Old Wagon Trail
Scenic Drive in Capitol Reef park began as a wagon trail in the late 1800s, serving as a passage through the rugged Waterpocket Fold.
Plan Around Old Wagon Trail
A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.
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.
Old Wagon Trail Details
Scenic Drive in Capitol Reef park began as a wagon trail in the late 1800s, serving as a passage through the rugged Waterpocket Fold. This pullout serves as the trailhead for the 3.8-mile Old Wagon Trail Loop, a strenuous hike through pinyon-juniper forest with views of sheer sandstone cliffs and the Henry Mountains. If you want to do the loop hike, park here.
Difficulty
High
Distance
3.8 miles
Estimated time
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Old Wagon Trail
Compare nearby parks around Old Wagon Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Old Wagon Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Old Wagon Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Hoodoos
The mysterious, sometimes human-like rock formations called "hoodoos" found in Capitol Reef National Park (and, more famously, in Bryce Canyon) are the result of differential erosion.
0.5 mi away
The Egyptian Temple
The rock formation known as the Egyptian Temple is composed of soft Moenkopi Sandstone protected harder Shinarump Sandstone.
0.6 mi away
Slickrock Divide
A "divide" (the most famous being the Continental Divide) is the term for a place where water drains in two different directions.
1.2 mi away
Capitol Gorge
At the south end of Scenic Drive, and at the further end of the unpaved 2.4-mile Capitol Gorge Road, is Capitol Gorge, a small, deep canyon carved out of the Waterpocket Fold.
1.2 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.
