Sulphur Creek | Capitol Reef

Hiking Sulphur Creek - Capitol Reef Hiking Sulphur Creek

Capitol Reef

Overview

RATING: Moderate Hike

Mon

Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. North northwest wind 2 to 6 mph.

48 | 33

Tue

A slight chance of rain after 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 43. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

43 | 30

Wed

A slight chance of rain and snow before 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 42. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

42 | 29

Thu

A chance of snow after 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 39.

39 | 25

Fri

Partly sunny, with a high near 41.

41 | 25

View Full Weather Details
SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear
WATER: Sulphur Creek flows year round.
FLASHFLOOD: High

Mon

Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. North northwest wind 2 to 6 mph.

48 | 33

Tue

A slight chance of rain after 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 43. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

43 | 30

Wed

A slight chance of rain and snow before 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 42. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

42 | 29

Thu

A chance of snow after 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 39.

39 | 25

Fri

Partly sunny, with a high near 41.

41 | 25

View Full Weather Details
Great narrows - Sulphur Creek

Great narrows - Sulphur Creek

Note: Flash floods in 2019 have changed the canyon a bit. Expect two swims, one below the second waterfall, and one below the third! Not a problem on hot days, but could be unwelcome on cool days.

Sulphur Creek is not an "official" Captiol Reef trail, but is an official route. It is one of the more stunning hikes in the park for those interested in geology. This hike has the distinction of hiking through the oldest rock in the park.

This hike involves qiute a bit of wading. If doing it in early spring or late fall, wear heavy wool or neoprene socks to stay warm. Under normal conditions, you will be in mostly ankle deep water with a few spots to knee deep. After recent rains, or in early spring, it may flow deeper. You should check the flow at the visitor center to make sure it is reasonable before starting out. This is not the hike to do if storms are threatening.

Because of all the water, this can be pleasant in the heat of the summer, and provides the benefit of great waterfalls to cool off in if you get hot. At 6 miles, it may be a bit much for young children, but makes a great family hike for those able to cover the distance. If the distance is too much, consider hiking up from the bottom to the final water fall. This only takes an hour or two roundtrip, and makes a nice outing.

First waterfall bypass downclimb, with the falls in the background

First waterfall bypass downclimb, with the falls in the background

Full Details

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Videos

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A day in Sulphur Creek

By: ryancornia

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