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maybe this should be named mummy cliff trail by trekkin_gecko  Overview A short, scenic hike from the first trailhead you encounter entering Capitol Reef National Park from the west. Chimney Rock is the prominent formation just west of Mummy Cliff. Hike The hike begins on flat sand for a quarter mile or so, and initially ascends via switchback to the beginning of the loop. The trail sign seems to direct you to go counterclockwise, but either way is fine. We went right, and continued climbing at an easier grade to the top of Mummy Cliff. Chimney Rock is visible along this section and from the west edge of the cliff. The trail loops around a plateau, offering great views of the Fruita valley from the high point on the southwest. Gradually descending to the east, the trail then goes through a section full of giant boulders, and drops into Chimney Rock canyon. There, it intersects with Spring Canyon trail and continues west through the canyon with a short ascent to close the loop. Colorful canyon walls against blue skies make for big views. Footing is good. Route finding is easy. Greatly enjoyed this one. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Most recent Triplog Reviews
Chimney Rock Trail
On the morning of the 27th, my wife, daughter, and I hiked the Chimney Rock Trail. When we got to the intersection with the Spring Canyon Trail, I hiked into the canyon for a decent way while my wife and daughter sought out a shady spot to wait for me.
We had good views from the Chimney Rock Trail, though the light is probably better later in the day.
I really enjoyed Spring Canyon. I liked it so much that I made plans to hike it from the bottom on the following day. Due to a forecast of late morning & afternoon rain (and the accompanying flash flood danger), I ended up doing another hike instead. Hiking Lower Spring Canyon in its entirety is on my TODO list.
We had good views from the Chimney Rock Trail, though the light is probably better later in the day.
I really enjoyed Spring Canyon. I liked it so much that I made plans to hike it from the bottom on the following day. Due to a forecast of late morning & afternoon rain (and the accompanying flash flood danger), I ended up doing another hike instead. Hiking Lower Spring Canyon in its entirety is on my TODO list.
2018-05-27 KBKB
Chimney Rock Trail
Capitol Reef National Park
picked out a few trails in the park that looked like fun
a loop around a plateau, an arch and a natural bridge
first stop was chimney rock trail
got going around 0900
good warmup heading up to the top of mummy cliff
nice view of chimney rock, even though the hike doesn't really go anywhere near it
circled the top counterclockwise, hitting a high point with nice views of fruita
dropped toward chimney rock canyon and the intersection with spring canyon trail, through an area with huge boulders that have fallen from the canyon walls
an easy ascent west to close the loop along the base of another canyon wall
beautiful blue skies contrasting above it
saw only a few people on the loop, but more as we heading back to the trailhead
a good choice
stopped at the visitor center for a few minutes, then drove down to grand wash
very different terrain in this area, and the hike to cassidy arch was my favorite of the day and maybe the trip
quarter mile down the wash, then the actual cassidy arch trail ascends steeply up a break in the canyon wall and onto a bench
it gains a couple of benches and follows three drainages before splitting off to the south toward the arch
we didn't see the arch at first, gaining a high point with nice views before wandering around a bit
good footing after the initial ascent, much of it on slickrock
the opening to the arch is huge, and you can circle around it, getting on top of the arch
it's very wide - safety first
took some pics, had a snack and headed back down
another short one at just over three and a half miles, but very scenic and interesting
drove down the scenic drive a bit, then had a cup of coffee at gifford house
pie selection by that point was not my favorite
headed to the hickman bridge trailhead
only two miles on sand and slickrock and another fun one
trail loops under the bridge
we checked out another viewpoint before heading back
different terrain here, too, after starting out along the fremont river
made a stop at the petroglyph site, then headed back to torrey for dinner at capitol reef inn & café
stayed at torrey trading post cabins again
nice to have the whole day in the park without driving anywhere
think this was my favorite day of hiking and there is so much more to do in the park
unfinished business
posting more photos than usual as capitol reef seems a little underrepresented on haz
a loop around a plateau, an arch and a natural bridge
first stop was chimney rock trail
got going around 0900
good warmup heading up to the top of mummy cliff
nice view of chimney rock, even though the hike doesn't really go anywhere near it
circled the top counterclockwise, hitting a high point with nice views of fruita
dropped toward chimney rock canyon and the intersection with spring canyon trail, through an area with huge boulders that have fallen from the canyon walls
an easy ascent west to close the loop along the base of another canyon wall
beautiful blue skies contrasting above it
saw only a few people on the loop, but more as we heading back to the trailhead
a good choice
stopped at the visitor center for a few minutes, then drove down to grand wash
very different terrain in this area, and the hike to cassidy arch was my favorite of the day and maybe the trip
quarter mile down the wash, then the actual cassidy arch trail ascends steeply up a break in the canyon wall and onto a bench
it gains a couple of benches and follows three drainages before splitting off to the south toward the arch
we didn't see the arch at first, gaining a high point with nice views before wandering around a bit
good footing after the initial ascent, much of it on slickrock
the opening to the arch is huge, and you can circle around it, getting on top of the arch
it's very wide - safety first
took some pics, had a snack and headed back down
another short one at just over three and a half miles, but very scenic and interesting
drove down the scenic drive a bit, then had a cup of coffee at gifford house
pie selection by that point was not my favorite
headed to the hickman bridge trailhead
only two miles on sand and slickrock and another fun one
trail loops under the bridge
we checked out another viewpoint before heading back
different terrain here, too, after starting out along the fremont river
made a stop at the petroglyph site, then headed back to torrey for dinner at capitol reef inn & café
stayed at torrey trading post cabins again
nice to have the whole day in the park without driving anywhere
think this was my favorite day of hiking and there is so much more to do in the park
unfinished business
posting more photos than usual as capitol reef seems a little underrepresented on haz
2017-10-27 trekkin_gecko
