Cohab Canyon Trail Capitol Reef National Park
Discover hidden slot canyons and breathtaking vistas on this moderate trail in Capitol Reef, an underrated gem of Utah's national parks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Cohab Canyon Trail Capitol Reef National Park
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover hidden slot canyons and breathtaking vistas on this moderate trail in Capitol Reef, an underrated gem of Utah's national parks.
"You're literally hiking through a creek, past waterfalls and red rock canyons — and barely anyone knows this exists."
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
The desert is dry! Stay hydrated on this moderate trail.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Uneven terrain and slot canyon exploration require good footwear.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cohab Canyon Views
Cohab Canyon Trail
Hike through a moderate trail with stunning canyon vistas and colorful autumn foliage.
Hidden Slot Canyons
Along Cohab Canyon Trail
Discover and climb through several unexpected slot canyons, offering a thrilling adventure.
Pioneer Register
Capitol Gorge Trail (accessible from Cohab Canyon area)
See historical carvings by pioneers, cowboys, and settlers etched into sandstone walls.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Trail Conditions & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
The desert is dry! Stay hydrated on this moderate trail.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Uneven terrain and slot canyon exploration require good footwear.
☀️ Avoid Midday Sun
Hike early or late to escape the intense desert heat.
🗺️ Check Trail Conditions
Be aware of potential flash floods, especially after rain.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
The desert is dry! Stay hydrated on this moderate trail.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Uneven terrain and slot canyon exploration require good footwear.
☀️ Avoid Midday Sun
Hike early or late to escape the intense desert heat.
🗺️ Check Trail Conditions
Be aware of potential flash floods, especially after rain.
📸 Capture the Views
The colorful foliage and canyon landscapes are stunning.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unexpected slot canyon exploration on Cohab Canyon Trail, calling it a thrilling and unique experience. The trail offers beautiful canyon views and is surprisingly less crowded than other park attractions. Some find the moderate difficulty and elevation gain challenging, but the payoff is well worth the effort.
"This trail is 3.5 miles out and back and can take you to the Gifford Pie House from the Hickman Bridge parking lot. This is not a popular trail so we hardly saw anyone our entire time even though it was middle of spring break. There was no mention of slot canyons on any of the descriptions but we there were at least half a dozen that we explored, walked into, and climbed around."
Ellen Welter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cohab Canyon Trail is located in the Fruita district of Capitol Reef National Park. Access is typically from the North Fruita Overlook or via connecting trails from the Hickman Bridge parking lot. It's about a 3-hour drive from Grand Junction.
The trailhead for Cohab Canyon is generally accessible by standard vehicles, but the park itself has remote areas like Cathedral Valley that require high-clearance or 4WD vehicles.
If you're coming from Bryce Canyon towards Arches, Capitol Reef is a logical stop. Cohab Canyon can be a great quick stop for a 1-2 hour exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No permits are required for Cohab Canyon Trail. It's a popular, yet often less crowded, trail within Capitol Reef National Park.
Capitol Reef National Park has an entrance fee per vehicle. Check the official NPS website for current pricing and passes.
Currently, there are no timed entry requirements for Cohab Canyon Trail. However, it's always wise to check the park's official website for any last-minute changes.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Cohab Canyon Trail is approximately 3 miles round trip and is considered moderate. It can take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and how much time you spend exploring.
Cohab Canyon Trail is rated as moderate. It involves significant elevation gain (around 800 feet) and can have uneven terrain, especially when exploring the slot canyons.
Yes, surprisingly, the trail features several slot canyons that hikers can explore and climb through, offering a unique and thrilling experience.
While moderate, beginners can tackle Cohab Canyon if they are prepared with water and sturdy shoes. The slot canyon exploration might be challenging for some.
The trail offers stunning views of the Fruita valley and surrounding colorful rock formations. The higher you climb, the more expansive the vistas become.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining
The Gifford House, known for its delicious fruit pies and ice cream, is a popular stop after hiking in the area. It's a great way to refuel.
While there aren't designated picnic areas directly on the trail, you can find picnic spots in the Fruita district of the park. Remember to pack out all trash.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the colors of the canyon and foliage. Early morning can also provide soft light and fewer crowds.
The trail is ideal for landscape photography, capturing the vast desert scenery, colorful rock formations, and the unique slot canyons.
Drone usage is restricted in all US National Parks, including Capitol Reef. Please check the park's official regulations regarding drone operation.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The chance to scramble through narrow passages can be a highlight for kids. Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, and consider turning back if the hike becomes too strenuous for younger ones. For a more relaxed experience with younger children, consider shorter, flatter trails in the Fruita area, like the paved path to Hickman Bridge or the easy walk to the Pioneer Register.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Consider camping within or near the park for significant savings on accommodation. The park offers campgrounds, and there are also dispersed camping options in surrounding BLM lands.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Capitol Reef's Underrated Gems
Cohab Canyon Trail exemplifies this underrated charm. It's a moderate hike that rewards visitors with stunning canyon views and, unexpectedly, the chance to explore several slot canyons.
Unlike some of the more famous slot canyons in Utah, these are often overlooked, providing a sense of discovery and adventure without the overwhelming crowds. Beyond Cohab Canyon, Capitol Reef boasts other incredible, less-visited areas. The Grand Wash and Halls Creek Narrows offer opportunities for more challenging hikes and unique geological formations.
Flash Flood Preparedness in Capitol Reef
Social media videos have highlighted the dramatic impact of flash floods, showing vehicles being swept away.
When planning your hike on Cohab Canyon Trail, always prioritize safety. If you encounter rain or see signs of flooding, seek higher ground immediately. The thrill of exploring slot canyons is immense, but it should never come at the expense of your well-being. Being informed and cautious will ensure you can enjoy the unique beauty of Capitol Reef safely.
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