Sulphur Creek Route in Capitol Reef National Park

Sulphur Creek Route

A perennial stream, Sulphur Creek has cut a deep canyon through the oldest rocks at Capitol Reef.

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Sulphur Creek Route Details

A perennial stream, Sulphur Creek has cut a deep canyon through the oldest rocks at Capitol Reef. The hike along the creek features about two miles of scenic narrows and three small waterfalls; bypassing the falls requires hikers to scramble down 12-foot ledges. The route usually requires walking in some shallow water, but it is not uncommon for hikers to encounter deeper water that requires swimming. Ask at the visitor center before embarking on this route, as flash floods are an occasional hazard on this non-maintained trail. The 5.5-mile one-way hike through Sulphur Creek Canyon requires hikers to leave a shuttle vehicle at each end, or else a 3-mile hike along Hwy. 24 to return to the starting point. Access the upper end of the route via the Chimney Rock trailhead, three miles west of the visitor center on Hwy. 24. The route ends at the visitor center.

Difficulty

Moderate

Distance

5.5 miles

Estimated time

Region

N/A

Nearby Parks Around Sulphur Creek Route

Compare nearby parks around Sulphur Creek Route when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

2.8 mi away

Capitol Reef

National Park · UT

66.3 mi away

Bryce Canyon

National Park · UT

81.0 mi away

Canyonlands

National Park · UT

93.5 mi away

Arches

National Park · UT

119.9 mi away

Zion

National Park · UT

159.7 mi away

Great Basin

National Park · NV

Nearby Points of Interest Around Sulphur Creek Route

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Sulphur Creek Route while the map context is still fresh.

0.0 mi away

Chimney Rock Trailhead

The Chimney Rock Trailhead is the starting point for two of Capitol Reef's more challenging trails: the Chimney Rock Loop and the Spring Canyon Route.

0.1 mi away

Chimney Rock Trail

The Chimney Rock Trail is a strenuous 3.6-mile (one-way) loop.

0.2 mi away

Chimney Rock

Accessible via the Chimney Rock Trail, just inside the west entrance to Capitol Reef along Hwy. 24, Chimney Rock stands as an impressive sentinel over the desert below.

0.3 mi away

Under Pressure Exhibit Pullout

The Waterpocket Fold is the result of pressure caused by tectonic plates pressing together about 60 million years ago.

0.7 mi away

Panorama Point Parking Area

It's just a short walk from the Panorama Point parking lot to Panorama Point itself.