Hike Capitol Gorge Pioneer Trail, Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

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Capitol Gorge is a canyon within Capitol Reef National Park in Utah. Capitol Gorge becomes deep and narrow, with several sections of almost slot-like proportions. The gorge was the main route through the park until Highway 24 was built in 1964. The 2 mile round trip hike has Petroglyphs, a pioneer register, and the famous water tanks. This hike follows the gorge for the first mile, varing in width from 50' in places to about 10' at its narrowest. The water tanks (waterpockets, potholes) play a vital role in the desert. These natural water basins collect of various sizes hold the precious water that animals, plants, and indigenous people relied on to survive in this desert. The petroglyphs are about a 1/4 of a mile into the hike. The Pioneer Register, a series of names and dates from the late 1800's thru the early 1900's is another 1/4 of a mile. Toward the east end of the canyon, hikers have the chance to climb up into the higher reaches of the Waterpocket Fold, to enjoy the view of Golden Throne from close up. The trail for this short but strenuous ascent follows switchbacks out of Capitol Gorge. WARNING: Slot canyons are particularly dangerous due to the risk of flash floods. Storms far away can send walls of water down the narrow canyons and hikers have been killed in such events. In many slot canyons, it can be miles before a safe exit or rescue is possible. Hikers should check conditions carefully and not rely on seeing the sky to judge the weather. If there is even a slight chance of rain, do not enter slot canyons.

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