Sheets Gulch Route
Sheets Gulch, Burro Wash and Cottonwood Wash are all classic slot canyons accessible via unmarked backcountry routes.
Plan Around Sheets Gulch 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.
Sheets Gulch Route Details
Sheets Gulch, Burro Wash and Cottonwood Wash are all classic slot canyons accessible via unmarked backcountry routes. Although there may be a few rock cairns to point the way, hikers should nonetheless carry a topographic map, and use extreme caution in these narrow canyons during flash-flood season, typically July-September. These routes should only be attempted by experienced cross-country hikers. All three slot canyons are located within a few miles of each other and can be accessed via the Notom-Bullfrog Road. Beginning just north of where Notom-Bullfrog Road crosses the wash, the 6.7-mile Sheets Gulch hike can be done as a long day hike or an overnight, depending on the turnaround spot. If you camp overnight, remember to obtain a free backcountry permit at the visitor center. There's a place to leave your car at the trailhead; do not attempt to drive up the wash. The first few miles of each route cross BLM land, across sandy wash bottoms and surrounded by low hills, and each of the three slot canyons contain obstacles in the form of dry falls and "chock stones," large boulders wedged in narrow slots. All three canyons are also quite narrow in places, and will require most people to work their way through sideways or to wade through sometimes present pools of water.
Difficulty
High
Distance
6.7 miles
Estimated time
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Sheets Gulch Route
Compare nearby parks around Sheets Gulch Route when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Sheets Gulch Route
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Sheets Gulch Route while the map context is still fresh.
3.7 mi away
Cottonwood Wash Route
Cottonwood Wash, Burro Wash and Sheets Gulch are all classic slot canyons accessible via unmarked backcountry routes.
4.8 mi away
Burro Wash Route
Burro Wash, Cottonwood Wash and Sheets Gulch are all classic slot canyons accessible via unmarked backcountry routes.
7.5 mi away
Cedar Mesa Campground
The Cedar Mesa Campground is one of two primitive campgrounds in Capitol Reef National Park.
7.5 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.
7.6 mi away
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.
