Hiking
Surprise Canyon
Notom Road
Overview
Surprise Canyon is a good, short family friendly hike to a short section of narrows that cut into the Waterpocket Fold near the Burr Trail. The narrows are some of the easiest to visit in Capitol Reef, and make a great short trip. Though narrow, this isn't a slot and is generally dry. Near the end of the narrows a short dryfall and potential pool mark the scenic turn around spot for most. The fall is just challenging enough that canyoneers may enough the up climb. Others can climb around the falls if motivated, but the best section of the canyon is over.
Getting There
Travel east out of Capitol Reef National Park on highway 24. Just past the park, 0.25 miles, is the well signed Notom road.
Route Description
Follow the trail west and it heads for the obvious canyon. Several social trails exist, but once the main trail enters the wash, stay in the wash. It is a short 10-15 minutes to the bottom of the canyon proper. As you continue heading up the canyon, the narrows are encountered shortly and end in a dryfall and likely pool. This obstacle is up climb-able, or can be bypassed by a social trail on the south (right looking down canyon).
Above the dryfall, the canyon opens and becomes a bit of a boulder jumble. A social trail climbs high up to the headwall, though once past the dryfall, the canyon is less interesting. Return the same way.
Maps
12S 500984E 4187875N
37°50'18"N 110°59'20"W