Bryce and Capitol Reef

[Amiller]

On our way over to Moab, my wife and I will be stopping at Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef for a day at each park. We should have at least 10 hours or so at each park. We both are hikers and don't mind a strenuous hike, but I would prefer not to do two monster hikes back to back (we still have an overnight in Canyonlands). Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[DOSS]

I think for a nice hike in Capitol Reef if it is your first time hit up Cohab Canyon, with the overlook spur and then just hike the road back to your car stopping at the petroglyphs along the way. This will eat a few good hours for sure :)

[Iceaxe]

In Bryce do the Peek-a-boo/Queens Garden Loop (http://climb-utah.com/Bryce/queens.htm).

http://climb-utah.com/Bryce/Files/bryce01.jpg


In Capitol Reef do Sulphur Creek (http://climb-utah.com/Capitol/sulphur.htm).

http://climb-utah.com/Capitol/Files/sulphur1.jpg

Both are great 1/2 day hikes.

[Scott P]

In Bryce do the Peek-a-boo/Queens Garden Loop (http://climb-utah.com/Bryce/queens.htm).




Still snowy or is it pretty well melted by now?

[oldno7]

Still snowy or is it pretty well melted by now?

Still snowy, we got more last night(60 miles west) I presume Bryce would have also.

[peakbaggers]

According to some friends of ours that tried to visit last Tuesday (3/15) it was too snowed in to do much of anything at the main canyon area (elevation 8,000 ft. & higher). But there are some trails on the west side as you head up from HWY 89 that are probably open. Casto Canyon & Thunder Mtn. trail (from the parking lot about 3 - 4miles east of HWY89) can get you into some very nice scenery & some of the same kinds of formations you'd see up higher. Or just take some cross country skiis.
Favorite family hike in Capitol Reef for us is Sulphur Creek right behind the visitor center bldg., but the canyons on the east side make some nice hiking and you can just turn around where they get technical/difficult if you don't want to go further. I'm thinking canyons like Burro, Cottonwood, Sheets, etc.

[arindam]

AFAIK, there's some road closures in Capitol Reef.

http://www.nps.gov/care/parknews/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&pageid=534353

[uintahiker]

X3 for Sulphur Creek. Park at the Chimney Rock TH, cross the highway, and follow the wash down to the creek. Then follow the creek to the visitor center. Hitchhike back to the car. You could probably bum a marker & paper off the rangers at the visitor center.

[Deadeye008]

Cassidy Arch is a great hike in Capital Reef. About 4 hrs. The trail takes you on top of the arch.
43095