Navajo Knobs Trail Guide
Navajo Knobs Trail is a strenuous 9.4-mile out-and-back hike located in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah. With roughly 1,620 feet of elevation gain, this trail takes you from the Fruita area’s orchards and scenic river valleys up to an exposed sandstone summit offering sweeping, 360-degree desert panoramas.
Starting near the Hickman Bridge Trailhead, the route first follows the Rim Overlook Trail before continuing on a challenging ascent through rugged terrain. Hikers who reach the top are rewarded with stunning views of the Waterpocket Fold, distant mountain ranges, and the diverse geology that makes Capitol Reef unique. Experienced hikers will find this trail a rewarding, full-day adventure.
Trail Details
| Trail type | Out-and-back |
| Difficulty | Strenuous |
| Length | ~9.4 miles round trip (4.7 miles each way) |
| Time | About 5-7 hours |
| Elevation gain and loss | ~1,620 feet, -1,620 feet |
| Trailhead Coordinates | 38.288718, -111.2275558 |
| Location | Capitol Reef National Park, Utah |
| Season | Spring and Fall recommended |
| Information Number | (435) 425-3791 |
Getting to the Navajo Knobs Trailhead
The Navajo Knobs Trail begins at the Hickman Bridge Trailhead, located just off Utah Highway 24, about two miles east of the Capitol Reef Visitor Center. If traveling from Salt Lake City, head south on I-15, then connect to I-70 east. Exit at US-89 and follow signs for UT-24 east through the town of Torrey into Capitol Reef National Park. From the Visitor Center, continue east on UT-24 for approximately two miles until you see the marked parking lot for Hickman Bridge on the north side of the road. The trailhead is well-signed and includes restroom facilities. Plan to arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking.
The Trail
From the Hickman Bridge Trailhead, the initial section of the hike leads you gradually uphill, paralleling the Fremont River and winding through a landscape of junipers and pinyon pines. Within the first mile, you’ll join the Rim Overlook Trail, where moderate switchbacks deliver you to striking views of the Fruita orchards, the Visitor Center, and the white and red rock formations that define Capitol Reef’s geology.
Once you pass the Rim Overlook (about two miles in), the trail continues on its steady climb. The terrain transitions to more open slickrock expanses, and the going becomes more strenuous. Sturdy hiking shoes are essential, as you’ll encounter uneven footing and steep segments. The vegetation thins out, leaving you exposed to the high-desert sun, so pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat. Wildlife sightings may include desert lizards, ravens soaring overhead, or even the occasional mule deer in the distance.
As you ascend, the landscape broadens, with each step revealing more of the park’s dramatic geology. The Waterpocket Fold—a massive, monocline formation—dominates the horizon. To the north, you may spot the jagged outlines of distant cliffs and canyons; to the south and east, towering buttes and mesas.
Approaching the Navajo Knobs, the trail skirts along sandstone outcroppings and rolling rock domes. The final push brings you to the Knobs themselves, which form a natural overlook. Standing at the summit, you’ll be rewarded with some of Capitol Reef’s most expansive vistas—360-degree views that encompass desert valleys, colorful ridges, and distant peaks. After savoring the panorama, retrace your steps back to the trailhead. The descent can be taxing on the knees, so take your time and enjoy the ever-changing perspectives on the return.
This challenging route is best attempted in cooler months and early mornings to avoid midday heat. While difficult, it’s one of Capitol Reef’s premier hikes and a must-do for seasoned adventurers seeking remarkable scenery.
Camping
The Fruita Campground, located near the Capitol Reef Visitor Center, offers convenient camping with picnic tables, fire rings, potable water, and restrooms. This popular campground often fills quickly, especially in spring and fall—reservations are strongly recommended.
Beyond the park, nearby Torrey provides private campgrounds, RV parks, and lodging options. For those who prefer solitude, dispersed camping is available on certain Bureau of Land Management lands outside the park boundaries. Always check the latest regulations and conditions before setting up camp.
