Hike Lower Muley Twist Canyon, Capitol Reef National Park

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Lower Muley Twist Canyon in Capitol Reef National Park offers many options for side trips and off-trail exploring. The 6 mile (9.7 km) one way hike is in a deep, narrow, twisting canyon with large alcoves. Leave a vehicle at each end. From 1881 to 1884, the canyon served as a wagon route for Mormon pioneers traveling south toward San Juan County. The canyon was thought to be narrow enough to "twist a mule" hence the name Muley Twist. The Muley Twist Canyon Road is located 1 mile (1.6 km) west of the top of the Burr Trail Road switchbacks. Passenger cars can be driven a half-mile in to the Muley Twist Canyon trailhead. The hike can also be done from The Post trailhead. A sign marks the point where The Post cutoff trail joins Lower Muley Twist Canyon. Continuing left (south), large alcoves highlight this portion of the canyon. Here the Kayenta formation has been undercut, forming high overhangs. The canyon continues south for over eight miles (12.9 km). Near the end of Lower Muley Twist is a huge alcove, after which the canyon turns toward the east and becomes very narrow with high walls. Som eof the various distances in along the trails: Burr Trail Road trailhead to The Post cutoff trail: 3.8 miles (6.2 km) The Post cutoff trail to the Post trailhead, one-way: 2.1 miles (3.3 km) Burr Trail Road trailhead to Halls Creek drainage: 12.4 miles (20.0 km) Junction of Lower Muley Twist and Halls Creek drainage to The Post trailhead: 4.7 miles (7.6 km) Total mileage for upper loop (Burr Trail Road trailhead to The Post cutoff trail and return via the Burr Trail Road): 10.7 miles (17.4 km) Total mileage for lower loop (from The Post trailhead and back): 15.4 miles (24.8 km) Total mileage for entire loop Burr Trail Road trailhead to Halls Creek drainageand return via the Burr Trail Road: 21.9 miles (35.5 km) Total mileage for entire loop: Burr Trail Road trailhead to Halls Creek drainageand return via The Post cutoff trail: 22.8 miles (36.9 km) WARNING: Use caution in narrow canyons, particularly during the flash flood season (typically July-September).

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