Hiking Rim Overlook and Navajo Knobs
Capitol Reef
Overview
Sun 49 | 28 |
Mon 38 | 24 |
Tue 40 | 17 |
Wed 43 | 22 |
Thu 44 | 24 |
View Full Weather Details |
Sun 49 | 28 |
Mon 38 | 24 |
Tue 40 | 17 |
Wed 43 | 22 |
Thu 44 | 24 |
View Full Weather Details |
Rim Overlook and Navajo Knobs is a great hike to get out and stretch your legs on easy terrain. The hike can be done to the Rim Overlook (4.5 miles round trip) or stretched out to the Navajo Knobs (around 9 miles round trip). The trail meanders up at a gradual, but consistent pace, gaining about 1600' of elevation. I recommend this hike as a nice fall hike, overlooking the colorful leaves in Fruita. Though the Navajo Knobs is a fair distance, it is a worthwhile hike with breathtaking views along the way.
Getting There
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
From the trailhead, follow the Hickman Bridge trail. After just a few minutes (0.3 miles) it splits. Left goes to Hickman Bridge, go right instead. After a few more minutes, there is a great viewpoint for Hickman Bridge. The trail should be easy to find, and is well cairned, but be mindful of Cryptobiotic Soil.
After 1-1.5 hours, the Rim Overlook is reached. The overlook makes a great turn around spot for those wanting a shorter day. The view down into Fruita, and the more distance views of the Waterpocket Fold and the Boulder Mountains to the south are excellent.
From the Rim Overlook, the trail continues contouring around and up toward the Navajo Knobs viewpoint. It meanders around, with amazing views of the cliffs immediately to the north, and the Castle to the south near the visitors center. The trail ends at the overlook. Plan on about 3 hours from the trailhead to the overlook.
Return the same way.
Maps
Trailhead |
12S 480092mE 4237845mN N38° 17' 18" W111° 13' 40" |
Right |
12S 480201mE 4237954mN N38° 17' 22" W111° 13' 35" |
Rim Overlook |
12S 478186mE 4238157mN N38° 17' 28" W111° 14' 58" |
End of Trail |
12S 476396mE 4239780mN N38° 18' 21" W111° 16' 12" |