I am very excited to talk about Chimney Rock Trail!!! Alright, I have been on hikes throughout the United States within all sorts of national parks, etc...but, I need to urge everyone who visit Capitol Reef...it is imperative for you to hike this Chimney Rock Trail! I am serious.
Although I don't have an official ranking system, I'd place this hike at least within my Top 10 - 15 BEST HIKES OF ALL TIME!
Everything about being here was simply epic. If you want to immerse yourself and understand the true power of what makes the state of Utah so famous for its colorful landscape terrains, then hiking Chimney Rock Trail will give you everything you could possibly ask for!
Besides Angels Landing at Zion or the Queens Garden/Navajo Loop at Bryce...I'd then put Chimney Rock just behind them. It's a MUST SEE AND DO while here at Capitol Reef! Alright, enough gushing let me just go into details and what makes Chimney Rock special...
Chimney Rock Trail is a very accessible and convenient 3.5 mile loop gaining almost 600 feet in elevation. I believe 3.5 miles is ideal in distance...not too long and not too short. Then, the maybe 580 feet in elevation is also perfect. It's not really difficult whatsoever but at the same making it to the plateau area along Chimney Rock instantly provides you with stunning views of the Capitol Reef landscape. Basically, you don't have to work hard along the hike. You're not huffing and puffing. It's extremely manageable.
While reading the park pamphlet and hiking guide about Capitol Reef...it mentioned that coming here to Chimney Rock was worthwhile for hiking in late afternoon and during sunset time. I couldn't agree more with that! When I arrived, the sun was at my back which allowed for very clear photo taking opportunities of the grand setting from high above.
Plus, when I was here back in late July of this year, 2021, the daytime temperatures were brutal ranging in the mid to upper 90's. Having the chance to hike here when things cooled down made a huge difference.
Btw, I'd also like to point out the trailhead. Finding the start to Chimney Rock was very simple. It's located right off Highway 24 (the main road that cuts through the heart of Capitol Reef) as you're heading west from Torrey, UT going east. When I arrived in late afternoon the parking lot was empty and quiet. I was surprised by this because it specifically stated Chimney Rock was appropriate for hiking during sunsets. Good thing, better off in my opinion not having other tourists around. And, that was also another terrific aspect about exploring Chimney Rock. I was virtually the only hiker here! I had the entire trail to myself. I was grateful for this as it just allowed me to collect my thoughts and feel totally separated from reality.
Before I give my interpretation of what Chimney Rock is all about...I'll just take a little highlighted piece from a page I found at americansouthwest.net/utah/capitol_reef/chimney-rock-trail.html...
"Chimney Rock Trail is perhaps the best short path in the national park, as it is relatively short, not too steep, provides the shortest hike to a high elevation viewpoint, and passes varied surroundings; besides Chimney Rock itself, an eroded pillar of red sandstone, the trail encounters colorful badlands, tall cliffs, and the mouth of a narrow canyon." I really liked this introduction/description.
Along the 3.5 miles...I couldn't stop taking pictures. Each curve I passed, each winding turn I crossed, each climb or descent I made...was another humbling chance for picture moments. I couldn't stop, like an addicted kid at a candy store, lol.
Over the course of the hike it covered every nook and cranny within Capitol Reef Park you could ask for. Granted, I did the 8 mile Scenic Drive, I hiked other trails, I ventured all around...
But coming here and along Chimney Rock I felt like I had found my calling, like I discovered true fulfilment and better understood why Capitol Reef is part of Utah's "Mighty 5".
I'll admit, I had moments where I felt tears of joy because here I was standing high above the ground looking down upon glorious Capitol Reef, feeling like I'm a small piece in the big scheme of history. Having infinite time made me feel like I had paused all my worries and troubles and was living in a "dreamland of sandstone cliffs, badlands, multicolored boulders and vertical walls!"
And eventually the pathway leads back down to the flat base section but you're still afforded more stunning mounds of colored shades of purple, red and brown. Every step along the way felt like a new adventure.
I can't say enough good things about here along Chimney Rock Trail. And because I was so infatuated with the hike, I used every last bit of fading sun to enjoy my time. I probably stayed along the trail for at least 3+ hours until it was pitch dark out before returning back to the parking lot.
Lastly, that's it. Can't say anymore. Chimney Rock Trail, memories that will live with me forever. read more
