Sunset Point

From the visitors center, head west for just over two miles, following signs for Panorama Point and the Goosenecks. Continue onto a dirt road that leaves the northeast corner of the Panorama Point parking lot and the shared parking lot for the Goosenecks Overlook, and Sunset Point is at the end.

Heading out of the east side of the parking lot, this trail is very gradual in grade with no real gain or loss of elevation. Look for a bench near the midway point of the trail to take a break.

Continue through the pinyon pines and juniper, heading south. Note the ripples in the surrounding rock surfaces that are great examples of the Moenkopi Formation that was formed under shifting seas.

There is another bench at the end of the trail, with panoramic views of the park in all directions. Look east toward Fruita and the Henry Mountains and the cliffs of the Waterpocket Fold heading off to the south.


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.

Juniper bushes and pinion pine.