Sulphur Creek Route

The Sulphur Creek Route is a moderately difficult hike located in Capitol Reef National Park. This point to point hike follows an unmaintained trail through a deep canyon. Most hikers chose to shuttle cars or hitchhike to the starting trailhead. This trail is 5.8 miles long and gains 416 feet of elevation.

This hike begins at the Sulphur Creek Trailhead. Begin hiking south on Sulphur Creek Trail. Hike down into a wash and follow the wash. After 1.9 miles, the wash will converge with Sulphur Creek. Continue hiking near the creek in a downstream direction.

As you follow the meandering creek, the steep canyon walls will force you to cross over Sulphur Creek countless times throughout the hike. After another 0.7 miles, you will be hiking underneath towering canyon walls and Goosenecks Overlook. Travel 0.7 miles more along the creek to reach the first waterfall. This waterfall can be bypassed to the right. There will be another waterfall that you can bypass on the right. It is 0.2 miles down the canyon.

From here, continue hiking down the creek between steep and narrow canyon walls. 1.7 miles later, you will reach the final waterfall. Most hikers opt to slide down the short waterfall into a pool as it can be difficult and dangerous to maneuver around. 0.4 miles past the waterfall, you will discover the ruins of a lime kiln that was used by early residents of Fruita. Travel 0.3 more miles and cross the creek one last time to reach the Capitol Reef Visitors Center parking lot.

The Sulphur Creek Route is open year-round and there are no associated fees with this area of Capitol Reef National Park. Dogs are not allowed on this trail. Be sure to check the ranger station for conditions as there can be a danger of flash flooding. The Sulphur Creek Route is a unique way for the adventurous hiker to explore Capitol Reef National Park.