I am thrilled to bring to you another amazing secret hike in a National Park! I have been so eager to share this one with you because it is one of the most fun hikes you will ever do. Seriously! You and your family will love it.
Capitol Reef is probably the least-known National Park in Utah, but is one of my favorite areas to visit. This hike is called Sulphur Creek, and while technically it is a backcountry trail (you can find it on the map), you are not provided with any additional information. That is why I consider this a secret hike, because you definitely have to know what you are looking for.
The reason this hike is SO MUCH FUN is because the river is your trail. Much like the very popular and busy Narrows trail in Zion, you get a similar experience without all of the time and preparation. The Sulphur Creek trail is shorter and more kid-friendly with spectacular views and three beautiful waterfalls.
What You Need to Know
Whenever I have hiked the Sulphur Creek Trail in the past, I have taken the traditional route. This route is about 6 miles and requires a shuttle car parked at the Visitor Center to get back to the trailhead. If you can do the whole route, I definitely recommend it!
This weekend, John and I decided to try hiking up from the Visitor Center to see if we could find a nice hike for someone who didn’t want to worry about a shuttle car or who had small children that might not make it the whole 6 miles. What we found was great! It didn’t require any climbing or scrambling (which made me feel better with a little baby in tow) but we still got to hike in the water and see a waterfall.
This hike is best done in the middle of the day, when it is hot and sunny. It is very refreshing and nice way to cool down. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks. You will want to wear shoes that can get wet and dirty but have good traction. I like to wear my hiking sandals (chacos). Also, check the weather before you go because flash floods can sweep through this route. The water level in the creek should not be much higher than your ankles (mid-calves in some deeper spots) for the hike to be safe.
Take small steps! This creek has a lot of sediments which makes it hard to see the bottom.
To Hike the Traditional Route: Park at the Chimney Rock Trailhead and cross Highway 24 to get to the trail (don’t take the Chimney Rock Trail). You will see a dry wash that looks like a trail. This is where you begin.
For the first 1.5 miles of the Sulphur Creek Trail, follow the dry wash. When you reach the creek, take a left and hike for another 1.5 miles. From here, you will hike through the Goosenecks, the First Waterfall, the Second Waterfall, and the Narrows before finally reaching the Third Waterfall.
The most stunning section of this trail is the 1.7 miles between the First and Third Waterfalls. When you reach the Third Waterfall, it’s just another 0.7 miles or so to the Visitor Center. Some non-technical bouldering and scrambling is required to get past the waterfalls. Just remember, for the first two waterfalls the trail is to the right. For the last waterfall, you will want to go down on the left side.
The hike ends when you get to the Visitor Center, at which point you will need to drive your shuttle car back to Chimney Rock, or walk the 3 miles along the highway.
To Hike the Shortened Route: Park at the Visitor Center. To the right of the Visitor Center, you will find a trail that leads down to the water. Take a left when you get to the water, and just follow the creek for approximately 0.7 miles to the waterfall. Return the same way you came.
Getting Here
From Torrey, take Highway 24 east for about 11 miles to get to the Visitor Center. If you are taking the traditional route, park a car here, and then with the other car, drive west on Highway 24 for 3 miles to get to the Chimney Rock Trailhead to start the trail.
If you are taking the shortened route, your hike will start at the Visitor Center so you can just park there and begin.
Hello Ash,
Do you recommend hiking sticks for either regular or the short route?
We aren’t hikers, but I am excited to go.
We are 39 / 45 / 16/ 14…
I think hiking sticks would get in the way more than anything as you’re trying to navigate around the waterfalls. I wouldn’t bring them, but if you need them, you could make it work!
So if I’m looking at the shortened hike for younger kids, how long is the hike total and do you get any of the cool waterfall hiking, like that #1-#3 stretch? Thanks so much. I’m so excited to go with my kids.
It’s about 1.5 miles roundtrip and you’ll get to see the last waterfall. It’s fun!
Thanks so much for replying. If I’m going from the VC backwards, how far past the 3rd waterfall does it take to get into the narrows section? Do you have to go the full 1.7 past the 3rd waterfall? Thanks
It can be a challenge going up the river from that direction. If you’re wanting to make it up into the Narrows, I’d try to shuttle and just hike the traditional route from top to bottom if you can.
Thank you so much for posting about this hike!! I would encourage anyone looking for adventure to do this!! It is beautiful! We got a little nervous wading through the water after the first waterfall but some people close behind with through with ease, so it gave us some peace of mind! Capital reef has exceeded all of my expectations!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Love your suggestions – thank you for this post! We have Capitol Reef on our list of stops and this hike looks wonderful. With one car and a short amount of time we will opt for the start from the Visitor’s Center. I have a question, not sure wether I am reading it correctly.
Traditional Hike 1.5 mi (dry wash) + 1.5 miles (creek) + 1.7 mi (1st-3rd waterfalls) + .7 to VC + 3mi back to car on road = 8.4 miles total hike
Short Hike VC to 3rd waterfall .7 miles and return or add 1.7mi to 1st waterfall and 1.7 mi back to 3rd + .7 return to VC = 4.8mi total hike
To add onto the short hike the 1st and 2nd waterfalls you said it was tough going – can you explain a little more on that portion of the hike. Also is the 3rd waterfall enough to satisfy if we just went there and back.
Thank you!
Yes, that’s right. It’s typically more difficult to climb up the waterfalls than down, which is why it will be more challenging to get to the 1st waterfall from the visitor center. Just going to the 3rd waterfall doesn’t take you through the narrows of the creek, so it isn’t as exciting as the other parts of the trail. But, you get a good taste of hiking through the water and seeing something beautiful, so it’s a great option if you need something shorter. Enjoy!
How far is the shortened trail? Looking forward to seeing this – glad I found this post!
About 3 miles or so!
We hiked this trail yesterday and was absolutely stunning. Had been to 4/5 mighty 5 already and this might have been our favorite. There were a couple spots near the waterfalls where the water did go up to our chest but was super refreshing. We didn’t have a shuttle car because we just had our rv and highly recommend that you do have one or the walk from the visitors center to the trailhead is quite long – we did get a nice person that picked us up closer to the end of this walk and drop us off at our rv. All-around worth every second though!
Glad you enjoyed it!
WOW just WOW thank you so much for sharing this – it was the one hike we were able to do due to park being closed our fist day in. We made it to the first waterfall and every step was simply breath taking. We decided to turn around from there and hike back to Chimney Rock in lieu going all the way through and walking the 3 miles back to our car, wish we would have done that now though. Not even our hotel front desk knew about this trail, she had been in Torrey 11 hears and was shocked when i told her about it. Truly an amazing experience and worth every step. We cant wait to go back and finish this hike and check out the others you have mentioned. THANK YOU so much!!
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Hi Ash,
Thank you for your sharing this amazing hike and helpful tips for navigating! My husband and I tackled Sulphur Creek earlier this week and the beautiful scenery was just as you described it-BREATHTAKING! An added plus was the fact that we didn’t have to share our experience, we never encountered even one other fellow hiker.
Unfortunately, I misunderstood that a park shuttle would be able to transport us to the trailhead. Once we learned a shuttle is not an option, we decided to walk the 3+ miles down the road to the start of the trail. I definitely wouldn’t recommend it in the July heat. The asphalt was giving off its own heat, the shoulder is quite narrow in most spots and traffic was fairly steady in the midafternoon. We are traveling from out of state so a second car was not an option and I was not willing to give up on the full experience of this hike. Needless to say, my hiking partner did not share my enthusiasm once we started the sweltering 3 mile walk. However, all was forgiven when we made it to the creek. The crystal clear cool water was just what our overheated feet needed. And the serenity of the place almost made us whisper our conversations. So gorgeous!
I’m not certain we would have been able to navigate around the third waterfall without your direction to go down in the left side. I am on the short side, a little over 5 ft tall, so I decided to give my backpack a good toss onto the dry shore from the right side of the waterfall since I couldn’t tell how deep it was and didn’t want to soak my pack. The pool under the waterfall went up to my chest so I was glad I opted for the cautious route.
Just wanted to give a heads up about those specific items and once again thank you for sharing your amazing hike information!! My husband and I both agree this was by far our favorite hike out of several others we completed at Arches, Canyonlands and Bryce Canyon National Parks.
Hey Anna,
Glad you made it to the hike and enjoyed it!! It’s still one of my favorite hikes in the Utah parks, so I totally agree with your conclusion. Thanks for sharing your experience — happy traveling!
Ash
Thank you for this site, it’s amazing! My husband and I have been all over S. Utah, but never to Capital Reef and are really excited to go. We have 3 kids, 2, 5 & 6. If we took the trail slowly (stopping to rest, play, take pictures), would the 6 miles be doable for the older 2? How much bouldering is involved? Thanks!!
It might be ok, but it totally depends on the kids! Hiking in the water is more grueling than just hiking on a regular trail…it’s also more fun. But it does take a lot longer, even without stopping. And the waterfall sections can be challenging as you work your way down and over the rocks. I love hiking the whole trail when it’s just me and my friends, but with our kids {ages 2 and 5} we usually just hike up from the Visitor Center and do the shortened version. They still get to play in the water and see a waterfall, but it’s not as long and stressful and we don’t have to rush. You’ll love Capitol Reef…have a great time!!
I’m from Australia and a friend (from the internet who I’ve never actually met) has just been hiking in this area. I’d never heard of it but now, after a little research, I’m definitely going next March. So, thank you so much for your timely information.
Cheers from Down Under
Enjoy! And bring warm clothes…it’s chilly in March :)
Ash, love your work! This hike sounds amazing. I’m not sure how we’d be able to pull off a shuttle car, and 12 miles out and back is definitely too much. It sounds like if we leave from the Visitor Center, and hike 2.4 miles each way, that will cover the most beautiful section, and all 3 waterfalls. Am understanding that right?
Thanks!
Hey Nathan,
You could definitely do that, just know that it’s much harder to go up the waterfalls if you hike from the Visitor Center!
Thanks so much for this info. I’ve been going to Utah for a few years now and Cap. Reef is one of my “regulars”.
Would it be possible to start from the visitors center and camp somewhere near Chimney Rock then return?
You might be able to do that, but I’d talk to the rangers to be sure. Capitol Reef is a great park for backpacking and you’re able to camp all over the park, but there are a few regulations I’d check on first.
THANK YOU SO MUCH! This site is awesome! We’re doing a road trip from Nor Cal to take our daughter to her first year at University of Utah, visiting Zion, Bryce and Capitol Reef along the way and this changes everything!
Enjoy Utah! You’ll love it!
This looks like so much fun! We will be there in August with the grandparents and a 4 and 7 year old. We’re all pretty adventurous and used to hiking (we’re from Colorado). Our soon to be 4 year old’s hiking limit is currently 3-4 mi (not too shabby but we’re not sure she could handle 5 mi one way). How much farther past the first waterfalls would we need to go to catch a glimpse of the slot if we wanted to do an out and back hike from the visitor’s center>
If you’re hiking up from the Visitor Center, it’s quite a bit harder to get past that waterfall and continue on your hike. It can be done, but it’s a pretty sketchy climb. The slot starts pretty soon after though. The best section of trail is between the First and Third Waterfalls, which is only 1.7 miles in length. You could certainly try to get up in there from the Visitor Center.
We do have a 3 year old that wouldn’t make it the whole 6 miles, so last time we were there we hiked the shortened version with him and then we split up our group of adults {so no one had to hike alone} and took turns hiking the traditional route. You know your group and your limits, so do what feels best and have a great time!!
We visited Capitol Reef last spring and absolutely love it! So much so that we plan to head down from SLC for the New Year weekend.
Do you suggest this as a winter hike? If the water is unavoidable, it won’t be enjoyable with the cold temps. Any recommendations for winter travel?
The luxury of a local…off season travel. Cold temps but solitude.
Thanks for sharing your experience Ash!
Hey Dennis! Isn’t Capitol Reef amazing?! I wouldn’t attempt this hike in the winter if you’re looking to avoid the water {which as you said, it won’t be enjoyable..or safe..to hike in water during the winter}. I have a few suggestions, but not sure of what you’ve already done in the park. Email me at ash{at}dirtinmyshoes{dot}com and we can chat about some options!
Happy New Year!
Thanks for the tip on this hike. Capital Reef has become possibly my favorite park in Utah. We visit monthly during the summer months…with the harvest always a favorite. We have hiked and re-hiked the known trails, but never knew of this hidden gem! This will definitely be added to our favorites. It is a great hike for all ages and abilities. We hiked it on Sunday (Memorial weekend) and even though the park was packed we only encountered a few groups (of all ages/abilities!). My only concern with this hike would be flash floods…since you are right at the visitors center, super easy to pop in and ask. Better safe. Flash floods are not to be messed with!!
Glad you liked it! Capitol Reef is an amazing park…probably even my favorite Utah park. Thanks for the reminder about the flash floods. This hike is definitely somewhere you don’t want to be during that kind of weather!
You didn’t mention quicksand. Isn’t that a concern?
The river is quite rocky and quicksand isn’t much of a concern in the area, although it is wise to be on the lookout for hazards like that. I personally have never encountered any problems though.
we going on our 5 park road trip this summer, and i can’t wait! i’m trying to gather all sorts of info on the parks, so this is a great post. thanks!
b
Glad it’s helpful! Have a great trip!
Thanks for the hiking tip! We’re staying this weekend outside Torrey and I’m excited to find a cool new hike for my grandkids. We love hiking in Utah’s National Parks but this is our first visit ti Capitol Reef!
Capitol Reef is a great park…and a great one to visit to avoid the Memorial Day weekend crowds. Have a great time with your grandkids!!
26 days until we make our way to see all 5 of Utah’s amazing National Parks! Thank you for these suggestions. We will try to check them out.
I’m so excited for you to see all 5!!! This hike will be perfect in the summer heat…it is probably my favorite one on the list. Please let me know if you have any additional questions!
So beautiful! I hadn’t even heard of Capitol Reef National Park, and now I know I need to visit! Thank you for sharing your secret hikes – this is a good find!
Brittany, you should come out to Utah and hit all 5 National Parks! I’m glad that you are enjoying the secret hikes…I am happy to share them with you :)
Thanks
I’m happy to help!
This looks like so much fun. Can you believe I haven’t hiked since I was in the girl scouts?! Yup its time to get me and my family active in this world. I would love to highlight one of your posts/suggestions for “The Bless Earth Challenge” I have going up on my blog May 1st. :-)
Iris, I am honored and would love to be a part of your challenge. Let me know what I can do!
I would love to go over the details with you! Please shoot me an email.
we loved visiting capitol reef! :) it was really brief.. and we only got to do a really short hike through it.. but i can’t wait to be back and explore more. i love that you’re finding all these secret hikes. i wish i lived closer so i could do the same and find random spots.
Esther, this hike would be right up your alley. You guys would love it! You need to back to Capitol Reef…there is so much to see.
This is a great tip! Waterfalls, kid friendly, great views, less known. Sounds perfect! We may need to add this to our summer bucket list…Thank you!
Brooke, you won’t be sorry if you go. It seriously may be the most fun hike I have ever done and your kids will love it :)
This looks like such a beautiful national park! I would love to visit someday and go hiking.
It is beautiful, but not many people know about it (which actually makes it nice because you feel like you have it all to yourself)!
It looks absolutely beautiful, so scenic and peaceful!
It is. You will have to make it there sometime :)
I would love to be able to visit here and take a hike on this trail! I love finding hidden spots like this (hiking or not). That first photo is so beautiful. I bet it’s such a peaceful place.
There is nothing like finding a place that is less-traveled. It was so peaceful too! We had it all to ourselves.
We just recently went to Capitol Reef and loved it! We are planning on going back later this summer and we will definitely try this hike! I love it when we end up at waterfalls.
Ali, don’t you love Capitol Reef?! You have to do this hike! Your girls would LOVE it :)