Sulphur Creek

The route begins as a pleasant 1.5-mile hike down easy-going, dry washes to Sulphur Creek, a perennial stream. On the approach to the fabled Goosenecks, a narrow section of slot canyon along the route, hikers are often dissuaded. However, do not fear! While the canyon constricts quickly into several sets of photogenic narrows and small falls, the hiking remains easy to moderate throughout. Conditions can change dramatically in this section with each flood, but some obstacles are always present. A final low waterfall can present a difficult challenge, especially if it empties into a large pool. After traversing the Goosenecks, the canyon widens for the last half mile to the visitor center.

Sulphur Creek is a perennial stream, but its volume depends significantly on irrigation operations near Torrey. The flow is often low enough that boots can be worn for much of the hike unless recent flooding has developed pools in the narrows. The temptation is high in the summer to hike in sandals or water shoes, but the three significant obstacles along the route are more safely negotiated with sturdier footwear.

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.