauty of Boulder Mountain on a trail that offers incredible lake views and cool mountain air.
Distance
12 miles
Elevation Gain
679ft
Difficulty
easy
Est. Time
4 hrs

The Experience

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.

Trail Coordinates / Points Of Interest

North Slope Staging Area A
N 38d14’17” W 111d22’32”
38.238056
-111.375556
North Slope Staging Area B
N 38d12’40” W 111d22’21”
38.211111
-111.3725
Carcass Creek Loop Lower Trail
N 38d12’20” W 111d22’32”
38.208056
-111.375556
Upper Trail
N 38d11’54” W 111d23’09”
38.198333
-111.385833
Fish Creek Staging Area
N 38d11’40” W 111d24’04”
38.194444
-111.401111
Green Lake
N 38d11’20” W 111d26’58
38.188889
-111.449444
Fish Creek Reservoir
N 38d09’50” W 111d26’06”
38.163889
-111.435

Ready for an Adventure?

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Weather by Season

Spring & Fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for hiking and exploring.
Spring
65°F
Summer
88°F
Fall
70°F
Winter
30°F

Trail Safety & Ethics

Help us preserve Capitol Reef Country for future generations and ensure your own safety in the desert.
Leave No Trace Pack out everything you pack in. Stay on designated trails to protect fragile desert crusts and native vegetation. Leave what you find for others to enjoy.
Flash Floods Check the forecast. Canyons and washes can flood instantly from rain occurring miles away. Avoid narrow areas if rain is predicted in the region.
Pets Know the rules. Leash laws and pet access vary by trail and land management area. Always carry extra water for your four-legged hikers.
Emergency Be prepared. Cell service is unreliable in the backcountry. Carry a physical map, a first aid kit, and always notify someone of your planned route and return time.