Hiking Sulphur Creek In Capitol Reef National Park
Sulphur Creek is a hiking route in Capitol Reef National Park in Utah that offers a scenic adventure through a narrow canyon.
The hike follows the creek bed and requires some route finding, wading through water, and scrambling over rocks (if you do the whole hike).
This route is not an official, maintained trail in the park.
The 5.8-mile one-way hike through Sulphur Creek Canyon involves leaving a vehicle at each end. If you only have one vehicle, a 3.3-mile hike along Utah State Highway 24 is required to return to your starting point.
Designated trailhead parking for Sulphur Creek is 3.3 miles west of the visitor center, which is 0.3 miles west of the Chimney Rock trailhead, on Utah State Highway 24. The park asks that you please do not park at Chimney Rock.
The park suggests you start your hike at this trailhead and end it at the visitor center. If you do have a second vehicle a gravel parking lot is available near the bridge across from the visitor center. Please do not park at the visitor center.
If you don’t have a second vehicle you will have to walk Utah State Highway 24 back to the beginning trailhead.
Sulphur Creek offers stunning red rock scenery, narrow canyon walls, three cascading waterfalls, and lush vegetation along the creek banks. The hike takes you through different sections, including Lower, Middle, and Upper Sulphur Creek.
I also want to note depending on the season and recent rainfall accumulation the waterfalls might not be flowing.
The hike is rated as moderate to strenuous due to the uneven terrain, route finding, and occasional wading through water. You will get your feet and possibly more wet during this hike.
It is not uncommon for there to be much deeper water that might even require swimming.
It is important to be prepared with appropriate footwear, carry enough water, and use caution while navigating the creek and rocks.
Check with the visitor center before beginning the hike.
Route conditions change frequently due to weather, rockfall, and other hazards. This is a canyon and flashfloods are a real concern. Do not attempt the hike if rainstorms are threatening.
Check out the Capitol Reef National Park official website for a detailed description of the trail route.
For those wishing for a shorter, less strenuous, and more fun hike on the Sulpher Creek Route you can do the hike we chose instead.
Park your vehicle in the gravel parking lot that is near the bridge across from the visitor center. Then cross the road and take the path behind the visitor center to the creek. Cross the creek and continue to follow the path adjacent to the creek.
Now you don’t have to follow the trail the whole time. If you feel like walking the creek the whole way feel free to do so. The cool water feels great on a warm day.
If you would like to avoid the water though it can be done for a good 75% of the trail. You still have to cross the creek multiple times during your trek so staying dry is not an option.
As you wind your way through the gorge be sure to take time to admire the lush greenery on the banks of the creek and the towering red sandstone walls surrounding you.
Along the way, you will also pass a stone lime kiln so be sure to take a moment to read the informational board.
At almost a mile in you will come to a small cove and a waterfall. It was flowing really well during our visit and this little section it’s incredibly pretty.
Take some time to enjoy a snack and rest your feet as you soak in your surroundings. If you wanna cool off you can even take a dip in the small pool below the waterfall.
Once you are ready just turn around and head back to the visitor center.
This was my favorite hike in the park. It was just beautiful the whole way and I felt like a kid again playing in the water while admiring the scenery around me.
If you have the time and are more adventurous the full hike may be for you.
If you want a more easily accessible hike for the whole family though I suggest the shorter version we did to the first waterfall.
This is a hike I would not skip during your visit to Capitol Reef National Park. I swear you will have an amazing time.
