Hiking Golden Throne

Capitol Reef

Overview

( Rated 3.3 / 6 Ratings )

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RATING: Moderate Hike

LENGTH: 2-3 hours (3.6 miles)

MAPS: Golden Throne, UT;

Thu

69 | 47

Fri

64 | 47

Sat

59 | 41

Sun

66 | 39

Mon

75 | 42

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SEASON: Any, hot in summer

GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear

WATER: None, bring all you need.

Thu

69 | 47

Fri

64 | 47

Sat

59 | 41

Sun

66 | 39

Mon

75 | 42

View Full Weather Details

hike

access: 2wd

Henry Mountains in the distance to the east.

Important Note: The Scenic Drive, used to access this trailhead, will be closed from April 29, 2024 through fall of 2024. See the park page for details: https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/scenic-drive-rehabilitation-project.htm

Visible from many areas of the park, the Golden Throne hike is a good hike for getting out of the canyon bottoms and seeing the big scenery the park offers. This hike offers very little shade, don't attempt it in the full heat of a summer afternoon. Though it gains a fair bit of elevation (220 m ( 722 ft. )), it feels fairly gradual.

For photos, evening lighting really lights up the Golden Throne and Capitol Gorge. From the end of the trail, there are big views of Miners Mountain, Boulder Mountain, and the Henry Mountains.

The Golden Throne

Indian Paintbrush along the trail.

Getting There

From the Capitol Reef Visitor Center, follow the Scenic Byway. At about 1.6 miles is the pay booth. At 7.9 miles, go left down the well signed Capitol Gorge road. There is a nice picnic area here.

Follow the Capitol Gorge dirt road about a mile to its end at the trailhead, and another nice picnic area. The trailhead starts on the west side or the parking, on the left as you drive in.

Looking into Capitol Gorge

Route

Follow the trail as it quickly gains elevation above Capitol Gorge. The first 10-15 minutes is the steepest; then the trail levels a bit, and it meanders in and out of side canyons, always climbing. The Golden Throne is visible through this section on the right.

About an hour from the trailhead the end of the trail is reached. The end offers stunning views of the Golden Throne to the north/east, Boulder Mountain to the south/west, and the Henry Mountains off in the distance to the east. There is a great overlook of Capitol Gorge for a break, return the same way.