Chimney Rock Trail Capitol Reef National Park
Hike through otherworldly red rock landscapes to breathtaking panoramic views at Chimney Rock Trail in Capitol Reef.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Chimney Rock Trail Capitol Reef National Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike through otherworldly red rock landscapes to breathtaking panoramic views at Chimney Rock Trail in Capitol Reef.
"The views from Chimney Rock are truly out of this world, making the hike incredibly rewarding!"
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The Chimney Rock Trail is a moderate loop with significant elevation. Good hiking shoes are a must!
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months. The desert sun can be intense.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Chimney Rock Overlook
Chimney Rock Trail
Ascend to breathtaking panoramic views of Capitol Reef's unique landscape. A truly otherworldly experience.
+2
Sulphur Creek Hike
Capitol Reef National Park
Hike through a creek bed, past waterfalls and red rock canyons. A hidden gem with minimal crowds.
Pioneer Register
Capitol Gorge Trail
Discover historical carvings by pioneers and cowboys etched into sandstone walls. A glimpse into the past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Trail Essentials
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The Chimney Rock Trail is a moderate loop with significant elevation. Good hiking shoes are a must!
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months. The desert sun can be intense.
📸 Capture the Views
The landscape is stunning! Allow ample time for photos, especially from the overlook.
🗺️ Explore Hidden Gems
Don't miss Sulphur Creek for a unique water hike or the Pioneer Register for history. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The Chimney Rock Trail is a moderate loop with significant elevation. Good hiking shoes are a must!
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months. The desert sun can be intense.
📸 Capture the Views
The landscape is stunning! Allow ample time for photos, especially from the overlook.
🗺️ Explore Hidden Gems
Don't miss Sulphur Creek for a unique water hike or the Pioneer Register for history. +1
⏳ Allow 2 Hours
The Chimney Rock Trail round trip can take about 2 hours, including time for photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning, otherworldly landscapes of Capitol Reef, particularly the panoramic views from Chimney Rock. The park is praised for its unique geological formations and historical sites like the Pioneer Register. While generally less crowded than other Utah parks, some visitors note that certain trails can still be challenging due to elevation and desert conditions.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chimney Rock Trail is located towards the beginning of the Capitol Reef scenic drive. There's a small pullout for parking.
Capitol Reef National Park is accessible via Highway 24, which runs through the park. It's a common stop for road trips between other Utah national parks. +1
For a quick 1-2 hour stop, consider the Chimney Rock Trail or the Rim Overlook Trail. The Hickman Bridge trail is also a good option.
Currently, there are no public shuttle services within Capitol Reef National Park. Visitors typically use their own vehicles to explore the park's scenic drives and trailheads.
Yes, you can drive directly to the Chimney Rock Trailhead, which is situated off the main scenic drive within Capitol Reef National Park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Capitol Reef National Park has an entrance fee. Fees vary for private vehicles, motorcycles, and individuals. An America the Beautiful Pass is also accepted. Check the official NPS website for current pricing.
No specific permits are required for hiking the Chimney Rock Trail itself. However, if you plan on backcountry camping or exploring certain areas, permits may be necessary.
Capitol Reef National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, visitor centers have specific operating hours, which can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official NPS website for the most up-to-date information.
While Chimney Rock State Park in North Carolina has an elevator, the Chimney Rock Trail in Capitol Reef National Park does not. Access to the overlook is via hiking the trail.
Parking at the Chimney Rock Trailhead is included with your park entrance fee. There are designated pullouts and parking areas.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Chimney Rock Trail is a moderate 3.3-mile loop that typically takes about 2 hours to complete, including time for enjoying the views and taking photos.
The Chimney Rock Trail is considered moderate due to its elevation gain and the rocky terrain. It involves an ascent to reach the overlook.
Expect otherworldly red rock formations, stunning vistas, and a landscape that feels like another planet. The overlook offers panoramic views of the park.
Yes, nearby trails include Sulphur Creek for a unique water hike and the Capitol Gorge Trail leading to the Pioneer Register. +1
The Chimney Rock Trail is moderately challenging. While adventurous children can complete it, it may be strenuous for very young children or those unaccustomed to hiking with elevation gain.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with golden hour casting a warm glow on the red rocks.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details in the rock formations. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
The main overlook at the end of the Chimney Rock Trail provides the most iconic views. There are also various points along the trail offering different perspectives.
Drone operations are restricted in all U.S. National Parks, including Capitol Reef. Launching, landing, or operating a drone from park lands is prohibited.
Besides Chimney Rock, consider the Fruita orchards (especially in bloom or fall), the Scenic Drive, and the historic Gifford Homestead for charming scenes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure you bring plenty of snacks and water, and consider the time of day to avoid the harshest sun. 🚶 Budget Travelers
Packing your own food and water is highly recommended, as dining options within the park are limited and can be pricier. Camping within or near the park can also be a cost-effective accommodation option. 🚗 Day-Trippers
Alternatively, a quick visit to the Pioneer Register via the Capitol Gorge Trail provides a dose of history. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Capitol Reef's Unique Trails
+1 It's a popular choice for its accessibility and stunning views, often completed in about two hours. For a more adventurous and unique experience, consider the Sulphur Creek Hike. This trail involves hiking directly through a creek bed, navigating waterfalls and red rock canyons. It's described as one of the best-kept secrets in the national park system, offering pure adventure with minimal crowds and no permits required.
History buffs will appreciate the Capitol Gorge Trail, an easy half-mile path leading to the Pioneer Register. Here, you can see historical carvings made by pioneers, cowboys, and settlers who etched their names into the sandstone walls, often standing on their wagons to do so.
Best Times to Visit Capitol Reef for Fewer Crowds
Late afternoons also offer a pleasant experience, with the golden hour light creating beautiful photographic opportunities. While slightly busier than mornings, it's still a good time to visit, especially if you're aiming for sunset views.
For those seeking the ultimate solitude, visiting in November is highly recommended. The park offers the beauty of bright yellow trees, a sense of peace, and significantly fewer visitors, making it a tranquil escape.
Photography Tips for Capitol Reef National Park
+1 The overlook at the end of the trail offers the most iconic shots, but don't overlook the unique perspectives available along the trail itself. Consider visiting during the golden hours – early morning or late afternoon – when the sunlight bathes the sandstone in warm hues, creating dramatic shadows and highlights.
Beyond Chimney Rock, the park's Scenic Drive offers numerous pull-offs with photographic potential. The historic Gifford Homestead and the Fruita orchards provide charming scenes, particularly during the spring bloom or the fall harvest.
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