Rim Overlook and Navajo Domes |

Capitol Reef

Hiking Rim Overlook and Navajo Domes - Capitol Reef Hiking Rim Overlook and Navajo Domes

Capitol Reef

Overview

RATING: Moderate/Strenuous Hike
MAPS: Fruita, UT; Twin Rocks, UT

Tue

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon.  Partly sunny, with a high near 84. North wind 7 to 15 mph becoming south southeast in the afternoon.

84 | 60

Wed

Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. West southwest wind 7 to 15 mph becoming south southeast in the morning.

82 | 57

Thu

Mostly sunny, with a high near 81.

81 | 56

Fri

Mostly sunny, with a high near 81.

81 | 55

Sat

Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.

82 | 57

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

Tue

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon.  Partly sunny, with a high near 84. North wind 7 to 15 mph becoming south southeast in the afternoon.

84 | 60

Wed

Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. West southwest wind 7 to 15 mph becoming south southeast in the morning.

82 | 57

Thu

Mostly sunny, with a high near 81.

81 | 56

Fri

Mostly sunny, with a high near 81.

81 | 55

Sat

Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.

82 | 57

View Full Weather Details
Looking south into Cohab Canyon

Looking south into Cohab Canyon

Rim Overlook and Navajo Domes 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 10 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.

Note: The trail was closed in 2013 due to rockfall danger, but is currently open. Hickman Bridge is a short side trip off this trail, and worth stopping at.

This is the one hike in the park where I have seen Bighorn Sheep on several occasions. Keep an eye out, they seem to frequent the area north of the trail before the Rim Overlook. As always, if you see wildlife, keep a respectful distance and try not to disturb them.
Big views along the trail

Big views along the trail

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.

Rim Overlook area

Rim Overlook area

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.


Photos

Maps

Route To Domes / 8.89 miles / Elevation Range 5,318 - 6,970 ft.
Route To Overlook / 4.40 miles / Elevation Range 5,318 - 6,375 ft.
Printable 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"

Navajo Dome

12S 476396mE 4239780mN

N38° 18' 21" W111° 16' 12"

Comments

Want to make a comment? Login and let yourself be heard.