Sulphur Creek - Capitol Reef

Sulphur Creek

Capitol Reef National Park
Canyoneering

Sulphur Creek is an entertaining river hike through a marvelous slot canyon. Everyone will enjoy splashing down the river and admiring the breath-taking landscape. Children find this hike particularly enjoyable. Nothing beats playing in water to help the miles melt away.

Sulphur Creek drains the high slopes of Thousand Lake Mountain, which provides for the perennial stream and the three enchanting waterfalls you will encounter.

Interested in viewing a short video clip which was shot Sulphur Creek? This video was taken on a warm April day.

*Sulphur Creek Video*

General Information:
Sulphur Creek is a fun river hike through a resplendent slot canyon. The hike is one of the best in Capitol Reef National Park and is usually done in warm to hot weather. The hike involves several miles of hiking down a river in ankle deep water with the occasional knee deep plunge pool. The canyon contains several minor obstacles that you must scramble over. Water from the aptly named creek is not potable so carry what you need. The route is 6 1/4 miles in length and will require approximately 4 hours time trailhead to trailhead.

A car or bicycle shuttle is required to complete this adventure. If a shuttle is not available it is usually very easy to hitch a ride back to the Chimney Rock Trailhead. The route ends at the Capitol Reef Visitors Center so there are plenty of people to beg a ride from. A large, easy to read sign that states "Next Trailhead" makes hitching a ride much easier and faster.

Sulphur Creek requires no special gear. Footwear compatible with hiking long distances in water should be worn, an old pair of running shoes are excellent. If you wish to complete this hike in cold weather than I suggest wearing a pair of neoprene socks inside your shoes to help keep your little piggy's warm.

Experienced hikers will have no problem completing this route. This hike is excellent for children under competent adult supervision; the miles melt away for the kids as they splash in the water and scramble over rocks. Beware, there are three sections on this route where young children and beginning hikers might require some assistance. Teamwork is the name of the game at these places.

A GPS is useful in identifying the correct trailhead and checking that you are on course. Navigation for this route is easy. Map reading skills and the USGS 7.5' Map titled "Twin Rocks" are useful.

Sulphur Creek is rated 2C II using the Canyon Rating System. This canyon has a moderate flashflood potential, check the local weather report and look to the western skies before entering this canyon.

Sulphur Creek can be completed in the opposite directions from what is described below. This creates an uphill hike and it's more difficult to hitch a ride back to your starting point.

Important Note:
The stream flow can easily be checked by walking behind the Visitor Center. If the river is knee deep or more find anther adventure for the day since the canyon could be dangerous, particularly for children. The hike is probably best for children when the water is approximately ankle deep behind the Visitor Center.

The family downclimbs one of three obstacles.

Trailhead Information:
The route ends at the Capitol Reef Visitor Center and this is where you should leave a shuttle vehicle if one is available. If leaving a shuttle vehicle it is considered good manners to leave it at the south end of the parking lot. If a shuttle vehicle is not available it is usually not a problem since it is not difficult to hitch a ride back to the trailhead.

To reach the trailhead from the Visitor Center take Highway 24 west for 3.1 miles to the Chimney Rock Trailhead located at mile marker 76.3. The trailhead has parking for a dozen vehicles and a pit toilet. Any vehicle can access this trailhead and all roads are paved.

Route Information:
From the Chimney Rock Trailhead (N38° 18' 54", W111° 18' 16"), cross to the south side of Highway 24 and begin hiking down the dry wash. There is no trail, but navigation is quite simple, just keep heading downstream and you will eventually end up back at the Visitor Center.

The gradually deepening dry wash winds 1 3/4 miles to it's confluence (N38° 18' 12", W111° 18' 14") with Sulphur Creek. If the river is knee deep or more turn around and come back anther day. The hike is probably best for children when the water is approximately ankle deep at Sulphur Creek. Once you reach the flowing water of Sulphur Creek turn downstream and follow the flowing waters into the section of canyon known as "The Goosenecks". Look up at the North Rim and you can glimpse the Gooseneck viewing platform and the less hearty tourist's 600' overhead.

The first obstacle you will encounter is a dazzling 10' waterfall, which knifes into a sandstone slot. This obstacle is easily bypassed via a ledge on the south (right) side.

Continue a short distance down canyon and you will encounter the second obstacle of your adventure, a second 12' waterfall that is as brilliant as the first. This waterfall is also bypassed using a ledge and chute on the south (right) side.

The next mile of canyon involves plenty of wading as the water cascades over small ledges and into numerous pools forming a natural water park for kids of all ages. The best part of the hike is sandwiched between the first and third waterfall.

Approximately one mile before the finish of your trek you will encounter the third and final obstacle. An enjoyable 6' waterfall into a sweet plunge pool. This obstacle can be bypassed using the ledge system on the north side of the stream or you can downclimb the short cliff on the south side. During warm weather you can also slide down this waterfall into the plunge pool, make certain you check out the landing for hidden rocks before anyone slides down.

From the final waterfall to the Visitor Center the canyon begins to open up. When you reach the end of the hike at the Visitor Center (N38° 17' 32", W111° 15' 46") you must circle around the north side to reach the parking lot.

Optional Route Information:
A short visit to The Goosenecks and Sunset Point viewing areas are often considered part of this trip. Both short hikes embark from the same trailhead. To reach the trailhead take the signed Goosenecks turn-off on the south side of Highway 24 2.7 miles west of the Visitors Center and 0.4 miles east of the Chimney Rock Trailhead. Follow the Gooseneck signs south on the well-maintained gravel road for 0.9 miles until the road terminates at the trailhead.

Sunset Point Trail - This short, signed, easy trail leads about 1/4 miles southeastward to Sunset Point. The point lies at an elevation of 6,400 feet and overlooks Sulphur Creek. This overlook is easy to reach and provides views of Capitol Reef and the Henry Mountains.

Goosenecks Trail - This short, signed, easy trail leads less than 100-yards northwest from the trailhead to an overlook of the Sulphur Creek Canyon goosenecks. Panoramic views of Capitol Reef abound from this viewpoint. Numerous interesting rock formations lie beside the trail.