Capitol Reef National Park: Steep Creek Canyon
Go from lush mountains to high desert via a red rock canyon on this 16.3-mile, mostly off-trail trek into Grand Staircase-Escalante. Go in spring or fall; pack extra water.
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Trail Facts
- Distance: 25.4
Waypoints
SCT001
Location: 38.036083, -111.329651
Roundup Flat: Head SW on trail; then SE to a string of small lakes
SCT002
Location: 38.010773, -111.327629
Good camp spot with mountain views
SCT003
Location: 38.004948, -111.309357
Continue on trail to small pond, which is the last sure water for a number of miles; begin bushwhack heading SE along stream bed
SCT004
Location: 37.996815, -111.299782
Streambed turns S; descend quickly into Steep Creek Canyon
SCT005
Location: 37.979805, -111.29747
Look for old Native American path that intersects the stream bed
SCT006
Location: 37.933407, -111.306915
Possible water source; watch for bear and mountain lion tracks in the sandy bottom of the canyon
SCT007
Location: 37.88414, -111.328323
Big water pool-H2O likely year-round
SCT008
Location: 37.877888, -111.327507
Lineman’s Cabin
SCT009
Location: 37.863194, -111.312027
Steep Creek Canyon joins The Gulch Canyon; great place to camp with water and large cottonwood trees. Optional: Take day hikes exploring The Gulch Canyon to the N
SCT010
Location: 37.855717, -111.31086
End hike @ Burr Trail Rd., where you dropped a car earlier