Trails

Tidwell Slopes

Enjoy the high plateaus above Loa - scenic landscape of rolling grassy valleys, rocky terrain, and dense groves of aspen and pine.
Distance
12.2 miles
Elevation Gain
1,250ft
Difficulty
moderate
Est. Time
3-5 hrs

The Experience

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.

Trail Coordinates / Points Of Interest

Forsyth Reservoir Staging Area
N 38d31’16” W 111d31’37”
38.521111
-111.526944
Hwy 72 Summit Staging Area
N 38d34’53” W 111d28’43”
38.581389
-111.478611
GWT Foot Trailhead / Hwy 72
N 38d35’49” W 111d28’04”
38.596944
-111.467778
The Notch Trailhead (Foot)
N 38d36’33” W 111d29’13”
38.609167
-111.486944
GWT ATV Trail / Last Chance Trail
N 38d37’59.99″ W 111d31’05”
38.633331
-111.518056
Snow Fence Pond
N 38d35’52” W 111d32’40”
38.597778
-111.544444
Willies Flat Trailhead
N 38d37’59.99″ W 111d32’43”
38.633331
-111.545278
West Tidwell Pond
N 38d37’10” W 111d32’56”
38.619444
-111.548889
Danish Meadows Trailhead
N 38d32’26” W 111d31’45”
38.540556
-111.529167
Tidwell Road / Hwy 72 Staging Area
N 38d34’11” W 111d30’00”
38.569722
-111.5

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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.