Hi there! Due to the increased popularity of this trail (and, sadly, an increase in trash and off-trail hiking), I’ve made the difficult decision to delete this post.
However, you can still find this “secret” hike outlined in my Capitol Reef Itinerary!
It’s up to us to protect these beautiful places, so please remember to Leave No Trace while you’re out exploring.
Happy trails!
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!
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.
Glad you enjoyed it!
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!
About 3 miles or so!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
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
Enjoy! And bring warm clothes…it’s chilly in March :)
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!
Enjoy Utah! You’ll love it!
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!!
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.
Glad it’s helpful! Have a great trip!
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!
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 :)
I’m happy to help!
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.
It is. You will have to make it there sometime :)
There is nothing like finding a place that is less-traveled. It was so peaceful too! We had it all to ourselves.
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)!
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 :)