Hiking High

Hickman Bridge

I had an extended break between farming days, so I decided to head over to Capitol Reef National Park.  I got up early so I would have the majority of the day to hike in the park.  As a result, I was treated to a gorgeous sunrise that enhanced the already scenic drive.  When I got close to the park there was a sign that announced “Scenic Views Next 14 Miles.”  I can get behind a place that has to warn you about just how beautiful the next stretch is! 

On the trail to
the Navajo Knobs

I headed to the visitors center to inquire about the hiking situation in the park.  In my experience, there are three types of ranger reactions when you ask for hiking recommendations.  Sometimes you talk to a ranger that pretty obviously is not fond of the park that he/she is working in.  That ranger will usually give you a recommendation, but accompany it with several negative comments.  Other times you get the ranger who is just in a rhythm of telling every visitor the same thing.  You still get some good ideas, but no real insight.  Then, sometimes you meet a ranger who loves the park and sees that you are prepared to do the necessary exploring to fall in love with it as well.  That ranger gives the best and most valuable advice!  I was lucky enough to interact with one of those rangers at Capitol Reef!  With her fantastic advice in my mind and a trail map in hand, I headed to the first trail head.

On the trail to 
the Navajo Knobs

I started off with the shorter, easier trail to Hickman Bridge.  The trail starts off right next to the Fremont River.  It was a little strange to be hiking right next to a fairly large river after being in such an arid environment for so long (and being a thousand feet above the rivers that do exist there).  As a result, Capitol Reef was much greener and full of vegetation than the other areas I’ve been in lately.  On the way to the bridge, there were remains from a grain storage structure nestled into a nook in the sandstone! 

On the trail to 
the Navajo Knobs

After arriving at and taking a break under Hickman Bridge, I continued along the loop.  When I got back to the branch in the trail, I took the Rim Overlook Trail that the ranger had recommended.  The views got better with every step!  At the beginning of the hike, the views were made up of large, white, dome-like rock structures, which were complimented by the snowcapped mountains in the distance.  There was also a great overlook above Hickman Bridge.  As I continued on the path, red rock formations were added to landscape.  By the time I got to the Rim Overlook, I had a fantastic vantage point to observe the red rock formations, the white domes structures, and the rich green of the valley.  The combination of all these colors and features was spectacular!  The trail continues for another two and half miles up to another overlook.  Up, being the operative word in that sentence, you end up gaining over 2,000 feet in elevation during the hike.  The ranger had told me that the views just kept getting better as you keep going, but she also mentioned that it is quite a steep hike (I believe her exact words were that “It can become quite a trudge.”).  At that point, thought the views were so magnificent and unlike anything else I’ve ever seen, that it made the choice to continue a no brainer (also, a little extra physical activity has never been a huge deterrent for me).  So, on I went. 

On the trail to 
the Navajo Knobs

View from the top! 

As I got higher, the wind got significantly stronger.  Apparently, south-east Utah has a tendency to get incredibly windy in the spring.  It’s really a small price to pay for the incredible weather and scenery!  However, I could have lived without it on this particular day.  The wind was so strong that I my hat was blown off my head (and luckily into a bush and not over the side of the cliff), and then, the wind started to blow me around a bit.  Well, not as if I was going to become airborne, but it definitely did push me around a bit.  As a result I had to stay a significant distance away from the cliff edges, and it also meant that I could only stay still to enjoy a view for a short while. I guess this just means that I’ll have to come back on a calmer day and take this hike again . . . gee, darn!        

View from the top! 

Again, the views just kept getting better!  Slowly, I gained a bird’s eye view of the reds and browns of the canyons off in the distance in addition to still being able to see all the other elements of the landscape.  As I slowly (yet steadily) made my way along the edge of the canyon, I kept seeing high points that I was sure would be where the overlook was.  But no, I kept marching right past those points.  As it turned out, the overlook was on top of a rock formation called the Navajo Knobs, which is the highest point in that section of the park.  After very carefully climbing up on top of the rocks, I wedged myself into a crevice on the Navajo Knobs (so as to prevent the wind from turning my euphoric moment into a tragic one), and reveled in the splendor of the outstanding views I had on all 360 degrees of me!  This was absolutely the best hike I have ever taken in my entire hiking career!  It also resulted in the biggest rush of euphoria I’ve ever experience as a result of hiking (which is saying something)!!  Incredible!!!  Completely and utterly incredible! 

View from the top!