Capitol Gorge was part of The Blue Dugway and was the main passage through Capitol Reef until 1964 when Utah Hwy 24 was built. Turn-of-the-century travelers passed through Capitol Gorge, as evidenced by the Pioneer Register, as did the Fremont people long-ago. The hike begins at the trailhead and continues to The Tanks, returning the same way.

Starting at the trailhead, the walking is easy in the cobble-strewn, usually dry, streambed. You will find yourself in a Navajo Sandstone walled canyon with soaring domes piercing the cobalt blue sky overhead. After a half-hour hike, the canyon floor narrows to fifteen feet, while the walls loom hundreds of feet overhead. About 100 yards down canyon, you will come a highly vandalized petroglyph panel on your left, created by the Fremont Indians. Another 1/4 mile down canyon and in the narrows of the canyon, you will meet with the Pioneer Register, a place where turn of the century travelers left their mark of passage. Just past this point, you will come to the Tanks , waterpockets in the Navajo Sandstone, on your left. Along the way, notice the remnants of the old telephone lines, shown by the metal pipes anchored in the walls.

Trailhead:At the end of the Capitol Gorge Spur Road off of the Scenic Drive.

Distance: 1 mile one way, 2 miles total round trip, returning to your trailhead.

Note: If you are hiking in the summer, take water with you and wear a hat. And, never enter Capitol Gorge if the weather is threatening. Flash floods can, and do, occur and can leave you stranded in the canyon.

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