Spring Hiking at Its Finest

By March, the trails at Capitol Reef have had a long winter to themselves. The summer crowds are still months away, the air is crisp and clear, and the desert light — that low, warm, golden quality you only get in the shoulder seasons — makes every walk feel a little more special than it would in the peak of summer. So if you’re planning a spring trip to Southern Utah, here are our picks for the trails worth putting at the top of your list.

Hickman Bridge Trail

1.8 miles round trip | ~400 ft elevation gain | Moderate

This is the classic Capitol Reef hike. And honestly, it earns the title. The trail winds through a narrow wash and up slickrock terrain to a 133-foot natural sandstone arch that’s pretty hard to believe until you’re standing under it. In March, the low-angle light makes the red rock absolutely glow, and you’ll likely have the trail almost entirely to yourself. The creek crossing near the beginning can run a bit higher than usual with early snowmelt — just a good thing to know before you head out. Worth every step.

Photo by Leslie Cross via unsplash.com

Cohab Canyon Trail

1.7 miles one way | ~440 ft elevation gain | Moderate

Named for the Mormon polygamists — or “cohabitants” — who allegedly hid in this canyon from federal marshals in the 1880s, Cohab is one of those trails that rewards you quickly. The initial climb is steep but short. Once you’re in the canyon, the trail opens into a narrow red-walled passage full of character. Come out the other side and you’ve got expansive views across the park, looking back down over Fruita and the Fremont River valley. March mornings up here are among the finest Capitol Reef has to offer.

Grand Wash

4.4 miles round trip | ~100 ft elevation gain | Easy

Grand Wash is one of Capitol Reef’s great easy hikes — a flat, level walk through a dramatic canyon with sheer walls that tower 800 feet on either side. In spring, the wash can carry a little water from snowmelt, which adds sound and life to what is normally a dry corridor. Watch for raptors overhead — the high walls are prime hunting and nesting grounds for falcons and ravens throughout March and April. It’s a perfect option on a slower morning, and ideal for families with young kids.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Rim Overlook & Navajo Knobs

9.4 miles round trip to Navajo Knobs | ~2,240 ft elevation gain | Strenuous

This is the big one. The trail starts at the same trailhead as Hickman Bridge, then climbs steadily above the canyon floor to a series of rim viewpoints with sweeping panoramas of the Waterpocket Fold, the Henry Mountains, and the southern expanse of the park. Most hikers turn around at the Rim Overlook (4.4 miles round trip), which is rewarding on its own. The full route to Navajo Knobs adds even more extraordinary terrain. In March, conditions are typically excellent — cool, clear, uncrowded. Plan on a full day and bring more water than you think you need.

Fremont River Trail

2.0 miles round trip | ~25 ft elevation gain | Easy

Sometimes the best hike is the one that asks the least of you. The Fremont River Trail follows the river through the Fruita Historic District — shaded by cottonwoods, alongside moving water, with the orchards and old pioneer homesteads right there. In March, the first wildflowers start showing up along the south-facing banks, and bird activity in the riparian zone picks up noticeably as migration gets going. It’s a perfect morning walk before breakfast. A lovely way to ease into the park on your first day.

Photo by Annie Spratt via unsplash.com

A Few Things to Know Before You Hike in March

• Layers are essential — March mornings can be cold, sometimes below freezing before sunrise. You’ll warm up fast once you’re moving and the sun is up, but starting a hike without the ability to add warmth on shaded stretches can make for a rough beginning. Pack a light fleece and a wind shell at minimum.
• Check trail conditions — Early March can bring lingering wet or icy conditions on north-facing trails and higher elevation routes. The Capitol Reef Visitor Center rangers are genuinely helpful for pointing you toward trails in the best shape on any given day. Stop in before you head out.
• Flash flood awareness — Slot canyons and wash-bottom trails are beautiful in spring, and they can be dangerous when rain falls upstream. Check the weather before heading into any canyon or wash, and keep in mind that storms forming over the high country can send water rushing through terrain that looks perfectly dry at your feet.

Get Out There

The Lodge at Red River Ranch is within 10 to 20 minutes of all of these trailheads by car. Come back for a long lunch, rest up, then head back out for the afternoon light. That’s the rhythm of a good spring day in Capitol Reef. And if you haven’t got a place to land yet, we’ve got rooms and we’d love to have you.