Rim Overlook and Navajo Knobs | Capitol Reef

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

Capitol Reef

Overview

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

Sun

Mostly sunny. High near 49, with temperatures falling to around 43 in the afternoon. North wind around 6 mph.

49 | 28

Mon

Sunny, with a high near 38. Northwest wind 9 to 14 mph.

38 | 24

Tue

Sunny, with a high near 40.

40 | 17

Wed

Mostly sunny, with a high near 43.

43 | 22

Thu

Mostly sunny, with a high near 44.

44 | 24

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

Sun

Mostly sunny. High near 49, with temperatures falling to around 43 in the afternoon. North wind around 6 mph.

49 | 28

Mon

Sunny, with a high near 38. Northwest wind 9 to 14 mph.

38 | 24

Tue

Sunny, with a high near 40.

40 | 17

Wed

Mostly sunny, with a high near 43.

43 | 22

Thu

Mostly sunny, with a high near 44.

44 | 24

View Full Weather Details
Looking south into Cohab Canyon

Looking south into Cohab Canyon

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.

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

Knobs / 8.89 miles / Elevation Range 5,318 - 6,970 ft.
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"

End of Trail

12S 476396mE 4239780mN

N38° 18' 21" W111° 16' 12"

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