Hiking The Fremont River Trail In Capitol Reef National Park

The Fremont River Trail is a scenic hiking trail located in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah.

This popular hiking trail follows the course of the Fremont River. It’s approximately two miles long, well-maintained, and easy to follow with almost 500 feet of elevation gain.

The official trailhead can be found in Loop B in the Fruita Campground.

You can also access the trail from the Fremont River Trail Parking Area near the amphitheater and the picnic area near the Gifford House and Museum.

Depending on where you start you will follow the path of the river past orchards and the campground till you reach an opening in a fence. From here you will begin your climb up Moenkopi Cliff (maybe Miners Mountain).

This part of the trail leaves the lush greenery behind and becomes the desert landscapes and towering sandstone cliffs Capitol Reef is known for.

The end of the trail provides panoramic views of the park including the Fremont River Gorge, Miners Mountain, and the Waterpocket Fold.

After soaking up the vistas, return the way you came.

We parked at the picnic area across from the Gifford House and Museum and started the trail from there.

This adds another 1/2 mile to your hike, but it’s also the section where you can actually access the river from the trail. Most of the time you can hear the water rushing from the trail, but not see it.

The trail offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching, as well as spotting other wildlife that inhabits the area, such as deer, rabbits, and various reptiles.

We saw mule deer during our hike and lizards, so many lizards.

If you’re staying in the campground it’s a nice little hike to begin or end your day (if you skip the climb and just enjoy the easy river walk).