Chimney Rock Trail at Capitol Reef National Park is a moderate trail whose length is 3.6 miles or 5.9 kilometers that leads to a view of Chimney Rock itself from above Mummy Cliffs — but the good news is that you do not need to hike to see Chimney Rock, as the parking area and other spots along Utah State Highway 24 offer views of this natural formation.
Chimney Rock Trail at Capitol Reef National Park
Keep in mind that Chimney Rock Trail has no shade, as it can be hot — especially during the summer months — so be sure to carry a sufficient amount of water; and use caution near the edges of cliffs.
Coming in from the west, one of the first views of Chimney Rock as seen from Utah State Highway 24 heading east is shown in the above photograph.
Chimney Rock looks almost like a sphinx when being creative with imagination.
The change in elevation of the trail is approximately 590 feet or 180 meters; and it is considered to be rated between moderate and strenuous.
The view of Chimney Rock facing east is shown in the above photograph, dwarfed by the cliffs that surround it.
Mummy Cliffs are the backdrop for Chimney Rock.
Looking west on Utah State Highway 24.
Final Boarding Call
Chimney Rock Trail is part of the experience of Capitol Reef National Park, which I recommend — although I did not have enough time to hike the entire trail of 3.6 miles, which might have taken me greater than two hours to complete.
Please refer to the National Parks of Utah and Colorado: Itinerary and Master Guide article — which is still a work in progress — for links to other articles at The Gate With Brian Cohen which pertain to the national parks of Utah and Colorado.
Chimney Rock Trail
Capitol Reef National Park
HC 70, Box 15
Torrey, Utah 84775
435-425-3791
Credit cards are accepted.
All Weekly Passes are valid for seven days.
Weekly passes are non-transferable and are valid for seven consecutive days — including the date of purchase. Weekly passes may be upgraded to annual passes within seven days of purchase.
- Private Vehicle: $20.00. Admits private, non-commercial vehicle with a maximum capacity of 15 passengers and all occupants to Capitol Reef National Park.
- Motorcycle: $15.00. Admits one non-commercial motorcycle to Capitol Reef National Park.
- Per Person: $10.00. Admits one individual with no car to Capitol Reef National Park. This weekly pass is typically used for bicyclists, hikers, and pedestrians. Youth 15 years of age and younger are admitted free of charge.
- Non-Commercial Organized Groups. Organized groups such as Scouts, Rotary, Clubs, Youth Groups, Churches, Reunions, etc. that do not qualify for an Academic Fee Waiver are charged as follows:
- $35.00 Admits private, non-commercial vehicle with a maximum capacity of 15 passengers.
- $20.00 per person for non-commercial vehicles with a minimum capacity of 16 passengers. Fees will not exceed the commercial fee for the same-sized vehicle. Youth 15 years of age and younger are admitted free of charge. Individuals or families with any valid Annual or Lifetime pass may use their pass for entry at the per person rate. The pass and photographic identification must be present upon entry.
All photographs ©2020 by Brian Cohen.
