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A rolling climb along the river to stunning 360-degree views of Capitol Reef National Park.


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Map Key

1.4

Miles

2.2

KM

Point to Point

5,916' 1,803 m

High

5,435' 1,657 m

Low

502' 153 m

Up

113' 34 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

30%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views

Family Friendly Kids will enjoy the trail's short length and stunning views!

Description

While the trail actually begins atop Loop B in the Fruita Campground, the most common access point for day-hikers is from the Fremont River Trail Parking Area near the amphitheater. From here, the trail follows the south bank of the Fremont River along a flat stretch with orchards and a pasture on the left and dense riparian vegetation to the right. After passing through an opening in a fence, the path ascends somewhat steeply along a Moenkopi cliff to a point with a good view west into the Fremont Gorge. Turning south, the trail soon climbs gently to a good ridge-top viewpoint.

The ridge-top offers a fine panorama of the park from the north around to the east and south. Almost due north, the small, rounded, three segment block of the Navajo Knobs tops the Fruita Cliffs that rise above Johnson Mesa. Looking farther right (east), the domes and fins of the Navajo Sandstone that rise above the Fremont River stand out, especially in evening light, with the campground and orchards below. The V-shaped entrance to Cohab Canyon is just left of a beautiful exposure of, from the bottom, the Moenkopi, Chinle and Wingate Formations. Ferns Nipple and more Wingate cliffs march off to the south, while the gentle slope of Miners Mountain is the backdrop to the west. From this lofty perch, it is easy to see that the area’s rock layers are slanted downward not directly east, but more to the northeast. The view is right into the heart of the Waterpocket Fold.

This content was contributed by author Rick Stinchfield. For a comprehensive hiking guide to Capitol Reef National Park and to see more by Rick, click here.

Contacts

Shared By:

Hunter R

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 14 votes

#7243

Overall
  4.2 from 14 votes
5 Star
36%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
14%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#232

in Utah

#7,243

Overall
6 Views Last Month
1,063 Since Aug 30, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
7%
80%
7%
7%
0%

Photos

Capitol Reef National Park
Feb 19, 2016 near Loa, UT
Frolicking through Fruita's famous orchards beside the Fremont River Trail.
Sep 6, 2016 near Loa, UT
This is the view at the end of the trail, looking towards the campground area.
Jun 27, 2019 near Loa, UT
River access close to the start of the trail.
Jun 27, 2019 near Loa, UT
The narrow trail climbs the side of the cliff.
Jun 27, 2019 near Loa, UT
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