Hiking
Cohab Canyon
Capitol Reef
Overview
Cohab Canyon was my first hike in Capitol Reef back in the 90s, and it got me hooked. If you have two vehicles, the hike can be done as a through hike, though most will only have one vehicle and do it as an out-and-back. The hike can be done from either the Hickman Bridge Trailhead or the Fruita trailhead, though I would strongly recommend starting from Fruita since you get the steep part over quickly and come to dramatic views sooner. This description starts from the Fruita side.
Though this hike has a bit of elevation, this is a hike most will enjoy. My experience is that kids and grownups alike enjoy exploring the many short-side joints along the trail.
Getting There
Campground Trailhead
To reach the trailhead, go past the Capitol Reef visitor center 1.3 miles on the scenic drive. This is past the Gifford House and just before the entrance to the Fruita Campground. The Cohab Canyon trail is signed just after a large parking area on the left.
Hickman Bridge Trailhead (if doing a through hike, leave a vehicle here)
From the Visitor Center, travel east on Highway 24 about 2 miles to the signed Hickman Bridge trailhead on the north (left) side of the road (mile post 81.2). There is a pit toilet here.
Route Description
From the Fruita trailhead, climb the steep Cohab Canyon trail for about 25-30 minutes to where it tops out and drops into Cohab Canyon. The saddle here offers amazing views of Boulder Mountain, Fruita, and other areas west of the park.
The trail now begins descending the very colorful and featured Cohab Canyon. The white and tan sandstone is Navajo, while the reddish layer is Wingate. The Wives, a series of short technical canyons, come in on the right-hand (south) side. Wandering up any of the side canyons as far as possible can make a nice short side trip. The colorful and solution-pocketed walls of Cohab Canyon are stunning.
15 or so minutes from the saddle, as Cohab Canyon becomes wide and open, is a trail junction. Left (north) goes to a north and south overlook. It is a short (20-30 minute round trip) that I recommend if you haven't seen it before. It gives a different perspective on the park. The north overlook looks down on Highway 24, while the south overlook overlooks Cohab Canyon.
Just after the overlook junction, another junction is reached. Going straight continues down to Highway 24 and the Hickman Bridge trailhead. To the right is the Frying Pan Trail, which eventually reaches Cassidy Arch. Go straight. Highway 24 is about 1/2 mile from this junction, which reaches the Hickman Bridge Trailhead in 15-20 minutes. If not doing this as a thru-hike, the trail junction makes a good turn-around spot to return to the Fruita trailhead.
Maps
12S 478464E 4237199N
38°16'57"N 111°14'46"W
12S 480085E 4237865N
38°17'19"N 111°13'40"W
12S 479458E 4237563N
38°17'09"N 111°14'06"W
12S 479257E 4237590N
38°17'10"N 111°14'14"W
12S 479255E 4237718N
38°17'14"N 111°14'14"W
12S 479488E 4237565N
38°17'09"N 111°14'04"W
12S 480137E 4237778N
38°17'16"N 111°13'38"W