Capitol Gorge Trail
Although only a 1-mile route (one-way) the easy Capitol Gorge Trail passes plenty of history in its short distance.
Plan Around Capitol Gorge Trail
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Capitol Gorge Trail Details
Although only a 1-mile route (one-way), the easy Capitol Gorge Trail passes plenty of history over its short distance. Hikers can leave their vehicles at the parking area at the end of the unpaved Capitol Gorge Road, originally carved out in 1884 by Mormon settlers, and set off into a deep canyon cut into the Waterpocket Fold. The trail is fairly level, with only 80 feet of elevation gain, and hikers will pass some faint petroglyphs dating from the time of the Fremont people. The Pioneer Register, a little further on, is a spot on the canyon wall where early pioneers carved their names into the sandstone. Finally, after a bit of an upward scramble hikers will come to the Tanks, a series of large potholes in the sandstone where erosion has carved pockets into the rock, which sometimes hold rainwater.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
1 mile
Estimated time
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Capitol Gorge Trail
Compare nearby parks around Capitol Gorge Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Capitol Gorge Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Capitol Gorge Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Capitol Gorge Trailhead
The Capitol Gorge trailhead lies at the end of a twisting dirt road (Capitol Gorge Road) connecting to the end of the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive.
0.0 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
0.5 mi away
Pioneer Register
About a half mile into the Capitol Gorge hike, visitors will come upon the Pioneer Register, a spot on the sandstone wall where early Mormon pioneers carved their names.
0.6 mi away
The Tanks
At the end of the Capitol Gorge Trail, hikers will come to the Tanks, a series of large potholes in the sandstone where erosion has carved pockets into the rock, which sometimes hold rainwater.
1.0 mi away
Navajo Sandstone
Stop here for a look at Capitol Reef's Najavo Sandstone.
