Old Wagon Loop Trail | Capitol Reef

Hiking Old Wagon Loop Trail - Capitol Reef Hiking Old Wagon Loop Trail

Capitol Reef

Overview

RATING: Easy Hiking
MAPS: Golden Throne, UT;

Sun

Sunny. High near 76, with temperatures falling to around 74 in the afternoon. North wind around 7 mph.

76 | 56

Mon

Sunny, with a high near 74. North northwest wind around 6 mph.

74 | 55

Tue

Partly sunny, with a high near 75.

75 | 56

Wed

Mostly sunny, with a high near 75.

75 | 55

Thu

Sunny, with a high near 75.

75 | 54

View Full Weather Details
SEASON: Any, hot in summer
WATER: None, bring all you need.

Sun

Sunny. High near 76, with temperatures falling to around 74 in the afternoon. North wind around 7 mph.

76 | 56

Mon

Sunny, with a high near 74. North northwest wind around 6 mph.

74 | 55

Tue

Partly sunny, with a high near 75.

75 | 56

Wed

Mostly sunny, with a high near 75.

75 | 55

Thu

Sunny, with a high near 75.

75 | 54

View Full Weather Details
Trailhead sign

Trailhead sign

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

The Old Wagon Trail Loop hike is different than many others in the park. It meanders up Miners Mountain along and old wagon road, then loops around back to the trailhead. The main attraction is the historical wagon trail, and the views of the Waterpocket Fold to the east from a distance.

This is not a hike I would highly recommend, though it is interesting and has good views. Though the road was surely in better condition back in its day, it is humbling to think of the difficulties in building and using such a rough trail.

Along the old wagon trail

Along the old wagon trail

Ferns Nipple from the old wagon trail

Ferns Nipple from the old wagon trail

Getting There

From the Capitol Reef Visitor Center, follow the Scenic Byway. At about 1.6 miles is the pay booth. At 6.5 miles, a pullout on the right side of the road is the Old Wagon Trail trailhead.

Golden Throne from the trail

Golden Throne from the trail

Snow Flurries to the north from the viewpoint

Snow Flurries to the north from the viewpoint

Route

The trail crosses the wash, and heads east up Miners Mountain. The path is easy, and follows a steady pace, reaching the loop junction in about 20-25 minutes (0.75 miles). The recommended loop is clockwise, so go left. The trail soon nears the edge of Capitol Wash, offering great views into the deep wash, then veers north and circles back east.

Not far after heading east, a short trail goes off to a viewpoint. (5 minutes round trip) From the viewpoint, it is 20 or so minutes back to the loop junction, then another 20 minutes back to the trailhead.


Maps

Route / 3.65 miles / Elevation Range 5,854 - 6,917 ft.
Printable Maps:

Trailhead

12S 481307mE 4229909mN

N38° 13' 01" W111° 12' 49"

Loop Junction

12S 480128mE 4229566mN

N38° 12' 50" W111° 13' 37"

Viewpoint

12S 479305mE 4229917mN

N38° 13' 01" W111° 14' 11"

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