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Spring Hikes in Capitol Reef

Spring Hikes in Capitol Reef

Posted in: Outdoor adventures, Travel on April 28, 2022.

Got Spring Fever?

It’s such a great time of year! The deserts of Southern Utah are blooming, the weather is the perfect temperature, and the trails are calling out to all adventurers. Spring Fever is official here. And it just so happens that we at the Lodge know the cure: hiking in Capitol Reef! Here’s the best spring hikes that you can tackle in our favorite national park.

A natural stone arch in Capitol Reef

Photo by Intricate Explorer via unsplash.com

Spring Day Hiking Trails

Hickman Bridge – This is one of the most popular trails in the park, Hickman Bridge is an easy, 2-mile roundtrip hike with some mild elevation changes. The hike will lead you to a 133 foot natural stone bridge that you can walk around and explore. We recommend this one for families or people you are new to desert hiking.

Rim Overlook – If you’re up for a bit of a challenge, continue from Hickman Bridge to the the Rim Overlook. (You can’t miss the signs pointing you in the right direction.) It’s about 5-miles roundtrip with some strenuous elevation changes. But the views from the top are amazing. You get to see all of Fruita and the Waterpocket Fold.

Cohab Canyon – This is a great little canyon hike that links the two main roads in Fruita. Park at the Hickman Bridge trailhead and cross Highway 12. You’ll get a pretty easy 2-mile hike through a wash and a canyon, which will lead you to good views of the campground and the Gifford House. Park a car at the Gifford House parking lot first to shuttle yourself back to the Hickman Bridge trailhead.

The famous barn in Capitol Reef

Photo by Tracy Zhang via unsplash.com

Just the Beginning

This is just three quick ideas to get you thinking about what springtime hikes you could be doing in Capitol Reef. If you want more detailed ideas, check out our itineraries for Capitol Reef, and our Top Ten Things to Do in the park. Also, be sure to visit the official site to help plan your trip. We’ll see you out there!

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