Our Favorite Hikes in Capitol Reef National Park

When we first arrived at Capitol Reef National Park, we had no real plan… just a loose list of places to see and a print-out of all the park’s hiking trails. With so many hikes to choose from (15 just in the main section!), figuring out which ones were worth our short time in the park felt overwhelming.

So we decided to explore as we went, picking trails based on where we were that day or whichever direction the views pulled us. And honestly, it worked out perfectly.

Every trail we hiked offered something unique, from easy hikes and canyon strolls to more challenging climbs with incredible views. Below you’ll find our favorite hikes in Capitol Reef National Park, what stood out about each one, and which we’d happily do again. Hopefully, it helps you pick the perfect trails for your visit.

Trails we’ve tried in Capitol Reef National Park

…and which ones were our favorite.

With limited time, we focused on trails near the Fruita section of the park (the main area) and along the Scenic Drive, each offering its own perspective of Capitol Reef’s incredible landscape. Some trails impressed us enough to make our must-do-again list, while others were worth doing once for the experience alone.

(See the map at the end of the post for trailhead locations and routes.)

FYI: The Capitol Reef Scenic Drive starts paved before transitioning to a graded dirt road, giving you an easy way to explore the park’s more rugged areas without venturing onto any true backcountry routes. The dirt section is usually well maintained and easily passable when dry — no high-clearance 4WD needed.

Related: Fascinating Facts About Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Gorge Trail

Type: Out-and-back
Distance: 2 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Capitol Gorge (end of the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive)

Why it’s a top choice: Easy, scenic, and full of history. Perfect for beginners and families, and a relatively short hike.

The Capitol Gorge Trail was easily one of our favorite hikes in Capitol Reef, even though we initially missed the trail’s biggest highlight. And honestly, just getting there is half the fun.

The trail starts at the very end of the Scenic Drive. The beginning of the trail sees more hikers, but as you continue deeper into the canyon, crowds thin out, giving you a more peaceful experience. Along the way, you’ll spot historic pioneer inscriptions, faded petroglyphs, and towering sandstone walls that rise dramatically on both sides. Near the end, there’s an optional spur leading to Water Tanks — a short detour to natural water basins that adds a touch of adventure and a bit of elevation without much extra distance.

Apart from that final spur, the hike is flat and easy to navigate, making it one of the best hikes in Capitol Reef National Park for families or first-time visitors. Just note that although the elevation gain is minimal, the trail surface is sandy — sometimes quite deep — which can make even level ground feel a bit more tiring than expected.

Old Wagon Trail

Type: Loop
Distance: 3.8 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
Trailhead: Capitol Reef Scenic Drive

Why it’s worth considering: Best for solitude seekers who don’t mind a little route-finding adventure.

The Old Wagon Trail is conveniently located along the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, about three-quarters of the way along the paved section. We attempted this hike on our way back from Capitol Gorge, and, well… let’s just say we didn’t make it far before admitting defeat.

At first glance, this trail looks promising. It drops sharply from the road before climbing through a beautiful pinyon-juniper forest, giving it a noticeably different feel from much of Capitol Reef. And since it’s a loop trail, it seemed like a perfect pick.

Unfortunately, we quickly realized that finding the cairns (trail rock markers) was trickier than expected. The landscape here blends together in every direction, and once you lose the trail, it’s tough to find it again. After about twenty minutes of playing “spot the next cairn,” we turned back. That said, I wouldn’t write this one off entirely. If you enjoy quiet, less-traveled-hiking trails and don’t mind a bit of navigational challenge, the Old Wagon Trail might just be your kind of peaceful escape. It’s one of the few trails in Capitol Reef where you might not see another soul.

Cohab Canyon Trail

Type: Out-and-back
Distance: 3.4 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Historic Fruita (or Utah State Route 24)

Why it’s a top choice: A surprisingly scenic and peaceful trail with stunning canyon views and colorful rock formations.

The Cohab Canyon Trail has two trailheads; one in the main Fruita area near the Fruita Campground, and the other along Highway 24 (near the Hickman Bridge Trail). We started from the Fruita side, and let’s just say the modest-looking initial segment doesn’t do this hike justice. Within a short time, you’re rewarded with an incredible mix of perspectives — beautiful views of the Fruita historic district, colorful rock formations, wide-open overlooks, and even a peek into a few slot canyons.

We didn’t expect much going in, but the Cohab Canyon Trail blew us away. It’s a bit more strenuous than the park’s shorter, flatter hikes, but still manageable for most visitors. The scenery constantly changes, and the peacefulness is hard to beat. You don’t even need to hike the entire length to enjoy its highlights — starting from the Fruita side gives you plenty of payoff without the full commitment.

Despite hearing that this is one of the best hikes in Capitol Reef National Park, we practically had the place to ourselves, and it was peak season! Maybe we just got lucky, but it made the experience all the more memorable. If you’re looking for a hidden-gem trail that delivers classic Capitol Reef scenery without an all-day effort, the Cohab Canyon Trail deserves a top spot on your list!

Fremont River Trail

Type: Out-and-back
Distance: 2 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Trailhead: Historic Fruita

Why it’s a solid option: Peaceful, scenic, and perfect for a quick stroll if you’re staying in Fruita. An easy trail with an optional climb at the end.

The Fremont River Trail starts as a flat, narrow path beside the river, with the trailhead near the Fruita Campground amphitheater. This trail is essentially a continuation of the Fruita Trail (an easy path that passes through the historic Fruita), so it’s easy to walk both in one outing.

For the most part, the river stays hidden behind thick greenery, but views open up while passing a fruit orchard and a horse pasture, a beautiful glimpse of Fruita’s farming past. Eventually, the trail veers away from the river and begins a short but steep climb toward an overlook, earning its moderate rating. The path suddenly narrows through dense shrubs, and our trip ended here after a startled deer leapt out and scared the daylights out of me. It was nearly dusk, the kids were with me, and let’s be honest, this is mountain lion country. I took that as my cue to turn around.

While not a destination hike, the Fremont River Trail is another way to explore the Fruita area of Capitol Reef National Park, especially if you’re camping here.

More tips for hiking in Capitol Reef National Park

• Check the park’s official trail list: You can find a full list of Capitol Reef hikes on the National Park Service website.
• Stop by the Visitor Center: If possible, check with park rangers for current trail conditions and closures before heading out. Weather can change things fast in this area, and flash floods are a serious concern not just in canyons and washes but also along the Scenic Drive.
• Best times to hike: The most comfortable seasons are spring (mid-April through mid-June) and fall (September through October). Expect cooler mornings and mild daytime temps, ideal for tackling longer trails.
• Explore beyond the trails: Don’t miss out on all the other fun things to do in Capitol Reef National Park, from historic sites and fruit orchards (>>>how do you feel about *free* fruit?) to delicious pies (yes, really!) and quiet scenic overlooks.