Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, USA

October 2019

Express Tips:

• Take more water than you need, there are no reliable water sources
• A high clearance 4WD vehicle is required to make it beyond the first parking lot and trailhead

Located in the southern portion of Capitol Reef National Park at the top of the Burr Trail switchbacks, this lollipop trail showcases a number of arches as well as outstanding views of the Waterpocket Fold along the rim. In this section of the park, Navajo and Wingate Sandstone have eroded over eons to expose distinct arches, bold shapes, and colorful layers.

For this trip, we dispersed camped in BLM land just outside of the National Park, along Bullfrog-Notom Road. We drove to the intersection of the Burr Trail and climbed the fun switchbacks towards the trailhead. You will need a high clearance vehicle to drive the 2.9 miles to the Strike Valley Overlook trailhead parking area. Otherwise, you will need to leave your low-clearance vehicle at a pull-out around 0.3 miles from the Burr Trail and walk the road towards the trailhead.

The counterclockwise 9 mile hike begins as an easy meander through Upper Muley Twist Canyon. There is no reliable water along this trail, so please carry more than you think you will need to stay hydrated. You will begin to notice arches and interesting rock formations on the western side of the canyon. There are a total of 5 arches on this hike, not including 2 that are visible from the dirt road while driving in. All of the arches are located on the western canyon walls. There is a narrows section that requires a difficult climb up a dry pour-off about 2.3 miles from Saddle Arch, and the NPS has built a bypass trail on the eastern canyon wall. We chose to take the bypass route for the views.

The hike quickly intensifies as you begin to climb out of the canyon along the eastern wall, and eventually tops out on the eastern rim. The views of the Waterpocket Fold and Strike Valley along the rim are spectacular. The 2.7 mile rim route has cairns marking the way and follows the ridge along some exposed narrow sections. Please be careful and watch your footing, especially if the trail is wet or icy.

Watch for cairns that indicate your climb down from the rim and back into the twisting canyon below. Once you meet up with the canyon, turn left and retrace your steps back to the parking lot.