Become a Member

Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.

Already have an account? Sign In

Become a Member

Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.

Already have an account? Sign In

Brands

Capitol Reef National Park Trails

Capitol Reef National Park: Chimney Rock to Fremont River

Pinched slot canyons, neck-craning cliffs and cottonwood groves highlight this strenuous 9.9-mile shuttle hike in Utah's redrock country.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.

Mapped by Steve Howe

None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None

Trail Facts

  • Distance: 15.9

Waypoints

SCT001

Location: 38.315716, -111.304016

Follow Chimney Rock Loop Trail to the NE

SCT002

Location: 38.317551, -111.298302

Stay L @ marked Y, heading E where Chimney Rock Loop Trail diverges. Ahead, wrinkled slopes on R rise up to Mummy Cliff

SCT003

Location: 38.317368, -111.284897

L @ T, leaving Chimney Rock Loop Trail. Follow canyon’s course NE

SCT004

Location: 38.319149, -111.281754

Stay R, heading NE in rocky wash. Large side canyon on L offers good bouldering with sandy landings

SCT005

Location: 38.323051, -111.27375

Turn R (E) where another side canyon enters on L

SCT006

Location: 38.324383, -111.263481

Turn R (SE) @ signed Y with Spring Canyon and walk downstream

SCT007

Location: 38.319168, -111.25042

Navigate the narrows: Go L, and connect cairns on exposed footpath along slickrock bench. Note: This route bypasses two 10-ft. dry falls that require steep down-climbs and murky pool swims

SCT008

Location: 38.317184, -111.247169

Narrows end; steep bypass trail descends back to wash

SCT009

Location: 38.313282, -111.242699

Stay L (E) where side canyon merges with Spring Canyon. In next mi., pass occasional cottonwood groves

SCT010

Location: 38.307957, -111.22683

Springs emerge from boulder pile and flow .25 mi. down canyon; water quality improves downstream (safer drinking water)

SCT011

Location: 38.298847, -111.212692

Spring Canyon snakes to the S toward the Fremont River

SCT012

Location: 38.285183, -111.197815

Ford knee-deep Fremont River (caution: river may be deeper, faster during flood conditions). In 400 ft., turn R onto UT 24

SCT013

Location: 38.283634, -111.199203

Pick up 2nd car @ unmarked turnout (E of milepost 83) for 7-mi. ride back to trailhead

Rock Monolith

Location: 38.317497, -111.24897

Rock-Strewn Wash

Location: 38.318871, -111.250069

The Narrows

Location: 38.318001, -111.250069

Spring Canyon

Location: 38.301453, -111.222343

Cottonwood Grove

Location: 38.307865, -111.226006

Lone Boulder

Location: 38.306034, -111.225731

Rising Rock Formations

Location: 38.301819, -111.21804

Sandy Wash

Location: 38.298523, -111.21199

Canyon Walls

Location: 38.296692, -111.21254

How to Pack for Backcountry Skiing

Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack.

Keywords: