Introduction:

Capitol Reef National Park encompasses nearly a quarter million acres of slickrock and mixed desert terrain over a 100 mile long expanse called the Waterpocket Fold. The monocline layers through which many of the parks canyons travel provide the canyoneer with a unique opportunity to encounter geology in reverse. Elsewhere, canyons in Capitol Reef are a showcase of majestic, soaring red Wingate walls, with their characteristic cracked and pocketed erosional patterns.

Located in the center of the state and a short drive from higher country, Capitol Reef can be an ideal place to canyoneer in the summer. Combine an early morning canyon with fresh fruit plucked from the shady vineyards in Fruita, and a stroll along a nearby cool mountain stream. Alternatively, stop off in Capitol Reef for a short canyon on your way to other canyon country destinations. Additionally, with its variety of canyon lengths, challenges, and conditions, Capitol Reef is a destination in itself almost year-round.

Please note, canyons and routes may close seasonally for the protection of sensitive natural resources. See seasonal closures below for any current closed areas.

Permits:

As of January 1, 2020, permits are required for canyoneering. Free day-use permits can be obtained in person at the visitor center or via email. Please review all rules and regulations prior to filling out or requesting a permit. A separate permit is required for each canyoneering route. For example, Wife 1 and Wife 2 are two separate routes and require two separate permits. If canyoneering for multiple days, submit a separate email for each day.

Email: care_permits@nps.gov for a canyoneering permit.

Use the following format:
Subject: Name of canyoneering route and date you will be canyoneering.
Email Body:
Date of visit (single day only):
Canyoneering route (single route only):
Number of people:
Vehicle location:
Number of motorized vehicles:
Vehicle description(s):

If you plan to camp overnight as part of a canyoneering trip, you are required to obtain a free backcountry permit, available at the visitor center.

Restrictions and Concerns

For the protection of park resources, canyoneering groups are limited to a maximum of eight people, with some exceptions for certain routes near the Fruita area. Ask at the visitor center for details. Capitol Reef is a clean canyoneering area. Minimum impact techniques that do not damage or destroy rock or other park resources are required:

• The installation of new fixed anchors (bolts, pitons, etc.) is prohibited.
• Bolts may be replaced only if an existing bolt is unsafe.
• The use of power drills is prohibited.
• Where it is necessary to leave or replace existing webbing, the webbing should be black or closely match the color of the surrounding rock.
• Protection may not be placed with the use of a hammer except to replace existing belay and rappel anchors and bolts on existing routes, or for emergency self-rescue.
• Physical alteration of rock faces is prohibited, such as chiseling, glue reinforcement of existing holds, trundling rocks, and gluing of new holds.
• It is prohibited to wrap webbing or rope, or rappel off any arch with an opening greater than three feet.
• The intentional removal of lichen or plants from rock is prohibited. Potential seasonal closures or use limits may be in effect during your visit. Check at the visitor center for current closures or limits.
• Potential seasonal closures or use limits may be in effect during your visit. Check at the visitor center for current closures or limits.

Halls Creek Parking

The Kingdom Route/Overland Route is now open again and the parking area (WGS 84, 37.61615, -110.79873) at the trail head is available, but only within the established boundaries laid out. Cars will be towed if not within the boundaries. A few years back Glen Canyon National Recreation Area closed it as off-road parking is prohibited. Capitol Reef National Park rangers worked with Glen Canyon National Recreation Area rangers to get the parking lot established. This historic route officially re-opened. The route is used to access the Miller Creek Canyons (Poe, Baboon, Dog). It is also used to access the Halls Creek Narrows.

A backcountry camping permit is required for camping within Capitol Reef National Park.

Seasonal Closures:

Effective immediately and until August 31, 2020, the following canyoneering routes are closed to protect sensitive natural resources in the area:
• Burro: Beginning at the head of Burro Wash (the crest between Burro Wash and South Draw) and continuing downstream (east) in the wash drainage for a distance of 2 miles (3.2 km).
• Cottonwood: Beginning at the head of Cottonwood Wash (the crest between Cottonwood Wash and South Draw) and continuing downstream (east) in the wash drainage for a distance of 3.5 miles (5.6 km) to the park’s east boundary.
• FiveMile: Beginning at the head of Fivemile Wash (the crest between Fivemile Wash and South Draw) and continuing downstream (east) in the wash drainage for a distance of 2 miles (3.2 km).
• Shinob Canyon: Specifically, the canyoneering routes that descend into Shinob Canyon: Na-gah, Nighthawk, and Timpie

Safety:

• Canyoneering is an inherently dangerous activity. Groups should fully research the intended route and be prepared for unknown obstacles.
• Many canyons require full commitment once started and escape is often not possible.
• Know the latest weather information. Be familiar with the terrain and know your escape routes. Deadly flash flood waters can travel from many miles away with travel times of 10 hours or more. Don’t enter slot canyons or rugged terrain during stormy or wet weather.
• Consider your group’s experience and skill level before selecting and entering any canyon. Groups can overestimate their abilities and become delayed or stuck.
• Notify a friend or family member of your plans before leaving.
• Rescue resources in a canyon environment can be limited and groups may be forced to self-rescue. Many canyoneering routes are in remote, seldom-visited areas with no cell phone service.

Medical Facilities:

Nearest medical facility:
Wayne Community Health Center, located 19 miles west of the park in Bicknell, Utah
128 N 300 W Bicknell, UT 84715;
(435) 425-3744; Closed Sundays and limited hours on Saturday.

Closest Hospitals are located in Richfield (77 miles west, 1.5 hours from the visitor center), Price (151 miles north, 2.5 hours), and Moab (145 miles east, 2.5 hours from the visitor center).

Sevier Valley Medical Center (Intermountain)
1000 North Main, Richfield, UT 84701
(435)893-4100

Castleview Hospital (Intermountain)
300 Hospital Drive, Price, UT 84501
(435) 637-4800

Moab Regional Hospital
450 West Williams Way, Moab Utah, 84532
(435) 719-3500

Last updated: January 11, 2023