Hike Upper Muley Twist Canyon, Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

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Upper Muley Twist Canyon in Capitol Reef National Park offers many options for side trips and off-trail exploring. It includes narrow canyons, expanses of slickrock, large arches, and dramatic vistas from the top of the Waterpocket Fold. It's 15 miles (24.1 km) roundtrip from the Upper Muley Twist Canyon trailhead (best done as an overnight hike). From the Strike Valley Overlook parking area, the trip is 9 miles (14.5 km) and can be done as a long day hike or as an overnight. Backcountry permits are required for all overnight trips and can be obtained at the visitor center. The Upper 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 Upper Muley Twist Canyon trailhead. Four-wheel drive vehicles, and often high clearance two-wheel drive vehicles, can drive 3 miles (4.8 km) up the canyon to the Strike Valley Overlook parking area. Route Distances: Upper Muley Twist Canyon trailhead (at Burr Trail Road) to Strike Valley Overlook parking area: 2.9 miles (4.7 km) Strike Valley Overlook trail (one-way from parking area to viewpoint): 0.4 mile (0.6 km) Strike Valley Overlook parking area to Saddle Arch: 1.7 miles (2.7 km) Saddle Arch to start of narrows: 2.3 miles (3.7 km) Start of narrows to rim route (upper access): 0.6 mile (1.0 km) Saddle Arch to upper end of rim route (via rim): 2.7 miles (4.3 km) Total distance of loop portion of route: 5.6 miles (9.0 km) Total round-trip from Strike Valley Overlook parking area: 9.0 miles (14.5 km) Total round-trip from Upper Muley Twist Canyon trailhead (at Burr Trail Road): 14.8 miles (23.8 km) WARNING: Use caution in narrow canyons, particularly during the flash flood season (typically July-September).

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