Cohab Canyon

The Cohab Canyon Trail is our first post on an excursion within Capital Reef National Park. I am not sure why this park has not yet made it onto the blog, I love it there. Every National Park in Utah is geologically unique in their own way. You can’t say, well I saw that one, I don’t have to go to the others. Capital Reef is not to be missed.

When we hiked Cohab Canyon, it was January. As you can see in the photos later in the post, there was snow. What there wasn’t, was other people. To me, having a hike to yourself is a special treat.

When we first started the hike, there was a sign about mountain lion sightings. Immediately thereafter, we entered into a high walled canyon. The snow dampened sound and was early in the day when the sun had not yet crested over the walls. I felt like this more enclosed section lasted a long time as I thought about that mountain lion! Still, it was a peaceful place that transitioned into a section cool alcoves and honey-comb holes in the rocks.

The canyon opened up and eventually you are on the mesa where you can go to the North and South Fruita Overlooks. These are must sees. Views for days every which way you turn. The feeling of standing on a huge boulder high above it all and looking out over everything and having a panoramic view of nature is something that fuels my passion for hiking. This hike is one that for sure checks that box!

Difficulty: Moderate.

Trail Stats: 3.3 miles, out and back, 797 feet elevation gain. I recommend doing the North and South Fruita Overlooks.

Trail Finding: Relatively straight forward.

Conditions: Hard rock, packed dirt, some looser rock surfaces.

Would I Repeat This: Yep!

Parking: Limited.

Timing: This hike offers some shade depending on the time of day when you are in the canyon portion. Exposed once you are onto the mesa that will bring you to the overlook. We went in the morning and were able to be on the hike as the sun crested over the canyon walls and painted them bright orange.

Downloaded Map: Yes, especially once you are heading into the overlook spots.

Fees: This trail is within Capital Reef National Park. You will need to pay the entrance fee, or show your National Park Pass.

Trails: Cassidy Arch, Hickman Bridge, Grand Wash, Chimney Rock, Golden Throne, Goosenecks and Sunset Point Overlook, and more!