Hiking Capitol Reef: Grand Wash Trail Guide
Enjoy a scenic hike through Capitol Reef’s Narrows on the Grand Wash Trail. This guide features everything you need to know before you go .
You’ve probably heard of The Narrows from Zion National Park, but did you know that Capitol Reef has its own Narrows? It may not be as grand as Zion’s but it’s definitely worth seeing if you’re visiting Capitol Reef National Park.
To explore the narrows, jump on the 5 mile trail through Capitol Reef’s Grand Wash. This is a easy and family friendly walk through a dry stream bed with towering rock walls and a diversity of plant life. If you’re looking to see what makes Capitol Reef unique from Utah’s other national parks, this trail is the place to do it.
TIP | The Grand Wash trail can be easily combined with the Cassidy Arch trail to make a 8.0 mile out and back hike.
Pets are not allowed on the Grand Wash Trail.
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TRAIL STATS
Distance: 5.0 Miles | Difficulty: Easy | Elevation Gain: 341 FT | Time: 2 Hrs | No Pets
GETTING TO GRAND WASH
MAIN PARK ENTRANCE
From the main park entrance to Capitol Reef National Park it’s 4.7 miles or about a 20 minute drive to the Grand Wash Trailhead. Once you enter the park take Campground Road/ Scenic Dr south for 3.3 miles. Make a left onto Grand Wash Rd for 1.3 miles until you get to a parking lot. The trailhead will be on the left. Vault toilets are available at the trailhead.
NORTHEAST TRAILHEAD
From the main park entrance to Capitol Reef National Park, head east on Utah Highway 24 for 4.5 miles or about 7 minutes. The trailhead will be on the right. Parking is limited.
See our Complete Guide to Capitol Reef for the parks full pet policy, entrance fees, & amenities.
WHEN TO VISIT
Capitol Reef National Park is open all year long giving you the opportunity to see this park in a variety of ways. The busiest months are March to June and September to October for the parks ideal hiking and camping weather. For less crowds, plan your hike during the week and start your day in the park early.
WHAT TO BRING
Plenty of Water
Capitol Reef National Park is high desert which means hot and dry especially in the summer. Be sure to pack extra water and stay hydrated while exploring. We love adding LMNT’s Electrolyte Packets to our Simple Modern Insulated Water Bottles to have ice cold water for the whole day.
Hiking Shoes
While there are many easy paths to explore in Capitol Reef there are a few trails that are rocky, sandy, and steep. To have the most comfortable experience on the trails we recommend wearing a proper hiking shoe or boot to provide traction and support. Columbia Mens & Women’s Hiking Boots are a game changer.
Sun Protectant
There is no shade on any trails in the park so it’s best to bring your favorite sunscreen and wear sun protectant clothing when exploring.
Hiking Sticks
Montem Ultra Strong Hiking Poles have been a LIFE SAVER when exploring national parks. They’re helpful in giving you extra support as you climb up steep trails as well as coming down steep trails. They provide extra stability and we no longer hike without them.
First Aid Kit
General Medi Mini First Aid Kit is a must have when exploring national parks. Cell service doesn’t really exist in the park so it’s good to be prepared in case of an emergency.
Lunch / Snacks
It is highly recommended to pick a lunch and snacks when visiting Capitol Reef. There aren’t many food options in the park, so it’s a good idea to pack a good lunch and plenty of snacks.
AMENITIES NEARBY
IN THE PARK
VISITOR CENTER
Open year round and a great place to start your adventure in Capitol Reef. Load up on info, pick up a park map, and get exploring. Here you can also find water filling stations, restrooms, gift shop, museum exhibit, and permits for backcountry camping, canyoneering, and rock climbing. Hours and services vary by season so it’s best to check for current conditions before planning a trip. Wifi is also available here.
NEARBY TOWNS
TORREY
Located 11 miles from the entrance and is known as the Gateway to Capitol Reef National Park. It was established in 1880 by Mormon settlers and was originally known as Youngtown. The town sits at 6,700 feet and has a population of 182.
ABOUT THE TRAIL
Distance: 5.0 Miles | Difficulty: Easy | Elevation Gain: 341 FT | Time: 2 Hrs
We started the Grand Wash Trail from the Northeast Trailhead located off Highway 24. The path is very rocky and sandy with no shade until you get to the Narrows. Good shoes and a hiking stick are really helpful navigating this trail.
As you wind your way through the wash, notice the unique cuts in the rock and the blooming plant life.
After 1 mile on the trail, the towering rock walls start to narrow and the sun becomes shaded as you enter Capitol Reef’s Narrows.
The trail continues on for another mile and a half until you reach the trailhead for Cassidy Arch which you could add to make a 8 mile out and back hike. Vault toilets are available.
Cassidy Arch Trail in Capitol Reef National Park.
Let us know what are your favorite things to do at Capitol Reef National Park in the comments below!
SAVE THIS GUIDE FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP TO CAPITOL REEF!
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WE’RE MIKE & DEANDRA.
Two adventure seekers traveling the U.S in our 37 FT. travel trailer with our two companions, Griffin & Lucy. We share our life on the road and travel guides to our favorite destinations.
This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
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