Capitol Reef National Park often gets overshadowed by Utah’s more famous national parks like Zion, Arches, and Bryce Canyon. That’s a mistake.
After spending time exploring Capitol Reef, I came away convinced that it’s one of the most underrated national parks in the United States. The crowds are smaller, the scenery is spectacular, and many of the hikes offer a greater amount of solitude than some of the other Utah national parks.
If you’re planning a trip, these are the best hikes in Capitol Reef National Park based on scenery, uniqueness, accessibility, and overall experience. Be sure to read our top hikes in Zion, Arches, and Bryce Canyon as well if you plan in seeing multiple parks.
Quick Rankings
| Rank | Hike | Distance (Round Trip) | Elevation Gain (feet) | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Cassidy Arch Trail | 3.4 miles | 670 | Moderate |
| #2 | Navajo Knobs Trail | 9.4 miles | 2,700 | Strenuous |
| #3 | Hickman Bridge Trail | 1.8 miles | 400 | Easy-Moderate |
| #4 | Grand Wash Trail | Up to 4.4 miles | 100 | Easy |
| #5 | Petroglyph Trail | 0.6 miles | 0 | Easy |
1. Cassidy Arch Trail (My Favorite Hike in Capitol Reef)
Distance: 3.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~670 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Google Maps Pin
If I could only recommend one hike in Capitol Reef National Park, it would be Cassidy Arch.
The trail begins in Grand Wash and quickly starts climbing through colorful sandstone formations and slickrock benches. As you gain elevation, the views continue to improve until you reach the arch itself.
What makes Cassidy Arch special isn’t just the arch, it’s the entire experience getting there. From the drive, to the unique hiking trail. Unlike many arches where you’re viewing them from below, Cassidy Arch allows hikers to actually walk across the top of the formation.
Standing on top of the arch while looking out across Grand Wash and the surrounding cliffs was one of the most memorable experiences in any Utah National Park.
The hike is steep enough to feel rewarding but short enough that most visitors can complete it without dedicating an entire day.
If you’re short on time in Capitol Reef, this is the trail I would prioritize.
Why We Loved It
- Incredible panoramic views
- Unique opportunity to walk on top of a natural arch
- Excellent photo opportunities
- Moderate effort with a huge reward
- This trailhead is the west end of Grand Wash, so from this trailhead, hikers can also walk the entire Grand Wash trail to the east end and come back.
Important Note: Driving to the trailhead is on a dirt road in Grand Wash. During times of rain, this road can close.
2. Navajo Knobs Trail
Distance: 9.4 miles round trip (4.5 miles to the Overlook only)
Elevation Gain: ~2,700 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
Trailhead: Google Maps Pin
For hikers looking for the biggest views in Capitol Reef, Navajo Knobs delivers.
The trail shares the same starting point as Hickman Bridge before climbing steadily above the Fruita area and eventually reaching a stunning overlook with nearly 360-degree views of the geographic formations known as Waterpocket Fold.
The first portion of the hike is already impressive, but the scenery really opens up as you climb higher and are able to overlook Fruita, and the roads down below. About 2/3 into the hike, you reach a pass that allows you to see the rest of your hike, and everything you have already hiked. It is a perfect snack spot, or turnaround spot if you need a bit of a shorter round trip.
What surprised me most about Navajo Knobs was how quickly the crowds disappeared. While Hickman Bridge can be busy, many visitors turn around before reaching the upper portions of the trail.
The result is one of the most peaceful and rewarding hikes in the park. Many visitors consider the summit views among the best in Capitol Reef, my wife and I agreed.
Why We Loved It
- Some of the best panoramic views in the park
- Far fewer people than lower-elevation trails
- A rewarding challenge for experienced hikers
- Excellent views of the Waterpocket Fold
3. Hickman Bridge Trail
Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~400 feet
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Trailhead: Google Maps Pin
Hickman Bridge is one of the most popular hikes in Capitol Reef National Park, and for good reason.
This relatively short trail leads visitors to a massive natural bridge spanning 133 feet across a canyon. Along the way, hikers pass colorful sandstone formations, desert vegetation, and impressive views of the surrounding cliffs.
While it doesn’t offer the dramatic payoff of Cassidy Arch or the expansive vistas of Navajo Knobs, Hickman Bridge is arguably the best hike in Capitol Reef for visitors looking for a shorter adventure.
The trail climbs steadily but never feels particularly difficult, making it accessible for most visitors. The trails and rock formations allow for visitors to easily explore the area, find secluded places to snack, or just enjoy the views.
When you finally reach the bridge, make sure to spend some time exploring underneath it and appreciating its scale. Photos rarely do it justice.
Why We Loved It
- Short hike with a big payoff
- One of the park’s most iconic landmarks
- Great option for families
- Beautiful geology throughout the hike
4. Grand Wash Trail
Distance: Up to 4.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Google Maps Pin (East) | West (Same as Cassidy Arch)
If you’ve ever wanted to walk through a classic Utah slot canyon without dealing with technical scrambling, or squeezing between canyon walls, Grand Wash is an excellent option.
The trail follows a wide canyon floor between towering sandstone walls that gradually narrow in sections. In some areas, the cliffs rise hundreds of feet above you, creating an impressive sense of scale. This is an out and back trail with a trailhead at each end. The northeast trailhead is on Route 24 (the main road through the park), while the southwest end trailhead is off of a dirt road, and is the shared trailhead for Cassidy Arch.
One of my favorite aspects of Grand Wash is how approachable it is. Nearly anyone can enjoy this hike, and you can turn around whenever you’d like without feeling like you’re missing the main attraction.
Many visitors combine Grand Wash with Cassidy Arch since the trailhead is shared.
If you only have time for one longer outing, hiking Cassidy Arch and then continuing through portions of Grand Wash creates one of the best hiking experiences in the park.
Why We Loved It
- Massive canyon walls
- Minimal elevation gain
- Excellent family-friendly option
- Pairs perfectly with Cassidy Arch
5. Petroglyph Trail
Distance: 0.6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Google Maps Pin
The Petroglyph Trail may be short, but it provides one of the most fascinating glimpses into the human history of Capitol Reef National Park. For my wife and I, we were amazed at how high up the walls some of the petroglyphs were. For 20 or so minutes, we kept walking along the boardwalk, and finding more petroglyphs that were less obvious than some of the closer ones.
A short boardwalk leads visitors alongside a cliff face containing petroglyphs created by the Fremont people hundreds of years ago.
You’ll find figures, symbols, and artwork carved into the rock that have survived for centuries in the desert environment.
Because the trail is only about 0.3 miles each way, it can easily be added to any Capitol Reef itinerary.
While it isn’t a hike that most people would visit the park specifically for, it’s absolutely worth the short stop.
Why We Loved It
- Unique cultural and historical experience
- Extremely short and accessible
- Great stop between hikes, or as a stop entering or leaving the park
- Interesting glimpse into Fremont culture
Don’t Leave Capitol Reef Without Trying the Pie
One of the most unexpected highlights of our visit to Capitol Reef wasn’t actually a hike, it was the pie.
Located in the historic Fruita district, Gifford Homestead serves fresh pies that have become legendary among Capitol Reef visitors.
After spending hours hiking through the desert, sitting down with a slice of homemade pie feels like the perfect reward.
Popular flavors often include:
- Mixed Berry
- Apple
- Cherry
- Peach (seasonal)
- Strawberry Rhubarb
The homestead also sells homemade ice cream, jams, salsa, and other locally made products.
We arrived after a morning of hiking and immediately understood why so many visitors recommend stopping here. The pies are genuinely excellent and have become part of the Capitol Reef experience.
My recommendation? Plan your hiking schedule around grabbing pie afterward.
Best Hike in Capitol Reef National Park: Our Pick
If we had to choose just one hike in Capitol Reef National Park, it would be Cassidy Arch.
It strikes the perfect balance between effort and reward.
The hike is challenging enough to feel adventurous but short enough that most visitors can complete it comfortably. The views are incredible, the route is fun, and walking across the top of the arch creates a unique experience that you won’t find on many hikes. We spent over an hour exploring around the top of Cassidy Arch during the sunrise.
While Navajo Knobs offers the best panoramic views and Hickman Bridge is ideal for families, Cassidy Arch is the trail that left the biggest impression on us.
Tips for Hiking in Capitol Reef National Park
- Start early during summer months to avoid extreme heat.
- Carry more water than you think you’ll need.
- Wear sun protection, as many trails offer little shade.
- Check weather conditions before entering Grand Wash, as flash floods can occur.
- Bring a camera, Capitol Reef is one of Utah’s most photogenic national parks.
- Shoulder seasons are the best. Very few people, still often, have great daytime temperatures.
- Save room for pie at Gifford Homestead.
Final Thoughts
Capitol Reef National Park may be Utah’s least-visited national park, but it offers some of the state’s most rewarding hiking experiences.
Whether you’re standing atop Cassidy Arch, taking in the sweeping views from Navajo Knobs, wandering through Grand Wash, or enjoying a slice of pie in Fruita, Capitol Reef delivers an experience that feels more relaxed and less crowded than many of Utah’s other famous parks.
If you’re planning a Utah road trip, don’t make the mistake of simply driving through Capitol Reef.
Give yourself at least a full day to explore these trails. You might just find that it becomes your favorite national park in Utah.
Max DesMarais is the founder of myoutdoorbasecamp.com. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor adventure, travel, and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, backcountry skier, trail runner, and spends his free time in the outdoors. These adventures allow him to test gear, learn new skills, and experience new places so that he can educate others. Max grew up hiking all around New Hampshire and New England. He became obsessed with the New Hampshire mountains, and the NH 48, where he guided hikes and trail runs in the White Mountains. Since moving out west, Max has continued climbed all of the Colorado 14ers, completed multiple ultra marathons, including the 100 mile Run Rabbit Run, is always testing gear, learning skills, gaining experience, and building his endurance for outdoor sports. You can read more about his experience here: hikingandfishing/about
