Pleasant Creek Route
Pleasant Creek runs year round and offers two backcountry hikes, one from upper Pleasant Creek to the west park boundary, and one from lower Pleasant Creek to the east park boundary.
Plan Around Pleasant Creek Route
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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Pleasant Creek Route Details
Pleasant Creek runs year round and offers two backcountry hikes, one from upper Pleasant Creek to the west park boundary, and one from lower Pleasant Creek to the east park boundary. The creek has cut a scenic canyon through the heart of Capitol Reef, and while it's often possible to jump over the creek, stepping in the water may be necessary on these hikes. Hikers can explore going either direction from the trailhead as a day hike, using the unmaintained yet noticeable footpaths on the route. To reach the trailhead, drive to the end of Scenic Drive and continue another 2.8 miles on the unpaved Pleasant Creek Road, where there's a small parking area and pit toilet at the trailhead, although the road does continue on as South Draw Road. Those who wish to hike lower Pleasant Creek, 3.4 miles one-way, will head east from the parking area, crossing to the south side of the creek after .3-mile. This route follows the streambank as it meanders between canyon walls and crosses over a low sandstone saddle next to the north wall of the canyon. Hikers will come to a fence that marks the park boundary, and can turn and retrace their route westward up the canyon. Those who wish to hike upper Pleasant Creek, 2.3 miles to the west park boundary, will head west from the trailhead along the north side of the creek. The canyon will deepen and narrow after about a mile, requiring numerous creek crossings. An old dirt road continues up-canyon to the park boundary, and hikers can continue outside the park onto U.S. Forest Service property. The turnaround point for hikers who continue onto Forest Service property is at 3.8 miles. If there's a chance of rain, don't hike either of these routes or camp next to the creek as there's a danger of flash floods. Hikers and campers are also advised not to drink water from the creek as E. Coli bacteria have been found in water samples.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
7.6 miles
Estimated time
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Pleasant Creek Route
Compare nearby parks around Pleasant Creek Route when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Pleasant Creek Route
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Pleasant Creek Route while the map context is still fresh.
0.2 mi away
South Draw Road
In the park's southern portion, the South Draw Road is a non-maintained, high-clearance 4WD road that runs from Pleasant Creek to the park boundary near Tantalus Flats.
1.9 mi away
Pleasant Creek Road
Pleasant Creek Road begins at the southern terminus of Scenic Drive, and is recommended only for high-clearance or 4WD vehicles.
1.9 mi away
Capitol Gorge Trail
Although only a 1-mile route (one-way) the easy Capitol Gorge Trail passes plenty of history in its short distance.
1.9 mi away
Golden Throne Trail
The 2-mile one-way Golden Throne Trail offers great views of the trail's namesake, a 7,042-foot sandstone dome that shines yellow when hit by the sun
1.9 mi away
Capitol Gorge Parking Area
The Capitol Gorge Parking Area sits near the end of the paved Scenic Drive and the beginning of the snaking dirt road to Capitol Gorge itself.
