The Tanks via Capitol Gorge Trail, Utah
Total Distance: 2.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 577 feet
Trail Type: Out-and-Back
Difficulty: Easy
The Hike: Hiking through Capitol Gorge is a must-do while in Capitol Reef National Park. This narrow “canyon” was once used by Mormon pioneers as their route to the nearby settlement of Fruita. While walking through the gorge, pay attention and you may just see etched names into the rock from when these pioneers first came to the area.
After walking through the sandy and shade filled gorge, the trail will enter a sunny valley which gets extremely hot in the summer months. Take a break to hydrate, and from there it’s time to do the short climb up to the tanks. Although many people have described these pool of water as anticlimatic, I think they are still worth the effort since the views from the trail leading up to them can’t be beat.
Overall, this sandy trail is family friendly, yet gives you a “backcountry-type” experience within the park.
The Details: After driving about 2.5 miles down the rugged Capitol Gorge Road, hikers will arrive at the trailhead. From there, follow signs towards “The Tanks” and “Capitol Gorge”. You will be walking through a flat, sandy gorge for the first part of this hike. At .6 miles, the pioneer register can be found on the towering rock walls.
After crossing into the sunny valley at .9 miles, look for signs towards “The Tanks” on your left. Follow the somewhat steep trail for a quarter mile until you reach the pools of water. Please do not swim or throw anything into the pools.
After soaking in the views, retrace your steps back through the gorge to your car.
Gear: For this hike, we recommend bringing along either the Winter or Summer Day Hike Essentials, depending on the season.
*The information in this article is for planning purposes only. Actual trail conditions may vary depending on environmental factors. It is always advised to get the latest trail information from a park office or ranger before you begin your hike.