Hiking and Backpacking

DAY HIKING

In the Fruita area, there are 15 day hiking trails with trailheads located along Utah Hwy. 24 and the Scenic Drive. These trails offer the hiker a wide variety of options, from easy strolls along smooth paths over level ground to strenuous hikes involving steep climbs over uneven terrain near cliff edges. Hikes may take you deep into a narrow gorge, to the top of high cliffs for a bird's eye view of the surrounding area, under a natural stone arch, to historic inscriptions...and much, much more! Round trip distances vary in length from less than 1/4 mile to 10 miles. All trails are well-marked with signs at the trailhead and at trail junctions and by cairns (stacks of rocks) along the way. Detailed trail descriptions and maps are available from the CRNHA at the Visitor Center; through the mail; or by clicking here. Some trails have self-guiding brochures which are available, for a nominal fee, at the trailhead or at the visitor center.

BACKCOUNTRY HIKING

Capitol Reef offers many hiking options for serious backpackers and those who enjoy exploring remote areas. Marked hiking routes lead into narrow, twisting gorges and slot canyons and to spectacular viewpoints high atop the Waterpocket Fold. Popular backcountry hikes in the southern section of the park include Upper and Lower Muley Twist Canyons and Halls Creek. Backcountry hiking opportunities also exist in the Cathedral Valley area and near Fruita...the possibilities are endless! Stop in the visitor center and talk to a ranger if you are interested in a backcountry hike. They can help you pick out a hike that will fit your time and abilities. If you plan to take an overnight hike, you need to obtain a free backcountry permit at the visitor center prior to your trip. Backcountry group size cannot exceed 12 people.

POPULAR BACKCOUNTRY ROUTES

WATER

Always carry water! Even the shortest stroll will make you thirsty on a 100 degree summer day. Potable water is available at the pump located in the visitor center parking lot, and at the spigots in front of each restroom in the Fruita campground. A minimum of one gallon per person per day is recommended, more for backpackers. Water is scarce in the backcountry, especially during the hot summer months. Waterpockets, seeps, and springs are scattered throughout canyon country but are unreliable. Plan to carry in all your water. If you do use water from backcountry sources, boil or filter the water before drinking to kill Giardia.

WEATHER

Hiking in canyon country is not something to be taken lightly. The elevation and high desert climate make this area prone to temperature extremes. Summer months are HOT with temperatures near 100 degrees F and the sun is intense. Summer evenings cool to 50 or 60 degrees. At this time of year, rapid dehydration is common and could be fatal to the unprepared hiker. Spring and Fall are mild seasons and are the best times for hiking and backpacking. Winter (Nov. through Feb.) is cold with highs in the 30s & 40s and nighttime temperatures below freezing. Elevations in the park range from approximately 3,800 to 8,200 feet.

Wear appropriate clothing, footwear, sunscreen and a hat.

Capitol Reef receives approximately 7 inches of precipitation each year. Thunderstorms can move in quickly (July - September), dropping large amounts of rain over a short period of time, causing flash floods. Get up-to-date weather information and watch for changing weather conditions during this time of year. Do not enter a narrow gorge or slot canyon if storms are threatening and never camp in wash bottoms. Infrequent winter snows often fall and melt the same day, but can stay on the ground for days or weeks.

RESOURCE AND SAFETY CONCERNS

Help protect the fragile desert environment. Stay on established trails, avoid stepping in biological soil crusts, and do not shortcut switchbacks. Do not throw rocks. Climbing on loose talus or steep slickrock is dangerous, and it is always harder to climb down than to climb up. Don't take unnecessary risks...help may be a long way off. Think before you act. If you do become rimrocked, call for help and wait for assistance rather than attempting to climb down...one misplaced step or handhold could end in tragedy. Think safety!

PETS

Pets are not permitted on trails or anywhere in the backcountry. Pets may not be left unattended at trailheads or in other locations.

MAPS

Available from the CRNHA at the park Visitor Center.

BACKCOUNTRY DOs AND DON'Ts

DO:

DON'T:

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Lower Muley Twist Canyon

General description: The highlight of the hike is a deep, narrow, twisting canyon with large alcoves. The canyon offers many opportunities for side trips and exploring. From 1881 to 1884, the canyon served as a wagon route for Mormon pioneers traveling south toward San Juan County. The canyon was thought to be narrow enough to "twist a mule" hence the name Muley Twist. The Post cutoff trail is marked with rock cairns and signs, but carrying a topographic map is recommended. It is extremely hot in summer and water sources are unreliable; carry adequate water. Use caution in narrow canyons particularly during flash flood season (typically July-September).

Beginning at the trailhead on the Burr Trail Road and hiking down canyon to The Post parking area via The Post cutoff trail is a nice 6-mile hike, but necessitates leaving a vehicle at each end. If you don't have two vehicles, turn around when you get to the sign indicating The Post cut-off trail for a nice 8-mile round trip hike. A hike through Lower Muley Twist Canyon can be done as a long day hike or as an overnight trip by starting and ending at The Post parking area; total distance 15 miles. Hiking the entire canyon from the trailhead on the Burr Trail Road and back is best done as a 2 to 3 day trip; total distance is 21.3 or 23.4 miles depending on the route. Backcountry permits are required for all overnight trips and can be obtained at the visitor center.

Location of trailheads: 1) At the top of the Burr Trail Road switchbacks, 35 miles south of Utah Hwy 24 and two miles west of the Notom/Bullfrog Road and Burr Trail Road junction. The Notom-Bullfrog Road is hard-packed dirt and is usually passable to passenger cars. At times, the Burr Trail Road may require a high clearance vehicle. 2) At The Post parking area, which is located at the end of a short spur road three miles south of the Notom/Bullfrog Road and Burr Trail Road junction.

Maps: USGS 7.5-Minute Series: Wagon Box Mesa and The Post. Available at the visitor center.

Best season for hike: Spring and Fall

For more information: Contact Capitol Reef National Park 435-425-3791, ext. 111.

Burr Trail trailhead to The Post cutoff trail: Lower Muley Twist Canyon cuts lengthwise along the spine of the Waterpocket Fold creating a colorful, meandering canyon. From the trailhead located on the Burr Trail Road, the route drops quickly and easily into the canyon. A short section of narrows is located approximately 2 miles south of the trailhead. The canyon walls on the east side are composed of white Navajo sandstone streaked with black desert varnish. The rust colored walls are the Wingate and Kayenta layers. Four miles south of the trailhead, a sign marks The Post cutoff trail. This is a good place to turn back if you are on a day hike. If you left a second vehicle at The Post parking area, continue (east) two miles via the cutoff trial. The cutoff trail climbs up and over the Waterpocket Fold, providing dramatic vistas. Sections of the trail descend steep slickrock with loose footing and exposure in several places. Use caution, especially if wet or icy conditions exist. If you are continuing into the lower portion of the canyon, follow the directions in the next section.

The Post parking area to Lower Muley Twist and back (lower loop): If you are starting from The Post, the cutoff trail heads west from the parking area and climbs steeply up the Waterpocket Fold, providing dramatic vistas. Sections of the trail traverse steep slickrock with loose footing and severe exposure in several places. Use caution, especially if wet or icy conditions exist. A sign marks the point where The Post cutoff trail joins Lower Muley Twist Canyon. Continuing left (south), large dramatic alcoves highlight this portion of the canyon. Here the Kayenta formation has been undercut, forming high overhangs. The canyon continues south for 8 miles. Near the end of Lower Muley Twist is Cowboy Cave, a huge alcove, after which the canyon turns toward the east and becomes very narrow with high walls. At this point, the high cliffs of Big Thompson Mesa are visible ahead. As you exit the canyon, look carefully for cairns on the left (north) side of the wash which mark a route out of the drainage and over a low ridge to the northeast. This route connects with Halls Creek and saves hiking time. If you stay in the Lower Muley Twist drainage, the route connects with Halls Creek in approximately one half mile. Between Lower Muley Twist Canyon and The Post parking area (5 miles) there is a section of Halls Creek that cuts a meandering channel into the Navajo Sandstone of the Fold. This route is longer but more scenic. For a more direct route, follow the remnants of an old road north in the main canyon. If you left a vehicle at The Post parking area, your hike is over. If your vehicle is parked at the Burr Trail Road trailhead, you can either walk the Notom-Bullfrog Road north and then up the Burr Trail Road switchbacks (4.25 miles), or return via The Post cutoff trail and retrace your steps through the upper portion of Lower Muley Twist Canyon (6.4 miles).

The Post parking area south along Halls Creek Canyon to Lower Muley Twist: If you begin your trip by hiking south from The Post parking area along the Halls Creek drainage, it is easy to miss the route into Lower Muley Twist Canyon. Track your location on a topographic map and scan the steep slickrock slopes of the Fold for the upper portion of the north-facing wall of Lower Muley Twist Canyon. The wall is stained with desert varnish and is visible a good distance away. Stay in the Halls Creek drainage until you encounter the entrance to Lower Muley Twist Canyon further downstream. Follow Lower Muley Twist Canyon north until you reach The Post cutoff trail, or continue up canyon to the trailhead on the Burr Trail Road, depending on your destination.

Mileage:

* Burr Trail trailhead to The Post cutoff trail.... 4 miles

* The Post cutoff trail.... 2 miles

* Burr Trail trailhead to Halls Creek Canyon.... 12 miles

* Junction of Lower Muley Twist and Halls Creek Canyons to the Post parking area.... 5 miles

* Total mileage for upper loop (Burr Trail trailhead to The Post cutoff trail and back via the Notom/Bullfrog and Burr Trail Roads).... 10.25 miles

* Total mileage for lower loop (from The Post parking area and back).... 15 miles

* Total mileage for entire loop: Burr Trail trailhead to Halls Creek and back via the Notom/Bullfrog and Burr Trail Roads.... 21.25 miles

* Total mileage for entire loop: Burr Trail trailhead to Halls Creek and back via The Post cutoff trail.... 23.4 miles

Upper Muley Twist Canyon

General description: Highlights of the hike are narrow canyons, expanses of slickrock, large arches, and dramatic vistas from the top of the Waterpocket Fold. The canyon offers many opportunities for side trips and off-trail exploring. The route is marked with rock cairns and signs, but carrying a topographic map is recommended. It is extremely hot in summer and water sources are unreliable; carry adequate water. Use caution in narrow canyons, particularly during the flash flood season (typically July-September).

From the Upper Muley Twist Canyon trailhead, the total round trip distance is 15 miles and is best done as an overnight hike. From the Strike Valley Overlook parking area, the trip is nine miles and can be done as a long day hike or as an overnight. Backcountry permits are required for all overnight trips and can be obtained at the visitor center.

Location of trailheads: The Upper Muley Twist Canyon Road is located one mile west of the top of the Burr Trail Road switchbacks. Passenger cars can be driven a half-mile in to the Upper Muley Twist Canyon trailhead. Four-wheel drive vehicles, and often high clearance two-wheel drive vehicles, can drive three miles up the canyon to the Strike Valley Overlook parking area. Check at the visitor center for the latest road conditions before driving into the canyon with high clearance two-wheel drive vehicles.

Maps: USGS 7.5-Minute Series: Bitter Creek Divide and Wagon Box Mesa. Available at the visitor center.

Best season for hike: Spring and Fall

For more information: Contact Capitol Reef National Park 435-425-3791, ext. 111

Upper Muley Twist Canyon cuts lengthwise along the spine of the Waterpocket Fold creating a colorful, meandering canyon. The Navajo and Wingate sandstone layers are beautifully exposed here; tilted by the uplift and folding of the earth's crust and sculpted by millions of years of erosion. The Wingate, striped of its protective Kayenta cap rock, has eroded into unusual forms, including many large impressive arches. The half-mile round trip hike to Strike Valley Overlook provides outstanding views of the Waterpocket Fold and the surrounding area. The rim route in Upper Muley Twist Canyon provides similar views.

From the Strike Valley Overlook parking area, it is an easy 1.7-mile walk up the wash to Saddle Arch where a sign indicates the rim route. The loop portion of the Upper Muley Twist Canyon hike begins here and can be done in either direction. Hiking clockwise, beginning with the canyon portion and returning via the rim route, will offer a more gradual climb. Beginning with the rim route and hiking in a counterclockwise direction will get the most strenuous part of the hike over at the beginning. The loop is well cairned but requires careful attention as some sections of the trail deviate from the anticipated route to bypass obstacles. To access the rim route and hike the loop in a counterclockwise direction, leave the wash and follow the cairned route on the right (east) side of the canyon to the top of the Fold.

To follow the loop in a clockwise direction, continue up the canyon in the wash. The narrows are 2.3 miles beyond Saddle Arch. Cairns mark a route around the narrows on the right (east) side of the canyon. It is easy to miss this bypass route if you are not watching for cairns. It is possible to explore the narrows, but a pour-off near the beginning requires a difficult climb using old hand- and toe-holds carved into the rock. The narrows end at an impassable pour-off where water can sometimes be found. Large letters painted on the rock wall mark one corner of an old uranium-mining claim.

A short distance up the canyon from the point where the narrows bypass trail drops back into the wash bottom, a sign marks the point where the trail climbs out of the canyon to the rim. At this point, you can continue back to Saddle Arch along the rim route or return the way you came. At the sign, the trail turns east and requires a steep climb and some scrambling to reach a second sign that marks the upper end of the rim route. The rim route involves some scrambling over steep, exposed slickrock and can be a little tricky when carrying a backpack. Use caution, especially if wet or icy conditions exist. The route along the rim is well cairned. Three-quarters of a mile from the upper end of the rim route you will cross a short, steep notch in the crest of the ridge. One mile farther, shortly after traversing another saddle in the ridge, you will climb up over steep slickrock ledges to get back on top of the rim. Stay near the west (right) edge and watch for cairns leading over this obstacle. As you approach the lower end of the rim route, watch for a sign directing you right (west) to the route that drops back down to the canyon bottom. The rim is fairly wide in this area and it's easy to miss the route down if you aren't watching for cairns. Once you are back in the canyon bottom, retrace your route 1.7 miles down the wash to the parking area. 08/06

Mileage:

Upper Muley Twist Canyon Trailhead to Strike Valley Overlook parking area.... 3 miles

Strike Valley Overlook.... 0.25 miles

Strike Valley Overlook parking area to Saddle Arch....1.7 miles

Saddle Arch to start of narrows.... 2.3 miles

Start of narrows to rim route (upper access)...0.6 miles

Saddle Arch to upper end of rim route.... 2.7 miles

Total round trip from Upper Muley Twist Canyon trailhead.... 15 miles

Total round trip from Strike Valley Overlook parking area.... 9 miles

Hamburger Rocks

General description: The Hamburger Rocks are small dark colored hoodoos with hamburger-like shapes within the Navajo sandstone. The white colored slope they are perched on accentuates the rocks. The route is unmarked and carrying a topographic map is recommended. The hike is extremely hot in summer; carry adequate water. Water can usually be found at the Muley Tanks about 200 yards north of Hamburger Rocks but would need to be purified. Use caution in narrow canyons during the flash flood season (July-September).

Total round trip distance is 9-miles from Halls Creek overlook or 12-miles from The Post parking area. The hike can be done as a long day hike or an overnight backpacking trip. Backcountry permits are required for all overnight trips and can be obtained at the visitor center.

Location of trailheads:

Maps: USGS 7.5 Minute Series: The Post and Deer Point. Available at the visitor center.

Best season for hike: Spring and Fall.

For more information: Contact Capitol Reef National Park 435-425-3791, ext. 111.

Halls Creek Overlook provides the best access to Hamburger Rocks. From this spectacular viewpoint, a steep trail descends 800 feet over 1.2 miles to the Halls Creek drainage. Pay attention to landmarks as the sign marking the point where this route climbs out of the canyon would be easy to walk past on your return trip. The remainder of the route is unmarked but not difficult to follow; simply walk up (north) the canyon following the wash bottom. In approximately 2 miles, Hamburger Rocks will be visible low on the Fold on the left (west) side of the Halls Creek drainage. Stay in the wash until the rocks are right above you, and then hike up the Fold (less than ¼ mile) to their location. On USGS topographic maps, Hamburger Rocks are located just south of the Muley Tanks, which are marked. Return to your vehicle via the same route for a total round trip of 9 miles.

From The Post parking area, follow the Halls Creek drainage south. You will pass the narrow cut into Lower Muley Twist Canyon after 5 miles. Hamburger Rocks are approximately one mile beyond (south) this point. A sign indicates the Muley Tanks on the right (west) and above the wash at the base of the Fold. Hamburger Rocks are located low on the Fold about 200 yards south of this point. Return via the same route for a total round trip of 12 miles.

Spring Canyon

General description: This is a hike through a deep narrow canyon with towering Wingate cliffs and Navajo domes. Spring Canyon runs 21.5 miles from the shoulder of Thousand Lake Mountain to the Fremont River. The route is marked with rock cairns and signs in many places, but some sections are unmarked; carrying a topographic map is recommended. It is extremely hot in summer and water sources are unreliable. Water may be found at the spring, indicated on topographic maps, in Upper Spring Canyon 1.5 miles west of the junction with Chimney Rock Canyon. Use caution in narrow canyons during the flash flood season (July-September.)

The canyon is divided into two sections: Upper and Lower Spring Canyon. The canyon can be accessed midway via Chimney Rock Canyon. The entire canyon (24-36.5 miles round trip total) is best done as a 3-4 day trip. Upper Spring Canyon is a good 2-3 day trip (21.5-25.5 miles round trip total). Lower Spring Canyon can be done as an overnight or a long day hike (9-16 miles round trip total). Total distances will depend on where you leave your vehicle. Backcountry permits are required for all overnight trips and can be obtained at the visitor center.

Location of trailheads:

Maps: USGS 7.5 Minute Series: Twin Rocks and Fruita. Available at the visitor center.

Best season for hike: Spring and Fall.

For more information: Contact Capitol Reef National Park 435-425-3791, ext. 111.

Upper Spring Canyon is a strenuous 21.5-mile hike from Holt Draw to Chimney Rock. Route finding skills and the ability to read and use a topographic map are necessary. Only experienced canyon country hikers should attempt this route. To access Upper Spring Canyon, park at the gate and follow the old Holt Draw Road until it ends near Sulphur Creek, approximately 1.5 miles from Hwy 24. Here you will find a horse trail angling north toward Sulphur Creek. Follow this trail a short distance to the creek then walk upstream in the creek bed approximately 3 miles (this should take 1¼ to 1½ hours). Here, the Wingate cliff will tower directly over you, and there is a small drainage on the right (northeast) side of the wash that is marked with rock cairns. Follow this drainage up (approximately 0.3 mile) to a bench above the wash; you will be on the soft, gray-green Chinle Formation below the Wingate cliffs. There is a USGS cadastral on the bench near this point marking the four-corner meeting point of sections S24, S25, S19, and S30. Follow the bench in an easterly direction around a prominent outcropped point in the Wingate cliff. As you round this point, you will see two deep clefts cutting down through the Wingate wall at the top of the talus slope ahead. This is the "W". The distance from the bed of Sulphur Creek to the "W" is about one mile and is sparsely marked with rock cairns. Climb the talus slope to the left (west) cleft of the "W" to pass easily through the Wingate then follow rock cairns down into Spring Canyon (a distance of about 0.5 mile.) Note: The route through the "W" is easy and does not require ropes or climbing. If you encounter difficult sections that require this, then you are in the wrong cleft of the "W."

Once you reach the drainage in Spring Canyon, continue downstream (east.) In approximately one mile, you will encounter an impassable pour off. Bypass this on the right (south) side of the canyon; follow the canyon rim and you will find several places where you can climb back down to the canyon bottom. After another mile, a large side canyon joins the main drainage on the left (north.) From this point on, the route has no distinctive landmarks until you reach the spring, approximately 9.5 miles down canyon. The spring is marked on topographic maps and is identified as a large alcove on the left (north) side of the canyon. It is surrounded by cottonwood trees and usually has a plunge pool below. Please use this water sparingly and do not pollute it with soaps or bathe in it. Camp a minimum of 300 feet away from the spring area.

From the spring, the junction of Chimney Rock Canyon is 1.5 miles downstream and is marked with a sign. At this point, you can continue down canyon 6.5 miles through Lower Spring Canyon to the Fremont River or you can exit via Chimney Rock Canyon to the Chimney Rock parking area. If you left a vehicle at the parking area, your hike will end here. If you left your vehicle at the Holt Draw gate, hike right (west) along Hwy 24 to your starting point (4 miles). Note: The "W" may be difficult to find if hiking Upper Spring Canyon, from east to west, in the opposite direction of the route just described.

Lower Spring Canyon is a strenuous 9 mile hike from the Chimney Rock parking area to the Fremont River. The hike can be done in the opposite direction, hiking up the canyon from the river. Park at the pull-out on Hwy 24 approximately 3.5 miles east of the visitor center, walk across the road and several hundred feet downstream to find the mouth of the canyon. From the Chimney Rock parking area, follow the Chimney Rock Trail to the top of the switchbacks. Take the left (northeastern) side of the loop trail and follow it one mile to Chimney Rock Canyon, which is marked with a sign. Follow Chimney Rock Canyon 1.5 miles to Spring Canyon, which is marked with a sign. While in Chimney Rock Canyon, three large side canyons will join the main drainage on the left (west). The side canyons are good places to set up camp if you are on an overnight trip.

When you reach the junction of Spring Canyon, continue downstream (right/east) to access Lower Spring Canyon. From the junction it is 6.5 miles to the Fremont River. Approximately one mile down canyon, you will encounter a short section of narrows with two 10-15 foot dry falls. The upper dry fall is the more difficult of the two. Climbing down these dry falls is tricky, possibly dangerous, and should be attempted only by experienced canyoneers. A piece of rope is helpful to lower packs. The two dry falls can be bypassed by following a cairned route on the left (north) side of the canyon. The bypass route is extremely narrow and has steep, loose sections with severe exposure. Fallen rocks obstruct the route in several places. Use caution, especially if wet, snowy, or icy conditions exist.

Below the dry falls, continue down canyon approximately 5 miles to the river. The river level varies but is normally about thigh deep and can be difficult to ford. Use caution. Flood conditions may produce swift, deep water and floating debris. If you left a vehicle at the pull-out on Hwy 24, it will be located a short distance upstream from the point you exit the canyon. If you left your vehicle at the Chimney Rock parking area, hike right (west) along Hwy 24 to your starting point (7 miles).

Halls Creek Narrows

General description: The Halls Creek drainage is a large beautiful canyon bounded by the high cliffs of Hall Mesa on the east and the steep slickrock slopes of the Waterpocket Fold on the west. Numerous side canyons beckon the hiker with sufficient time for exploration. The highlight of the hike is the 3-mile Halls Creek Narrows, a classic example of a "slot canyon" which so typifies the canyon country of southern Utah. Deeply incised into the white Navajo sandstone, it is hidden, secret, and mysterious. A trickling perennial stream and deep shade from the arching canyon walls create a cool, moist oasis in the midst of the surrounding desert. The route is largely unmarked, so carrying a topographic map is recommended. The route is extremely hot in summer. Water can usually be found at the Fountain Tanks and in the narrows. Use caution in narrow canyons particularly during the flash flood season (typically July-September).

From the Halls Creek Overlook, the total round trip distance is 21.9 miles and is best done as a 3 to 4 day trip. Backcountry permits are required for all overnight trips and can be obtained at the visitor center

Location of trailhead: Halls Creek Overlook is located on a spur road 3 miles west of the Notom-Bullfrog Road. The road is rough and requires high clearance four wheel drive. The Notom-Bullfrog Road is hard-packed dirt, usually passable to passenger cars. Total distance from Hwy 24 is 57.6 miles.

Maps: USGS 7.5-Minute Series: Deer Point, Stevens Canyon North, and Hall Mesa.

Available at the visitor center.

Best season for hike: Spring and Fall.

For more information: Contact Capitol Reef National Park 435-425-3791, ext. 111.

The hike begins at Halls Creek Overlook. From this spectacular viewpoint, a steep trail, marked with rock cairns, descends 800 feet over 1.2 miles to the Halls Creek drainage. Pay attention to landmarks as no signs mark the point where this route climbs out of the canyon; it would be easy to walk past the route on your return trip. The remainder of the route is largely unmarked but it is simply a matter of walking down canyon (south) to the narrows. An historic wagon trail followed this same route and is still visible in many places. Cutting across many of the wide meanders in the wash, it provides a convenient path for much of the route to the narrows.

At the narrows, Halls Creek abandons its logical path down the wide canyon separating the Waterpocket Fold and Hall Mesa and cuts into the Navajo sandstone on the west side of the canyon. The change is sudden and dramatic. A large grove of cottonwood trees is located near the entrance to the narrows. For the next three miles, the creek meanders through a deep, narrow canyon that always requires walking in water and some wading. The depth of the pools can vary greatly from year to year and from season to season. Flash floods periodically scour out the sediment, leaving pools that may require deep wading or short swims. If you wear a backpack through the narrows you may have to carry it over your head in some of the deeper pools.

If you choose not to enter the narrows and want to continue south in the main drainage or if you want to bypass the narrows on your return trip, you must climb over Hall Divide which blocks the main canyon just beyond (south of) the entrance to the narrows. The easiest way to negotiate the 1.5-mile Hall Divide is to look for the old wagon route and follow it over this obstacle. The hike across Hall Divide is very hot; make sure you have adequate water. An alternative is to hike over Hall Divide first and return via the narrows. To return to the trailhead, simply retrace the route back up the canyon to Halls Creek Overlook.

Mileage:

Halls Creek Overlook to canyon bottom…1.2 miles

Bottom of Halls Creek Overlook Trail to beginning of narrows…7.5 miles

Narrows…3.0 miles

Return to beginning of narrows via Hall Divide…1.5 miles

Total round trip…21.9 miles

Burro Wash, Cottonwood Wash and Sheets Gulch slot canyons

General description: These are classic examples of "slot canyons" which so typify the canyon country of southern Utah; deep, narrow secret places within the Waterpocket Fold. The routes are largely unmarked. A few rock cairns may mark key points; carrying a topographic map is recommended. It is extremely hot in summer and water sources are unreliable; carry adequate water. Use caution in narrow canyons during flash flood season (typically July-September).

All three canyons are difficult hikes and only experienced canyon country hikers should attempt these routes. All contain obstacles in the form of dry falls and chock stones (large boulders wedged in narrow slots) which must be climbed over. The canyons are extremely narrow in places; most people will have to work their way through sideways. Often there are pools of water that may require deep wading or short swims.

Beginning at the Notom-Bullfrog Road, Burro Wash (8 mile round trip) and Cottonwood Wash (6 mile round trip) can be done as long day hikes. Sheets Gulch can be done as a long day hike or an overnight, depending on where you turn around. (One-way mileage to Tantalus Flat is 9 miles.) Backcountry permits are required for all overnight trips and can be obtained at the visitor center.

Location of trailheads: All three canyons are located within a few miles of each other and can be accessed from the Notom-Bullfrog Road; which is paved past Cottonwood Wash and usually passable to passenger cars. Each route begins where the wash crosses the road; all crossings are marked with signs. There are no developed trailhead parking areas; park along the edge of the road out of the bottom of the wash. Do not drive up the washbed. The first few miles cross B.L.M. lands along sandy wash bottoms surrounded by low hills. The narrows will begin abruptly ½ to ¾ miles further up the washes where the canyons cut into the steep east flank of the Fold.

The upper end of Sheets Gulch can be accessed via the South Draw Road at Tantalus Flat. The South Draw Road begins on the Pleasant Creek Road at the end of the park's Scenic Drive, and requires a high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle.

Maps: USGS 7.5 Minute Series: Notom, Golden Throne, Bear Canyon, and Sandy Creek Benches. Available at the visitor center.

Best season for hikes: Spring and Fall.

For more information: Contact Capitol Reef National Park 435-425-3791, ext. 111.

Burro Wash is located 7.8 miles south of Hwy 24 on the Notom-Bullfrog Road. As you proceed up the wash (west), always take the left branch at wash junctions. Approximately 2 miles in from the Notom-Bullfrog Road, the canyon begins to narrow as it cuts into the Navajo Sandstone. Soon you will encounter a narrow sandy wash on the right. Proceed up this wash to a large chock stone, which may be preceded by a pool of water. You can bypass this obstacle by backtracking 20 yards to a slickrock slide on the south side of the canyon. A route leads from the right side of the slide, around the ridge over the chock stone and down into the wash on the other side. As you proceed up canyon you will encounter several more chock stones that require some climbing to negotiate, and two sets of narrows that are just wide enough to squeeze through. About 3 miles in from the trailhead is a large chamber with an impassable pour off. You can bypass this obstacle by backtracking a couple hundred yards through the last section of narrows and then friction climbing up the steeply sloping canyon wall on the right (north). A few rock cairns may mark the route. At the top, descend back down into the wash above the pour off. The route continues another mile, traversing several short sections of narrows, and eventually ends at a sculptured, fluted pour off which will be impassable to most. To return to the trailhead, simply retrace the route back down the canyon. Note: Continuing up canyon requires technical rock climbing equipment and expertise, and route finding skills. For those with such capabilities, the canyon continues several more miles and will eventually come out on the South Draw Road. (See note above under location of trailheads.)

Cottonwood Wash is located 9.1 miles south of Hwy 24 on the Notom-Bullfrog Road. About 1 mile up the wash (west) from the trailhead, a side canyon enters from the right (north) and could be mistaken for the main drainage; stay left. A few hundred yards further, the main canyon narrows and a ¼ mile long stretch begins that is choked with large boulders and requires scrambling to negotiate. After another 1/3 mile, another side drainage enters from the left (south); stay right. Shortly beyond this point, the canyon abruptly narrows to a thin slot. A deep pool of water is often found here and deep wading or swimming may be required to continue up canyon. The canyon alternates between tight narrows and more open areas with a number of chock stones that must be negotiated and possibly more pools of water for the next mile. An impassable 35-foot pour off blocks the canyon at the end of this stretch of narrows (about 3 miles in from the road), and marks the end of the route. To return to the trailhead, simply retrace the route back down the canyon.

Sheets Gulch is located 13.3 miles south of Hwy 24 on the Notom-Bullfrog Road. One mile up the wash (west) you will encounter a major side drainage on the right (north); stay left. A short distance further up canyon another drainage enters; stay right at this junction. One mile further, the wash bottom narrows and you may find a few pools of water associated with several small dry falls. The most difficult obstacle along the route, another dry fall and pool, is encountered 3.5 miles from the road. A good climber will be able to negotiate this alone, but most people will need assistance from another person. The last obstacle is 4.5 miles from the trailhead. Here you will encounter a high pour off in a cave-like chamber; bypass this by backtracking about 100 yards and climbing out of the wash on the right (north) side of the canyon. Beyond this point, numerous stands of Douglas Fir begin to appear on cool, shaded north slopes, and the canyon walls begin to change from the white Navajo to the red Wingate. Six miles in from the trailhead there is an intermittent seep with cottonwood trees. Soon, the canyon opens up and becomes much wider. This point constitutes a full day for most people and is a good place to turn around. To return to the trailhead, simply retrace the route back down the canyon.

If you left a second vehicle at Tantalus Flat, or if you are on an overnight trip (backcountry permit required), it is possible to continue up canyon for several more miles. Eventually, an old jeep trail will lead you out of Sheets Gulch to Tantalus Flat. If you left a vehicle at Tantalus Flat, your hike will end here. If your vehicle is on the Notom-Bullfrog Road, return to the trailhead by retracing the same route back down the canyon (9 miles.)

Brimhall Natural Bridge

General description: A rugged hike through a narrow canyon rewards the hiker with a close-up view of Brimhall Natural Bridge, a double span. The route is largely unmarked, so carrying a topographic map is recommended. It is extremely hot in summer and water sources are unreliable; carry adequate water. Use caution in narrow canyons during flash flood season (July-September.)

From the Halls Creek Overlook trailhead, the total round trip distance is 4.6 miles. The hike can be done as a long day hike. Backcountry permits are required for all overnight trips and can be obtained at the visitor center.

Location of trailhead: Halls Creek Overlook is located on a spur road 3-miles west of the Notom-Bullfrog Road. The spur road is rough and sometimes requires high clearance four wheel drive. The Notom-Bullfrog Road is hard-packed dirt, usually passable to passenger cars. Total distance from Hwy 24 is 57.6 miles.

Maps: USGS 7.5-Minute Series: Deer Point. Available at the visitor center.

Best season for hike: Spring and Fall

For more information: Contact Capitol Reef National Park 435-425-3791, ext.111.

Halls Creek Overlook provides an outstanding view of the Waterpocket Fold. From this vantagepoint, Brimhall Double Bridge is visible in a narrow canyon directly across from the overlook.

From the overlook, a steep trail, marked with rock cairns, descends 800 feet over 1.2 miles to the Halls Creek drainage. Pay attention to landmarks as no signs mark the point where this route climbs out of the canyon; it would be easy to walk past the route on your return trip. The marked trail ends here. From this point on you will need to do your own route finding. Walk down canyon (south) .2 miles until you reach the first major side canyon on your right (west). This is Brimhall Canyon.

The first quarter-mile of Brimhall Canyon is an easy hike up the wash bottom. The canyon quickly deepens as you walk toward the heart of the Fold (west). Soon you come to a point where the canyon appears to end in a steep, talus-filled crack straight ahead of you. The main canyon actually makes a 90-degree bend to the right (north), and you must negotiate a steep sloping dry fall to continue. A short, steep friction climb on the slickrock slope just downstream of the dry fall will get you into the upper canyon.

A short distance beyond the top of the dry fall, the canyon makes another right angle turn, this time to the left (west.) Here the canyon narrows dramatically for a short distance and usually holds a pool of water that may require a deep wade or a short swim. The upper end of this narrow stretch is choked with many large boulders that require the use of both hands and feet to negotiate. As you work your way through the rocks, stay to the left and follow along the high, curving wall of Navajo Sandstone. This will keep you in the main wash. Another hundred yards of scrambling will bring you to an impassable dry fall. Climbing the steep slope to your right will bring you to the edge of a cliff and an impressive view of Brimhall Double Bridge. If you want to get closer to the bridge, you have two options: 1. Work along the ridge to your right and then down the sloping ledges visible below and in front of you, or 2. Walk south along the ridge you are on toward the point of the large meander in Brimhall Creek. You can descend this ridge to the creek bottom. To return to the trailhead, simply retrace the same route back to Halls Creek Overlook.