Perfect 1-Day Itinerary for Hikers in Capitol Reef National Park

Hiking in Capitol Reef National Park is one of the best ways to experience the unique landscape.  With so many options to choose from it can be difficult to select just one!  We put together a few options which make the perfect day of hiking to explore Capitol Reef.  If you’re looking for easy hikes, be sure to check our blog for the perfect easy day of hiking in Capitol Reef.

Before You Go

Be sure to visit the website for Capitol Reef before any hike here for current conditions or closures along with the current weather forecast.  Capitol Reef is notorious for afternoon thunderstorms in the summer so be prepared.

Fruita District

Fruita is where a majority of the hiking trails are located in Capitol Reef National Park along with the Visitor Center.  It’s also where a majority of visitors go in Capitol Reef.   One important NOTE: The scenic drive is under construction in Summer 2024 which limits the number of options for hiking here.

1 Day Itinerary for hiking the Fruita District

Time Needed: 1/2 day of morning and afternoon

Bring: Extra Food and Water

Morning - Chimney Rock Loop is wonderful for the morning with partial shade and stunning formations.  Parking can fill up so it’s best to arrive early.

Lunch - Head to Torrey for a quick lunch (Wild Rabbit Cafe is a favorite) and return to Fruita.  Park Near the Gifford House and go get a famous pie! It’s only right that you go to the shaded park across the street to enjoy this treat and “fuel up” for an afternoon hike!

Afternoon - Navajo Knobs trail begins at the Hickman Bridge trailhead along highway 24.  Many people will be leaving so parking should open up.  The hike goes in and out of shade as it gradually climbs above Fruita and the Fremont River below.  Evening light and views along this trail make it great to finish the day with.

EXPERT TIP: Nothing to add, this day is a favorite for Capitol Reef!  Go in late July - early September for fruit picking in the historic orchards of Fruita:)

Cathedral Valley

Cathedral Valley area is a day trip in your vehicle and offers a few hikes to make a full day adventure.  Our favorites are Lower and Upper South Desert Overlooks, Temple of the Moon and Sun, Glass Mountain and the Gypsum Sinkhole.  Most of these hikes are short paths but the driving loop is a full day.  Be sure to download or save the map for this area from Capitol Reef National Park here.

1 Day Itinerary: Cathedral Valley

Time Needed: Full Day

Bring: Extra Food and Water and Emergency Supplies

This full day adventure follows the Cathedral Valley Road to the Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon.  Additionally, Glass Mountain is located here which is a unique geological formation of gypsum crystals.

Continue on the Cathedral Valley road towards the Cathedral Campground and to the Upper Cathedral Valley Overlook.  The South Desert Overlook is also right here and makes a great turnaround spot.  Retrace your path along Cathedral Valley Road and return to Highway 24.

EXPERT TIP: Vehicles with 4x4 and higher clearance can ford the river and start the route here and exit on the Cathedral Valley Road for an amazing loop! There are many great options for parking and enjoying lunch with a view here, so pack a great lunch and enjoy the wild landscape of Capitol Reef!

Waterpocket Fold

The Waterpocket District is the area south of Fruita along the Nottom-Bullfrog road is much more remote and offers more of a wild experience.  2 popular trails are Upper and Lower Muley Twist Canyon.  We say “popular” and “trail” with a grain of red sand because many times you will be the only person here.  Holidays and weekends are significantly busier though so don’t expect as much solitude during those times.

1 Day Itinerary for the Waterpocket Fold

Time Needed: Full Day

Bring: Extra Food and Water and Emergency Supplies

Similar to the Cathedral Valley Itinerary, this is a full day adventure so plan accordingly with lunch, water and extra supplies. Head down the unpaved Nottom-Bullfrog Road off Highway 24 and continue South to the Burr Trail Road.  This is a well marked junction and the beginning of an epic 1 mile drive to the trailhead.  Ascend the switchbacks and enjoy the jaw-dropping view!

For Lower Muley Twist: Parking is on the left at the top of the switchbacks.  Drop into the wide canyon and begin the full day adventure, returning to the trailhead as an out and back.  This is a popular backpacking route also so go as far as you wish and return.

For Upper Muley Twist: Continue along the Burr Trail Road for another 1/2 mile from the top of the switchbacks and follow the signed road about 1/2 mile to the parking area.  Vehicles with high clearance/4x4 may be able to drive an additional 2 miles but we recommend walking this portion because it’s simply beautiful.  Keep your eyes open for hidden arches too!

This route climbs to the Strike Valley Overlook before following a ridge line to the North.  This isn’t a trail so route finding skills are needed for this “trail”.  The route descends back into the canyon and returns to the trailhead in the canyon.

Be sure to check out our Free Travel Guide for Capitol Reef for even more information and suggestions to make your trip to Capitol Reef National Park a memorable experience.