Capitol Reef National Park Things to Do

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The Cohab Canyon Trail is 3.5 miles and rises 400 feet. It functions nicely as a thoroughfare between the Fruita Campground to the trail head for the Hickman Bridge and would make for a nice medium length hike with a fair amount of up and down. The canyon itself is fantastic and you are transformed to another world with a short if trudging march up some switchbacks that lead you to a relatively flat and sandy canyon which is shady early in the day. This is also the way to access the Frying Pan Trail.

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The Capitol Gorge Trail is a flat walk of 2.5 miles round trip through a sandy wash with sheer walls rising up. Though it can be busy it is a worthwhile stroll especially if you've not done much canyon hiking in the southwest. When you are lucky to be in a section on your own you will feel quite isolated from the rest of the world. This is America's Outback at its best. You can walk to some rock formations called “tanks” or a bit closer is the Pioneer Register with signatures etched in stone of early settlers.

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The Mormons used this valley back in 1880's an on to grow. Some of the orchards remain, and there area about 2000 trees in the park. You are allowed to pick fruit for eating on the spot. If you take a large volume, you are to pay for it where the Ranger is near the orchard, or visitor center. Warning, the apples were good but inside core partial rot. The trees do not get sprayed for protections. They also have pear trees in areas for picking.
The petroglyphs are from The Fremont INdians who lived in this valley along the river for 600 years. Due to droughts in 1300's, they left the area, but left these symbols for you to view. There is a walk path along the rock face to be able to see the etched symbols easier without disturbing them.
The main orchard and the petroglyphs are 1 mile east of the visitor center on Hwy 24

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This was a moderately difficult hike of 2 miles round trip. The parking is along the road lot, and two miles east of visitor center. There are many steps, and some long reach between them to climb the 500-600 feet crest to the top of the plateau. From there is some sand trail and some more steps along a mountainside, leading to the arch. By the time you get to the top, you should be winded from the steep climb. The Fremont River created the canyon walls, and after many years of water pounding at the rock, some collapsed, and the water came through, leaving this arch. A lot of vegetation still in present due to the water nearby, even though the area only gets average of 7 inches rain a year.
The bridge is names after John Hickman, a frontier explorer and soldier who was around here frequently. The arch is 125 feet high, and 133 feet wide

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The Golden Throne Trail is a 2 mile round trip hike that climbs 1000 feet over its short length. Since this starts in the Capitol Gorge the beginning of the hike is quite steep but it levels out a bit as you traverse a couple of ravines that involve some fun footwork and welcomed shade. Once on top, you get nice views and come upon a nice close view of The Golden Throne which true to name is golden. You will certainly recognize it as you see it quite a bit from the Scenic Drive. We did this in the morning and it was actually on the chilly side so were happy we brought our fleeces and warm hats.

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The Chimney Rock Trail is a 3.5 mile round trip hike that rises 600 feet and walks over a mesa affording views of colorful Chimney Rock. As it goes towards the back of the mesa and drops down you are rewarded with great views of The Castle before coming down to a junction. You can continue around to where you are parked or make an excursion into another canyon that is little traveled aside from backpackers and eventually winds up at the Spring Canyon Route.

Testament to the Mormons who farmed it, the Fruita Rural Historical District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This 200 acre oasis is a lush valley that contrasts sharply from its often inhospitable surroundings. Though there were a few families that settled and farmed the area, the Gifford's were the longest running and last of the lot. They raised a variety of crops and were completely self-sufficient though worked well with their neighbors developing a true sense of community. It was much like a big extended family with social functions always involving everyone. Their old barn stands as a reminder of these times and offers a great photographic opportunity set against its red rock backdrop.

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The old Gifford Farmhouse was built in 1908 but was not owned by the Gifford's until 1928 and sold to the park service in 1969. It serves as a general store of sorts but also features a few rooms set up pretty much as they would have been at the time. This small museum is free, easy to visit and offers a great glimpse into another time. One of the nicest parts of Capitol Reef National Park is the well-preserved reminders of its settler past.