This MUST HIKE trail at Capitol Reef National Park is filled with iconic views, petroglyphs, pioneer history, and a unique trail ending. After you’ve spent the day in the FRUITA HISTORIC DISTRICT, make Capitol Gorge your next stop in the park.
To the Trailhead
This national park has a beautiful scenic drive and lucky for you, the trailhead is at the end of it! You’ll see areas like Danish Hill and Slickrock Divide. There are plenty of places to pull over and enjoy the sights. At the end of the scenic drive, the road turns into Capitol Gorge Road. This is a 2.4 drive down a dirt road to the trailhead. There is no need for 4-wheel drive on this road, although it helps. Makes sure you check in with a Park Ranger before you head down the road, especially if it has rained recently.
Parking
You’ll know you’ve made it to the trailhead once you see the parking lot. There is space for around 20 or so cars. We even saw a small RV there. In addition to the trailhead and parking lot, there is also a shaded picnic area you can put to good use.
Petroglyphs
With water in hand, head out on the trail and keep your eyes to the left. Less than 0.25 miles from the trailhead, you’ll find Fremont Indian petroglyphs. We were able to find a sun, warrior, and various animals. You can spend quite a while here exploring and discovering the petroglyphs. They are really beautiful.
Pioneer Register
Once you’re done at the petroglyph panel, continue just a bit further and you’ll find the pioneer register. There are many dates and names to see. Then, you’ll want to shift your view to the right. Keep looking up as you’re walking and you’ll find more names. It’s not very far from the petroglyphs so be on the look out. We were in awe of the names because of how high up on the wall they were. There are incredible stories behind these names and you can learn all about them on the National Park website HERE
Tanks
Continue down the trail about another 0.5 miles or so and you’ll come to a sign for the tanks. This area is where the settlers came to find water.
You’ll make a short hike up and then turn back towards the canyon as if you’re walking along the top and heading back to the trailhead (but you’re not). There are metal arrows on the ground and various other trail markings so just follow those and it will lead you to the tanks. At one point, we thought we had gone too far but that wasn’t the case so just trust the trail.
The tanks were dry when we arrived but if you go in the spring you’ll probably have better luck seeing them with water than we did. There are a few to discover in the area so have fun exploring. While you’re there, think about the pioneers having to make the same trek every time they needed water. Quite amazing! Once you’re done, head back the way you came and return to your vehicle.
Consider the Wonders is a travel blog intended for entertainment purposes only. We are not RV, travel, or hiking experts and are not making recommendations. These are our opinions and you should do your own research and make your own decisions.
Consider the Wonders is not affiliated with Capitol Reef National Park or the National Park Service.
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