cohab canyon trail

stephgunary

We started the hike at the Gifford House end and walked through the Canyon towards Highway 24. We then did the Hickman Bridge trail and then retraced our steps. It was quite frankly the best hike we did in Capitol Reef and like the rest of the park, extremely peaceful and breathtakingly beautiful. On the way out, we did the Fruita Valley overlook spur trail, which was definitely worth the extra mile. We saw big horn sheep, woodpeckers and mule deer along the way, which was great. The scenery is stunning. If you only have time to do one hike at the park, do this one.

DudefrmAK

We actually started this trail at Grand Wash, up to Cassidy arch, connecting to Frying Pan Trail, then down the Cohab canyon link. This made for a very nice day hike, and you get a little of everything....we had two cars but others were hitching rides and that seemed to work as well.

killer_bob

The initial climb up from the Fruita end is a little breathtaking but also offers breathtaking views of the Gifford barn and farm house as well as the Fremont River gorge on the opposite side of the valley. Once in the canyon a whole new hidden world is discovered, there are mysterious side canyons, strange rock formations and pleasant green areas. Be sure to take the side trail out to the two river overlooks. You can make this a loop by walking back up highway 24 and through the orchards to the picnic area near the Gifford House.

taj24

We hiked this trail starting from the west end. The trail head is near the barn in Fruita. We hiked with kids ages 4, 5, 7 and 8 and it was a steep 1/4 mile but doable. The canyon at the top is totally worth it. We spent about 2 hours on the trail and probably only made it 1/3 of a mile into the canyon because there are plenty of rocks to climb and side/slot canyons to explore. One of the best hikes in Capitol Reef!

westernu_12

We started out by parking near the homestead museum then walked by the horses, and across the road to to the trailhead. The hike starts out with a steep or moderate grade in the open, switchbacks back and forth. You hit a more level area, continue to the south(?) You may think the trail goes left, but it is more to the right or straight if I remember correctly. You cross the flat area, continue along the face of the wall and then get to a small summit, then drop down into the canyon. We thought the sign about staying to the left of the wash was confusing, but figured it out. We went to both the overlooks. Not a safe area for out of control kiddo's. Check with the ranger to make sure we are remembering the details correctly.

MTLbears

When we visited this summer, the Hickman Bridge trail was closed, and the ranger suggested we try this one instead. It was very quiet and peaceful as a trail, and we saw lots of wildlife up close. The beginning of the trail is very steep if you are starting from the visitor centre, but then it flattens out when you reach the canyon - the view is very rewarding after that initial ascent! Loved the peace of Capitol Reef!

Periculam

We took the park entrance to Cohab Canyon trail up (and up) to the Fruita lookout (a spur trail off the Cohab Canyon trail). I'd definitely recommend the route we took - the beginning is a steep and unprotected climb, but the views are great. The Fruita Overlook is a nice spur lookout trail with both a North and a South lookout - I slightly preferred the North lookout even though it's a little bit longer hike, but they are both nice. Instead of completing the Cohab Canyon hike to 24, we turned around and headed back to the park trailhead.

timberline

Hiked up this trail in 2012. At the top had some beautiful views around Capitol Reef. Wasn't that long of a hike. Started across the road from the Capitol Reef campground.

sleepytako

We were planning on taking the Hickman Bridge tour, but a rockfall detoured us to Cohab Canyon. The initial switchbacks were not as difficult as advertised and were soon over. The first entrance into the canyon has to be experienced. After hiking the canyon walking back to our car along the highway was not as long or difficult as feared.

blackgrizzley

We had 2 cars so parked one at the beginning and one at the end of the trail. We recommend this if it is a possibility for you. The end of the trail is at Rt. 24. If you do this you experience both the switch backs at the beginning of the trail and the rocky paths marked by stones. Don't forget to look for the slot canyons.

Tisha399

My two six year olds loved it and didn't have any trouble. All of us slipped a time or two so wear good shoes. Reward yourself with some pie at the Gifford House afterward.

Hippityandhoppity

My wife and I hiked Cohab Canyon from the Hwy 24 side, parking near the trailhead for the Hickman Bridge and Navajo Knobs. The hike from this side gets a few views of Capitol Dome and rock faces on the north side of the park but no views of the Visitor Center side of the park. Although the Visitor Center trailhead (near the campground) is much steeper (400 ft. rise over about 1/2 mile) you get some great views of the park's north and west sides as well as the Fremont River. Considering the short length of this hike you can get some great views almost from the start. For about the same amount of effort we much preferred the Chimney Rock hike on the West side of the park off Hwy 24 on the way to Torrey. Hip and Hop

warrenville111

Our first hike after visiting the visitor center was the Cohab Canyon - a nice hike. The elevation gain was minimal (I think 400 or so feet), most of which were switchbacks at the beginning...not too bad. Some of the trail in the canyon followed the sandy wash, but otherwise it was mostly hike on solid and crumbled rock. As there were rain clouds in the area, we did not go all the way to Highway 24, rather, from the campground, we hiked to the Fuita overlooks (a shorter spur hike with some minimal elevation gain). After the overlooks, we returned from the way we came. We did come accross some other people, but the trail was quiet and natural.After the hike, it was a short walk to the Gifford House and Barn. Hmmmm...a small $1 ice cream was perfect.If you could, it might be nice to arrange a car or bike shuttle from Grand Wash and/or Highway 24... No bathrooms at trailhead, but the visitor center is within a mile.

RockyFtCollins_CO

Walk out of campground and the trailhead is right there. Switchbacks make for easy climb up. Fantastic canyon scenery. Enjoyed the hike !

3dj

The beauty of this hike is that you can turn around whenever you are ready. (Which helps with little ones)We did lots of bouldering in the canyon and explored the slot canyons on the right (When coming from the campground). Cool spot to explore, and its right out of the campground--no need to drive to the trailhead.