Sulphur Creek | Capitol Reef

Hiking Sulphur Creek - Capitol Reef Hiking Sulphur Creek

Capitol Reef

Overview

Sun Sunny, with a high near 64. Southwest wind 7 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph.
64° | 42°
Mon A chance of rain showers before noon, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 56.
56° | 42°
Tue A slight chance of rain showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.
57° | 36°
Wed Sunny, with a high near 65.
65° | 38°
Thu Sunny, with a high near 66.
66° | 42°
RATING: Moderate Hike
SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear
WATER: Sulphur Creek flows year round.
FLASHFLOOD: High
Sun Sunny, with a high near 64. Southwest wind 7 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph.
64° | 42°
Mon A chance of rain showers before noon, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 56.
56° | 42°
Tue A slight chance of rain showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.
57° | 36°
Wed Sunny, with a high near 65.
65° | 38°
Thu Sunny, with a high near 66.
66° | 42°
Great narrows - Sulphur Creek
Great narrows - Sulphur Creek
Note: Flash floods in 2019 have changed the canyon a bit. Expect two swims, one below the second waterfall, and one below the third! Not a problem on hot days, but could be unwelcome on cool days.

Sulphur Creek is not an "official" Captiol Reef trail, but is an official route. It is one of the more stunning hikes in the park for those interested in geology. This hike has the distinction of hiking through the oldest rock in the park.

This hike involves qiute a bit of wading. If doing it in early spring or late fall, wear heavy wool or neoprene socks to stay warm. Under normal conditions, you will be in mostly ankle deep water with a few spots to knee deep. After recent rains, or in early spring, it may flow deeper. You should check the flow at the visitor center to make sure it is reasonable before starting out. This is not the hike to do if storms are threatening.

Because of all the water, this can be pleasant in the heat of the summer, and provides the benefit of great waterfalls to cool off in if you get hot. At 6 miles, it may be a bit much for young children, but makes a great family hike for those able to cover the distance. If the distance is too much, consider hiking up from the bottom to the final water fall. This only takes an hour or two roundtrip, and makes a nice outing.

First waterfall bypass downclimb, with the falls in the background
First waterfall bypass downclimb, with the falls in the background

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