Fern’s Nipple

One of our latest adventures was hiking to one of the more risqué named geographical landmarks in Utah, Fern’s Nipple. This peak within Capital Reef National Park was supposedly named after one of Butch Cassidy’s girlfriends.

We met up with some friends who are also avid outdoors people. We were stoked to find a hike for our group that would be new to us all.

The Fern’s Nipple hike starts at the Grand Wash trailhead. You will need to have the trail information input into a mapping program because the turn off to hike upward is not marked. This first ascent is loose rock and dirt and is more of a game path than an actual trail. Once you get up onto the first rock bench, you will start to see cairns intermittently placed. We found them to be pretty accurate and kept us on track for the general path.

There was a lot of ascent on this hike. Some scrambling, so up (or down) climbing depending on which way you were headed. All of it was well worth it though. If you have done Golden Throne hike, this one was quite reminiscent of the scenery. We did not see a single other person the whole time. We had the whole beauty of the desolate canyons we wove in and out of and the overlooks to ourselves.

The final walk/scramble/crawl up to the base of Fern’s Nipple was steep and intimidating. The winds were high and the exposure was real. A few of us were going to attempt to get the top of the nipple, but aborted mission due to the strong winds, extreme exposure, and the very high risks relative to the reward. Even from the base of the peak though, the views were worth every footstep we took to get there. I was not dissapointed to have stopped where we did, it was a great physical accomplishment and phenomenal vantage point of the park from above.

Difficulty: Strenous.

Trail Stats: We registered 6.37 miles, out and back, 1,896 feet elevation gain. We did not fully summit.

Trail Finding: Often challenging to know where to go.

Conditions: Loose dirt, loose rock, boulders, sandstone, and some scrambling and steep inclines.

Would I Repeat This: Highly probable. Excellent workout and even better views.

Parking: Plentiful.

Timing: Intermittent, small amounts of shade. I would not likely complete this hike if icy or snowy conditions are present due to the exposure. 

Downloaded Map: You will absolutely need this. This is not a well marked or frequently travelled trail. Road Trip Ryan has the coordinates and route we needed to use.

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

Trails: Grand Wash, Golden Throne, Hickman Bridge, Cassidy Arch, and more.