Adventures in the Torrey Area

Adventures begin with good planning! From Day Hikes to Back Country hikes, horseback riding, and fly-fishing.

Day Hikes

In the Fruita area, there are 15 day-hiking trails with trail heads located along Utah Hwy. 24 and the Scenic Drive. These trails offer the hiker a wide variety of options, from easy strolls along smooth paths over level ground to strenuous hikes involving steep climbs over uneven terrain near cliff edges. Hikes may take you deep into a narrow gorge, to the top of high cliffs for a bird's eye view of the surrounding area, under a natural stone arch, to historic inscriptions...and much, much more! Round trip distances vary in length from less than 1/4 mile to 10 miles. All trails are well-marked with signs at the trail head and at trail junctions and by cairns (stacks of rocks) along the way. A free guide to the trails is available at the visitor center.  Some trails have self-guiding brochures which are available, for a nominal fee, at the trail head or at the visitor center.

 

Back Country Hikes

Capitol Reef offers many hiking options for serious backpackers and those who enjoy exploring remote areas. Marked hiking routes lead into narrow, twisting gorges and slot canyons and to spectacular viewpoints high atop the Waterpocket Fold. Popular back country hikes in the southern section of the park include Upper and Lower Muley Twist Canyons and Halls Creek. Back country hiking opportunities also exist in the Cathedral Valley area and near Fruita...the possibilities are endless! Stop in the visitor center and talk to a ranger if you are interested in a back country hike. They can help you pick out a hike that will fit your time and abilities. If you plan to take an overnight hike, you need to obtain a free back country permit at the visitor center prior to your trip. Back country group size cannot exceed 12 people.

POPULAR BACKCOUNTRY ROUTES

THE PETROGLYPH PULLOUT WALK

After a leisurely tour of the museum displays in the Visitor Center, take a walk along the "Petroglyph Pullout" on Utah Hwy 24, 1 1/2 miles east of the Visitor Center. Petroglyphs and pictographs, the so-called "rock art" of prehistoric peoples, have long held a special fascination for young and old alike. From the parking area, a short path leads to the base of the Wingate Sandstone cliff. Visible from this viewpoint are some of the most interesting petroglyph panels at Capitol Reef (see photo above).

Please DO NOT attempt to climb the talus slope in front of you. Use a telephoto lens for close-up photographs. Rock art panels are very fragile and many have already been seriously damaged through vandalism, carelessness, or ignorance. DO NOT TOUCH ANY PETROGLYPHS OR PICTOGRAPHS. Each touch removes a few more sand grains from the rock surface. We need your cooperation to protect and preserve these treasures of the past.

The pathway that leads to the east parallels the base of the cliff for about 500 feet and provides an opportunity for easy viewing of additional examples of Fremont rock art.

The path is uneven and narrow in places and may become slippery when wet. There are shady places along the way so the walk is not unpleasant even at midday. Many of the petroglyphs visible from the path are badly weathered and difficult to spot, especially in certain lighting. There is no best time of day or year for viewing - lighting conditions change from hour to hour and sometimes from minute to minute, depending on the play of sunshine and shadow on the cliff face. Take your time, walk a short distance, stop and explore the sheer Windgate Sandstone cliff with your eyes. Then, go a bit further and repeat the process. The excitement and thrill of discovering a petroglyph panel for yourself is a major part of the enjoyment of petroglyph watching and will be a rich reward for your patience and effort.

About 500 feet down the path are the last petroglyphs along this section of the cliff: a large beautifully done image of a bighorn sheep and, on a large detached slab, the head and shoulders of a nearly life-size human figure. From this point, you can retrace your route, taking the left-hand fork in the path just before you reach the irrigation ditch crossing. This will bring you back to the parking area.

Guided Hikes

For unparalleled adventure in the Capitol Reef National Park area, check out Bill's Guided Tours, and other Outfitters .

Horseback Trails Around Torrey

South Draw

Access to Tantalus Flats and Boulder Mountain or return down Pleasant Creek.

Old Wagon Trail

Access to Miners Mountain with good views of the Waterpocket Fold.

Halls Creek

Access from The Post south through Halls Creek drainage.

The South Desert

Access from the Upper or Lower South Desert Overlook, or from Utah Hwy 24.

Many other rides of varying length and duration are possible. The availability of water is a limiting factor in the use of horses and pack animals. Please talk with a ranger at the visitor center for information on rides, water, current conditions, to obtain a back country use permit, or if you have any questions regarding stock use in the park.

Fly-fishing

Our incredible high mountain lakes coupled with off the beaten path small
stream fishing makes southern Utah a fly-fishing destination you won't soon
forget. Red River Outfitters has been fishing these waters for many years
and would love to show you why our waters are some of the finest.  They are a full-service outfitter for Utah's rivers, and can arrange a fine experience for your group (call 435-425-3669 for details).

The Fremont River is the crown jewel of Utah'­s less traveled trophy trout
waters. Southern Utah is home to many other quality fly-fishing on moving
and Stillwater fisheries. Perhaps, the most demanding dry fly fishing you will ever encounter, the Fremont River is a surreal experience, that at many levels will teach you more about fly fishing than you ever thought possible. At times with crystal
clear slow moving water and lush riparian zones, set against the stark
contrast of the Red Rocks of Capitol Reef, the Fremont can pierce
your soul.

Here you will find some enormous Browns, Rainbows, Brookies, Cutthroat and
Tiger Trout consistently rising to strong hatches of aquatic insects
throughout the season. An angler will quickly see what makes the Fremont
River, the Boulder Mountains, Fishlake Mountains, Thousand Lakes Mountain,
Markagunt Plateau and other neighboring streams or lakes so sought after.
Our guides can help you unlock the secrets of the area and teach you the
necessary skills to succeed. Any fly angler that is able to learn the basics
of fishing these waters will suddenly find that all other places become
easier and more enjoyable to fish.