Capitol Reef National Park: Sulphur Creek Goosenecks
Scramble through a beautiful (and overlooked) 5.4-mile slot canyon filled with pools and waterfalls. Expect wet feet and maybe some swimming.
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
Trail Facts
- Distance: 8.8
Waypoints
GSC001
Location: 38.315449, -111.304001
Follow gully S; turn L into main wash 200 yards from trailhead
GSC002
Location: 38.307896, -111.304626
Side canyon enters from L. Stay in main wash
GSC003
Location: 38.304501, -111.302917
Easy scramble down over pouroff; go straight or detour around to L
GSC004
Location: 38.304352, -111.303413
Follow faint trail leaving wash on L; cross sage brush bench, pass sign
GSC005
Location: 38.303139, -111.30275
Cross Sulphur Creek; keep on faint trail or stay in streambed
GSC006
Location: 38.297634, -111.298279
Look up, L to canyon rim. Note guardrail around Goosenecks Overlook
GSC007
Location: 38.294933, -111.2939
Narrows begin @ huge cottonwood log jammed above waterfall. Scramble R around falls. Continue through rugged narrows. Short swims may be required
GSC008
Location: 38.294716, -111.292
2nd large waterfall looks impassable; climb R to find keyhole behind boulder. Scramble down carefully. Narrows continue on and off for nearly 2 mi.
GSC009
Location: 38.290501, -111.271935
Third waterfall. Note fossil patterns in slickrock. Cross L at brink of falls and scramble across ledges before dropping. Pool at base of falls can be big, or nonexistent
GSC010
Location: 38.291401, -111.261887
Nearing visitor center, stay L in streambed until bridge is visible. Follow trail L around buildings toward flagpole. Shuttle 2.9 mi. on UT 24 back to trailhead
