The easiest hikes, suitable for families with children, are to the Goosenecks Overlook for amazing canyon views (0.1 mile), Sunset Point for panoramic photographs (0.4 mile), Capitol Gorge to hike through its deep canyon to pioneer inscriptions (1 mile), and the well known Grand Wash, a deep canyon with spectacular narrows (2.2 miles).
Moderate day hikes include the Cohab Canyon Trail for hidden canyons and views of Fruita (1.7 miles), the Fremont River Trail that starts out easy but gets steeper as you go (1.0 mile), and the Hickman Natural Bridge Trail, which takes hikers to a 133-foot natural sandstone bridge and expansive canyon views (0.9 mile).
More strenuous hikes include the Cassidy Arch Trail (1.7 miles) to a natural arch, the Chimney Rock Loop Trail for good views of Waterpocket Fold cliffs (3.6 miles), and the Fremont Gorge Overlook Trail, which climbs to a mesa top and ends at a high viewpoint on the rim of the Fremont Gorge (2.3 miles). The Frying Pan Trail connects the Cassidy Arch Trail with the Cohab Canyon Trail (2.9 miles). For views of the Golden Throne and Capitol Gorge, check out the Golden Throne Trail (2 miles). History buffs will want to hike the Old Wagon Trail Loop (3.8 miles). Those seeking far-reaching vistas should explore the Rim Overlook Trail (2.3 miles), which can be extended by hiking the Navajo Knobs Trail with its 360-degree panoramic views.
For more information on these hikes, visit the hiking page on the Capitol Reef NPS page.
