Golden Throne - Capitol Reef, UT • Hike
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 This is likely a great time to hike this trail!  Check out "Preferred" months below, keep in mind this is an estimate.
  

Golden Throne - Capitol Reef, UT

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Statistics
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Difficulty 2 of 5
Route Finding 2 of 5
Distance One Way 2 miles
Trailhead Elevation 5,459 feet
Elevation Gain 686 feet
Accumulated Gain 800 feet
Avg Time One Way 2 hours
Kokopelli Seeds 4.67
 Backpack Possible - Not Popular
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14  2022-10-12
Golden Throne & Capitol Gorge
trekkin_gecko
Author
author avatar Guides 10
Routes 459
Photos 5,586
Trips 3,754 map ( 28,899 miles )
Age 64 Female Gender
Location phoenix, az
Historical Weather
Trailhead Forecast
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Preferred Oct, Apr, May, Mar → 7 AM
Seasons   ALL
Sun  6:22am - 6:40pm
Official Route
 
0 Alternative
 
 Water


Icon of Capitol Reef
by trekkin_gecko

 Likely In-Season!
Overview
A moderate hike with little shade and a lot of sun exposure to a high point on the Waterpocket Fold with views of the Golden Throne and Capitol Gorge.


Geology
The Golden Throne towers 7,042 feet. It consists of a golden Navajo Sandstone. The gold is special because normally the sandstone is creamy white or red. Carmel Formation on top of the Navajo Sandstone is the reason for this staining.

Hike
Golden Throne Trail begins just west of the Capitol Gorge trailhead. The hike features a steady ascent winding along a few drainages, climbing above Capitol Gorge on the north side. Most of the hike is on slickrock, with good footing. The terrain is similar to the Cassidy Arch hike.


The official trail ends at a signpost, with a view of the Golden Throne formation to the northeast. This butte rises another thousand feet above, along with two smaller buttes, all of them a bright yellow color. Beyond the signpost is a nice overlook, worth wandering around for photos, views, and a snack.

Return the same way.


Synopsis
A great sunrise and sunset hike, the throne glows in the deep low-angle light. Nothing overly strenuous on the steady incline along cliff walls.

48-Second Video91-Second Narrated Video

Check out the Official Route and Triplog.

Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.

2022-10-17 trekkin_gecko
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One-Way Notice
This hike is listed as One-Way.

When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example.
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.

 Permit $$
NPS

Capitol Reef National Park
$$ per Vehicle, good for Seven Days - View Information


 Directions
or
or
 Road
Paved - Car Okay

To hike
From the visitor center, go south on the scenic drive to the end.
Take Capitol Gorge Road east to its end.
A large parking lot, a vault toilet, and a ramada are at the trailhead.
no water
The scenic drive costs $10 but I'm not sure if a park pass covers that
page created by trekkin_gecko on Oct 17 2022 5:10 pm
helpcorrectionissue

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