Hours: (9-4:30 Every Day)

Phone: 800-715-HIKE (4453)

Capitol Reef Backpacking

St. George, UT

Description

Scientists have determined that sixty-five million years ago, the same compacting forces that created the Rocky Mountains formed a fold in the earth under southern Utah. Less than a century ago, that tangle of crevices, canyons and chasms became the last-mapped landscape in the lower 48. This is country that hid Mormon moonshiners, polygamist safe houses and Butch Cassidy. It held the last horsepacking town in America. And even today it feels a step from the edge of the earth.

Our Capitol Reef backpacking trip includes a journey through remote canyons, a visit to iconographic but seldom-seen geologic features, and a traverse of the Waterpocket Fold to the south. We will visit one of the only double arches in the world and traverse to the southern edge of the Park for a unique hike through a slot canyon similar to the famous Zion Narrows (but with virtually no visitors other than ourselves.) Our challenging Capitol Reef Backpacking concludes at one of the most scenic byways in America before making the journey back to St. George.

Trip Type: Guided Backpacking Trip	Difficulty Level:
Solitude Level:	Group Size: 4-10 Guests
Trip Length: 6 Days	Distance: 32MI / 51KM
Hiking Distances: 4-10 mi	Backpack Weight: 45+ lbs
Terrain: Significantly Rugged	Max Daily Elev. ↑↓: 800 ft
Heights Exposure: Light

What’s Included

Top-of-the-line tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and technical backpack
Use of trekking poles
All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
A professional, knowledgeable, certified Utah hiking guide
Comprehensive, roundtrip transportation from your hotel in St. George and back
All necessary entrance fees and permits
Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and satellite communication device

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

Clothes, raingear, and footwear
Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)

Day 1

Shuttle to Capitol Reef: 6 hours
Hiking Mileage: 5 miles
Elevation Loss: 800 feet

On this amazing Utah backpacking tour, our early-morning drive to Capitol Reef begins with an ascent into the high desert country of the Colorado Plateau, in the heart of which lies the tremendous topography of the Waterpocket Fold – our semi-private playground for the next six days. After passing by popular Bryce National Park and through the pioneer towns of Escalante and Boulder, UT, we’ll turn onto a scenic Utah road that takes us into Capitol Reef. The views of the surrounding canyon country, their incredible isolation and Lake Powell beyond are our reward for our long morning’s drive. Our first day’s hike is a great warm-up that starts at a beautiful overlook, where we can take in the vastness of the landscapes before dropping down into it. We’ll descend into the canyons of Capitol Reef, learning about the geology and history as we go. At the end of the day we’ll set up camp near a creek, enjoy our first backcountry dinner and prepare for the next morning’s adventure in the narrows!

Day 2

Hiking Mileage: 5.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Elevation Loss: 200 feet

Comparable in size and similarity to the famed Virgin River Narrows in Zion National Park, Capitol Reef’s remote narrows receives less than 1% of the visitation of its famous cousin. Odds are we’ll have the place pretty-well to ourselves. Today is a day hike, at the end of which we’ll return to our first night’s camp. By traversing the narrows with light daypacks, we’ll be better able to explore and enjoy the incredible scenery around us. Wildland will provide the use of Neoprene socks for warmth while hiking through water – a seasonal necessity in the chilly narrows. Depending on the time of year, the water in the canyon can be deep enough to swim. For this reason, there is no guarantee today’s hike will be completed as a full loop. If the guide deems conditions unsafe we will turn around, and return to camp.

Day 3

Hiking Mileage: 4-6 miles
Elevation Gain: 400 feet

Today’s hike takes us along the southernmost boundary of Capitol Reef National Park. We’ll follow the remnants of an old wagon trail supply route pioneered in 1881 by Mormon settler Charles Hall. We’ll pass an impressive, red-colored, 500-foot “slide” while following the faint wagon tracks along a desert creek. We’ll also take time to explore one of the numerous side canyons that branch off from the main drainage. We’ll set up camp at the junction of the creek and another prominent canyon. We’ll settle into our remote campsite and enjoy some down time before reconvening for a delicious dinner prepared by your guide(s).

Day 4

Hiking Mileage: 10 miles
Elevation Gain: 500 feet

Here we’ll begin our hike north, retracing a historic wagon route further up canyon, beyond a scenic overlook. While today’s hike is long, the forgiving terrain will make it easy to take in the scenery. We will enjoy the serene vistas and unique geology as we hike up the serpentine canyon. We will also find one of the most impressive (yet seldom visited) geologic features in the American Southwest: stunning natural bridge. It is a spectacular, 120-foot-wide double arch – one arch perched atop another – and one of just a hand full of such rock formations in the world.

Day 5

Hiking Mileage: 8 miles
Elevation Gain: 700 feet

As we ascend out of the canyons, notable sites include a cave with inscriptions from early settlers and cattle rustlers of the 19th century, and impressive alcoves that cut overhangs above the canyon walls. We’ll visit one of the more notable geological sites in Capitol Reef National Park, which is an iron-infused crop of red rock mushroom plumes carries delightful contrast to the white slickrock below. We’ll wander among and photograph these tranquil geologic wonders before continuing to tonight’s camp.

Day 6

Shuttle to St. George: 6 hours
Hiking Mileage: 4 miles
Elevation Gain: 400 feet

With walls that never cease to impress, we’ll ascend out of the lower canyon to the trailhead. The canyon we ascend today is a labyrinth of rock piles, sheer canyon walls, and overhanging amphitheaters. Because the stream bed meanders dizzyingly between steep walls, the canyon earned its name for having enough turns to “twist a mule.” Once back to the trailhead, we will relax into the van and enjoy a final, scenic drive through Utah back to St. George.

Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary access restrictions, weather, lodging/campground availability, guest ability/injury, natural events like fires and flooding, and other potential causes. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.

PACKING LISTS

IMPORTANCE OF BEING PREPARED

Your safety and enjoyment will depend on your level of preparedness. It is your responsibility to arrive with the items listed below. Our Gear Guide is a resource to find more information about these items and links to online options. If you have additional questions about what to pack, please ask your guide during the pre-trip contact (~10 days prior to the trip start date) or call our Adventure Consultants 7 days a week at 928-223-HIKE (4453).

Packing List Video

For more guidance on the packing list, we recommend watching our Wildland Packing List Video. A senior Wildland guide and outdoor retail expert walks us through each item with examples and insights. Click here to see the video.

STANDARD CLOTHING CHECKLIST

The following items are required for your trip unless otherwise noted. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed.

(GG) = Gear Guide: see for more info and links to product options

Hiking Boots/Shoes – mid-weight, lug-soled, waterproof, and ideally well broken in (Boots GG – Shoes GG)
(Note: buy your boots/shoes 1/2 size to 1 size larger than your street shoes to allow for feet swelling and thicker socks)
Secondary Footwear – supportive, lightweight, well-drained shoe or sport sandal for creek crossings and/or for comfort (Camp Shoes GG)
Hiking Socks – one pair for every day or two days of your trip, plus an extra pair to sleep in. Hiking specific padded socks, no cotton please! (Socks GG)
(Note: wearing thin liner socks under your hiking socks can help prevent blisters)
Sun Hat – wide brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo (Sun Hats GG)
Cotton T-shirts – 2 short and/or long sleeve cotton t-shirts.
(Note: April-October only. Cotton retains moisture and helps to cool the body down in hot, arid desert environments. Cotton shirts are critical garments in terms of safety and comfort in the hotter months.)
Hiking Shirt – 1 non-cotton, breathable long sleeve shirt (Shirts GG – Sun Hoodies GG)
(Note: long sleeve shirts provide better sun protection)
Warm Top – mid-weight sweater or pullover of wicking material – merino wool, fleece or polypropylene (Mid Layers GG)
Hiking Pants & Shorts – nylon pants AND shorts, zip-offs or leggings (Pants GG – Shorts GG)
Rain Gear – waterproof jacket, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon (Rain Jackets GG)

ADDITIONAL CLOTHING (OCTOBER TO APRIL)

Additional Hiking Shirt – 1 additional non-cotton, breathable long sleeve shirt (Shirts GG – Sun Hoodies GG)
Warm Hat & Gloves – lightweight beanie and light-to-mid weight fleece or wool gloves (GG)
Mid Layer Insulating Jacket – down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated “puffy” jacket or warm, heavy weight fleece jacket (Mid Layers GG)
Base Layer/Long Underwear – 1 pair of wicking tops and bottoms that are lightweight to midweight, synthetic wicking materials such as polyester, polypropylene, merino wool…etc. (Base Layers GG)
Rain Pants – waterproof pants, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon. Look for side zippers that will allow you to pull them over your boots. (Rain Pants GG)

Important Note: Please, no cotton hiking clothes with the exception of the “Cotton T-shirts” section above (which are important!) Feel free to call us if you have any questions or you can reference our Gear Guide.

GEAR CHECKLIST

Hydration System – 3+ liters capacity, either water bottles or bladder/hose system and an additional water bottle (Hydration Bladders GG)
(Note: We recommend always having a bottle with 1 liter of capacity as a back-up in case of a hydration system failure and to use while in camp)
Headlamp – preferably with an L.E.D. bulb that works with AA or AAA batteries (Headlamps GG)
(Note: always test your headlamp before trips, travel/pack without batteries in device, and for longer trips (4+ days) consider a spare bulb and 1 set of spare batteries)
Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Lip Balm
2 Bandanas
Contact Lenses and Glasses – if you wear contact lenses, please also bring a pair of glasses – your contacts are likely to become dirty and may be difficult to clean
Prescription Medication – please inform your trip leader of any medications you are taking
1-2 Face Masks (Recommended but Optional)
Toiletries – small amounts, travel sizes and/or just what you need for the trip (important that they are small!)
Money – for any shopping you would like to do and for consideration of tipping your guide
(Note: industry tipping recommendation is 10-20% of the trip cost based on your level of satisfaction)

OPTIONAL ITEMS

Personal Sleeping Bag – please see information about bringing your own below (Sleeping Bags GG)
Personal Trekking Poles – as a Wildland guest, you can enjoy a 20% discount off Leki trekking poles (reservation number required.) Click here for discount. Trekking poles are provided for guests who do not bring their own. (Trekking Poles GG)
Swimsuit – only if swimming is an option on your trip, some guests prefer to swim in quick drying hiking clothes, sports bra, etc…
Camp Pillow – lightweight, compressible and packable
(Note: many guests use their extra clothing in a stuff sack with a bandana as a pillowcase, and it works well)
Stuff Sacks – various sizes for better organization of clothing & gear, and/or to help create a camp pillow, etc.
(Note: A lightweight waterproof stuff sack can be extremely useful in wet conditions)
Support Braces – consider bringing any joint braces that may be currently needed or from past injuries (i.e. knee, ankle, elbow, etc…)
Camp Reading Material – lightweight paperback book, magazine or small notebook/pen for journaling
Cell Phone or Camera
Spare Batteries – for camera, headlamp or other electronics
Solar Charger or Charging Bank – small, lightweight devices to recharge electronics
Vitamins & Supplements
Quick Dry Towel – lightweight, compressible and packable – bandanas also work

DO NOT Bring

Firearms and Weapons – per our terms and conditions no firearms or other weapons are permitted, including knives with blades longer than 4 inches
Illegal Drugs – including marijuana, which is illegal on federal lands and in national parks
Pets of any kind

TRIP INSURANCE

We strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance. We designed our terms and conditions with trip insurance in mind. When you register for a trip, your spot is no longer available to other guests. Therefore, if you discover that you are unable to travel, no refund is available past a certain point. With trip insurance, your payment to Wildland may be covered, but also your flights, hotels and other travel costs can also be insured.

Read more about our trip insurance recommendations.

TRAVEL, TRANSPORTATION, MEETING & LODGING

MEETING TIME & PLACE

You will rendezvous with the guide and group in St. George, Utah for an orientation meeting at 5:00 PM the evening before the trip begins. Alternatively, you may choose to forfeit the pre-trip meeting and meet us in the town of Escalante, UT on the first morning of our trip. This can be more convenient if you are traveling overland from points North or East, but not recommended if you are a novice backpacker.

Your guide will be in contact approximately 2 weeks before your trip starts to specify the orientation location. The guide will then pick you up at your hotel the next morning for transport to the trailhead.

TRIP CONCLUSION

This trip will conclude at approximately 7:00 PM on the last day.

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE DATES

Travel to and from the trip starting point is not included in the cost of our trips. Please plan on arriving in time for the orientation meeting the day before the trip leaves and departing the day after getting back from the field.

GATEWAY CITIES:

Las Vegas, Nevada or St. George, Utah

All Utah trips begin and end from St. George, Utah. St. George has a small airport served by Delta Connection and United Express. From the St. George Airport one can take a taxi into town or some hotels offer a complimentary airport shuttle. One can also fly into Las Vegas and rent a car or take a shuttle to St. George. This is often your cheapest option. It is a 2-hour drive from Las Vegas to St. George on good roads.

SHUTTLE FROM LAS VEGAS TO ST. GEORGE

St. George Shuttle (run daily vans from Las Vegas to St. George): 435-656-9040

Salt Lake Express (daily shuttles with drop off at your hotel in St. George): 208-656-8824

TRANSPORTATION TO & FROM THE TRAILHEAD

We will pick you up at your hotel in St. George on the morning of the first day of the trip, and provide transportation back to your hotel in St. George on the final day.

STORAGE OF PERSONAL ITEMS & VEHICLES

We recommend checking with your pre- and post-trip hotel(s) to inquire about luggage storage. Most of the time hotels are happy to accommodate. You’re also welcome to leave your luggage in the company vehicle; however, we don’t take responsibility for its safety.

PRE & POST-TRIP ON REQUEST LODGING

We secure limited amounts of pre and post trip lodging in St. George, Utah as an optional add-on for guests of this trip. This lodging is on request, and is available on a first come, first serve basis. If interested, please reach out directly to our team to check availability.

PRE & POST-TRIP RECOMMENDED LODGING

Lodging options in St. George are numerous. We recommend the Best Western Coral Hills (details below) based on convenience, price and overall experience.

Best Western Coral Hills (location of On Request Lodging, downtown hotel with indoor/outdoor pools, in-room mini-fridge/microwave, coin-operated laundry on-site and ample parking)
Website / 435-673-4844

CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST FOR YOUR TRIP

We recommend using NOAA’s website (www.weather.gov) for the most accurate 5-day weather forecasts. Click here for an approximate forecast of the area.

PACK WEIGHT AND CONTENTS

You will be hiking with a multi-day backpack that we provide. You’re also welcome to bring your own. The contents will be what you need for the trip – tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, clothing, rain gear, water, personal items, and a share of group food/gear.

ESTIMATED PACK WEIGHT: 45+ POUNDS

ESSENTIAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.

Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.

The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.

TRAINING

Training is extremely important for you to maximize your enjoyment! The more physically prepared you are, the more fun you’ll have! Click below to read our training recommendations.

TRAINING FOR YOUR WILDLAND TRIP

GROUP TRAVEL

Please take the time to clearly understand the trip you’re registering for, and select a tour that matches your ability level.

It is possible there will be a discrepancy in fitness levels on your trip. Consider that the trip may be a once in a lifetime opportunity for your fellow travelers and it is important to respect each guest’s individual condition, needs and desires.

Finally, guided groups are required by land management agencies to stay together on the trail. Hiking together can require patience and flexibility. If hiking at a very specific pace is extremely important to you, you may want to consider booking a private trip.

TIPPING YOUR GUIDE

Tipping your guide is greatly appreciated! Wildland guides, and outdoor/backcountry guides in general, do much more than lead guests down the trail. Although supported by amazing in-town staff, they often work independently in the field due to permit and logistical constraints. The guide is responsible for the group’s safety, menu planning (including dietary restrictions), cooking for the group, prepping and taking care of the gear, handling livestock (on stock-supported trips), driving, complying with government regulations, ensuring guest satisfaction, and generally making sure the tour runs smoothly. They wear many hats and are extraordinary at what they do!

The industry standard tip amount for hiking and backpacking guides is between 10% and 20% of the tour cost per person, depending on your level of satisfaction. If you have any questions about tipping, feel free to call us 7 days a week at 800-715-HIKE (4453)!

GUIDE SHIFTS

Guides are required to take 10-12 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal time, take rest breaks…etc. and be uninterrupted for a minimum of 8 hours each night. We ask guests to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ off time and sleep time unless there is a true emergency.

Thank You! The Wildland Trekking Company is dedicated to delivering an exceptional travel experience that exceeds your every expectation. We believe travel and adventure are two of life’s great joys and take seriously our role in helping you create a trip of lasting memories. In addition to our role as your travel partner and outfitter we are dedicated to the promotion of stewardship and conservation in the regions we visit. One of our commitments is to use Wildland as a tool toward long-term sustainability of the Earth’s environment and its communities. If there is anything we can do to further inform or help you prepare for your upcoming adventure please do not hesitate to contact us. Thanks for the opportunity to serve you and we look forward to seeing you soon!

800-715-HIKE (4453)

Feel free to call us for more info – we’re here 7 days a week!

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