Sunset Point Trail in Capitol Reef National Park

Sunset Point Trail

The very short, easy Sunset Point Trail is a mere 4/10 of a mile from the parking area to the scenic Sunset Point overlook.

Plan Around Sunset Point Trail

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Sunset Point Trail Details

The very short, easy Sunset Point Trail is a mere 4/10 of a mile from the parking area to the scenic Sunset Point overlook, over mostly level ground, so hikers earn a great view from 800 feet up with minimal effort. The view after the short walk is of a desert river valley and distant buttes striped with layers of eroded sedimentary rock. The colors on these come vividly to life during the sunsets that give this trail its name. To reach the trailhead, follow the Goosenecks Road off Hwy. 24 about 2.4 miles west of the visitor center. Follow the sign for Panorama Point, an overlook that features a parking area, and pass it by, continuing on the dirt track for a bit until reaching the end of the road and the Goosenecks parking area, about a mile further on from Panorama Point.

Difficulty

Low

Distance

0.4 mile

Estimated time

20 minutes

Region

N/A

Nearby Parks Around Sunset Point Trail

Compare nearby parks around Sunset Point Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

2.0 mi away

Capitol Reef

National Park · UT

65.8 mi away

Bryce Canyon

National Park · UT

80.7 mi away

Canyonlands

National Park · UT

93.4 mi away

Arches

National Park · UT

119.5 mi away

Zion

National Park · UT

160.4 mi away

Great Basin

National Park · NV

Nearby Points of Interest Around Sunset Point Trail

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Sunset Point Trail while the map context is still fresh.

0.0 mi away

Goosenecks Trail

Not a hike but a stroll, the Goosenecks Trail leads just 600 feet from the parking lot to Goosenecks Point.

0.1 mi away

Goosenecks Point

Maybe this overlook gets its name from visitors craning their neck to take yet another amazing Capitol Reef view?

0.2 mi away

Sunset Point

Your view is of a desert river valley and, notably, more distant buttes striped with layer upon layer of eroded sedimentary rock.

0.5 mi away

Panorama Point

Dramatic views await at the aptly named Panorama Point: take your selfie stick photo here!

0.6 mi away

Panorama Point Parking Area

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