Strike Valley Overlook Trail in Capitol Reef National Park

Strike Valley Overlook Trail

The very short .9-mile round trip Strike Valley Overlook hike does proved some challenge nonetheless.

Plan Around Strike Valley Overlook Trail

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Strike Valley Overlook Trail Details

The very short, .9-mile round trip Strike Valley Overlook hike does prove some challenge nonetheless. From the end of the nearly 3-mile-long Upper Muley Twist Road, it's an additional .4-mile hike to Strike Valley Overlook. At this point, high above the valley, hikers can see nearly a dozen sedimentary rock layers spread out before them, representing nearly 150 million years of geologic history. The overlook is marked by a large rock cairn, and sits atop a low saddle that's accessible via a sandy trail followed by two moderate-grade slickrock climbs. Vehicles must have a high clearance to drive rocky, sandy Upper Muley Twist road, and keep in mind that overnight camping is not allowed on the Strike Valley Overlook route. Backcountry hikers should always keep safety at top of mind. Be careful in narrow canyons, particularly during flash-flood season from July through September, and always obtain a free backcountry permit from the visitor center before setting out. None of these routes are official, maintained trails. Backcountry hikers should have good navigational skills and should always let someone know their planned route and return date. Cell phone service in this area is not reliable or non-existent.

Difficulty

Moderate

Distance

0.9 miles

Estimated time

30-60 min

Region

N/A

Nearby Parks Around Strike Valley Overlook Trail

Compare nearby parks around Strike Valley Overlook Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

30.6 mi away

Capitol Reef

National Park · UT

63.5 mi away

Bryce Canyon

National Park · UT

77.6 mi away

Canyonlands

National Park · UT

92.6 mi away

Arches

National Park · UT

116.3 mi away

Zion

National Park · UT

138.9 mi away

Grand Canyon

National Park · AZ

Nearby Points of Interest Around Strike Valley Overlook Trail

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Strike Valley Overlook Trail while the map context is still fresh.

1.7 mi away

Upper Muley Twist Canyon Route

The rim route in Upper Muley Twist Canyon provides hikers with great views of the Waterpocket Fold and surrounding area.

2.5 mi away

Lower Muley Twist Canyon Route

From 1881 to 1884, Lower Muley Twist Canyon served as a wagon trail for Mormon pioneers traveling south.

2.6 mi away

Burr Trail Road

What began as a cattle trail, blazed by stockman John Atlantic Burr, is the present-day Burr Trail Road.

2.6 mi away

Loop the Fold Tour

One of the best ways to take in the Waterpocket Fold is via the 124-mile roundtrip Loop-the-Fold tour.

2.7 mi away

Notom-Bullfrog/Burr Trail Road to Lake Powell Tour

At the junction of the Notom Bullfrog Road and Burr Trail Road inside Capitol Reef, drivers can head south on Burr Trail, also known as BLM 12000) to Lake Powell at Bullfrog Marina.