Capitol Reef National Park: Stegosaur Loop
This challenging 6.3-mile lasso loop takes an off-trail tour of The Stegosaur, a massive sandstone fin in Capitol Reef National Park.
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Start this hike along the popular Hickman Bridge Trail, which leads east to a switchback climb up sandstone. At the top of the switchbacks, the route follows Rim Overlook Trail-Navajo Knobs Trail to the right, leaving the crowds that turn left to visit Hickman Bridge, a natural rock arch. After .8 mile, the path passes an overlook above Hickman Bridge and continues to wind westward.
At mile 2, peer down 1,000-foot-high cliffs to views of the Waterpocket Fold from the Rim Overlook, and then turn right and hike north. Less that half a mile later, scramble up a gully and navigate cliff bands to reach The Stegosaur—a towering sandstone fin. Soak in views of jaw-dropping canyons from this prime vantage point before retracing your steps to the trailhead.
-Mapped by Steve Howe
Trail Facts
- Distance: 5.9
Waypoints
STE001
Location: 38.2887153625488, -111.227615356445
Follow Hickman Bridge Trail to the east along the Fremont River. In .1 mile, switchback up sandstone. Don’t forget: Pack lots of water, there’s no place to fill reservoirs along the trail.
STE002
Location: 38.2893981933594, -111.226448059082
Turn hard right @ 3-way onto Rim Overlook Trail-Navajo Knobs Trail. Crowds thin out after this point. Optional: Stay straight @ 3-way for neck-craning views beneath Hickman Natural Bridge, a 125-foot red sandstone arch; return to Waypoint 2
STE003
Location: 38.2917518615723, -111.232231140137
From this overlook, peer down onto the bustling scene of hikers around Hickman Natural Bridge; head north.
STE004
Location: 38.2911987304688, -111.249183654785
Rim Overlook: Peer down 1,000-foot-high cliffs to views of the orchards, the Henry Mountains, and the Waterpocket Fold. Trail turns right (north) and continues up rock ramps.
STE005
Location: 38.2944984436035, -111.249565124512
Cross wash, then bear right; side canyon enters on left. Continue north up sandy wash (avoid user trail). Look up to the right to find easy route through cliffs within 350 yards.
STE006
Location: 38.2953681945801, -111.249298095703
Turn right, heading southeast toward cliff bands (Important: This is the only route through the cliffs). Scramble up gully, then look carefully for easiest route east. In 200 feet, turn left, heading northeast.
STE007
Location: 38.2966079711914, -111.247009277344
Descend the rib to the north. Stay low (west) on slickrock, avoiding timbered pocket and cryptobiotic soils.
STE008
Location: 38.3020515441894, -111.245651245117
Grab lunch overlooking jaw-dropping canyons to the north and northeast. Next, turn around and hike south along the east edge of Stegosaur.
STE009
Location: 38.3000679016113, -111.244201660156
Bear right (south). Follow easiest visible route across rock slabs on the east side of Stegosaur; pass blood red pockets of iron-stained rock.
STE010
Location: 38.2980346679688, -111.243919372559
Continue heading south. Shallow slickrock occasionally holds rainwater, but don’t count on it.
STE011
Location: 38.297550201416, -111.243896484375
Begin a southwest traverse @ slickrock saddle. Stay above and east of timbered hollow and cryptobiotic soils.
STE012
Location: 38.2966156005859, -111.24494934082
Traverse a broad, stone plateau (expansive vistas extend in every direction). Work west, descending to Waypoint 6 and return to trailhead.