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A sweeping panorama of red sandstone mesas and layered canyon walls bathed in warm golden-hour light, likely Capitol Reef National Park in Utah, with dramatic shadows and glowing orange cliffs set against a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Utah · Capitol Reef National Park

Waterpocket Fold & Burr Trail

Capitol Reef's remote south — the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile tilted spine of rock, reached by the Burr Trail switchbacks and the Notom-Bullfrog dirt road. Strike Valley Overlook is the signature view, Upper Muley Twist and the canyon routes are the backcountry hikes, and Cedar Mesa is the primitive campground. High-clearance vehicles and self-sufficiency required — this is the park's wild end, not a paved pullout.

A sweeping panorama of red sandstone mesas and layered canyon · near Capitol Reef National Park

Overview

Waterpocket Fold & Burr Trail — Capitol Reef

Capitol Reef's remote south — the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile tilted spine of rock, reached by the Burr Trail switchbacks and the Notom-Bullfrog dirt road. Strike Valley Overlook is the signature view, Upper Muley Twist and the canyon routes are the backcountry hikes, and Cedar Mesa is the primitive campground. High-clearance vehicles and self-sufficiency required — this is the park's wild end, not a paved pullout.

Headline Hikes

Top trails in Capitol Reef

  1. Strike Valley Overlook Trail

    6.4 mi 413 ft gain 2.3 hr

    Easy Out & back Kid friendly

    The classic view of the Waterpocket Fold — a tilted 100-mile wall of rock seen end-on from the rim. The overlook walk itself is short, but the trailhead sits at the end of the Burr Trail switchbacks on a high-clearance dirt road; check conditions and don't attempt it in a low car or after rain.

    View on AllTrails →

  2. Upper Muley Twist

    9.7 mi 1,220 ft gain

    Hard Loop

    A long, hard loop deep in the Waterpocket Fold — narrows, natural arches, and a slickrock rim walk, with real route-finding and no water along the way. A full day for prepared hikers; the trailhead is up the high-clearance Burr Trail road.

    View on AllTrails →

  3. Headquarters Canyon Route

    2.6 mi 626 ft gain 1.4 hr

    Moderate Out & back Kid friendly

    A short canyon walk off the Notom-Bullfrog road into the Waterpocket Fold — moderate and kid-manageable, a good first taste of the remote southern district without committing to a full backcountry day.

    View on AllTrails →

Trail descriptions are field-tested summaries; verify current conditions and closures with NPS before hiking.

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Camping

Camping in Capitol Reef

  • Primitive campsites at Cedar Mesa Campground

    In-park · Backcountry

    Primitive campsites at Cedar Mesa Campground

    First-come, first-served 5 sites

    Five quiet sites down Notom-Bullfrog Road (usually 2WD), free and first-come — a pit toilet, no water, and the Red Canyon trail next door.

    • Vault Toilets
    Campground Details

Campground listings sourced from the Recreation Information Database (RIDB). Recreation.gov is the only authorized booking site — confirm fees, dates, and site counts there before reserving.

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Save on Entry

One pass covers Capitol Reef — and every other US national park.

The America the Beautiful annual pass pays for itself in two or three park visits. Free entry, free passenger fees, and no more fumbling for a credit card at the kiosk.

America the Beautiful National Park Pass — the 2026 annual pass card Buy your pass → Learn more about the pass

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