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A beautiful canyon housing the famous Goosenecks - a series of picturesque narrows you can't miss!


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Map Key

5.8

Miles

9.3

KM

92%

Runnable

6,059' 1,847 m

High

5,497' 1,676 m

Low

515' 157 m

Up

1,063' 324 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

33%

Max Grade (18°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views

Need to Know

Detailed information about this route can be found on the National Park Service website
nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/… and up to date water flow conditions from the Park Rangers at the Visitors Center.

Description

The route begins as a pleasant 1.5-mile run down easy-going, dry washes to Sulphur Creek, a perennial stream. On the approach to the fabled Goosenecks, a narrow section of slot canyon along the route, runners are often dissuaded. However, do not fear! While the canyon constricts quickly into several sets of photogenic narrows and small falls, the running remains easy to moderate throughout. Conditions can change dramatically in this section with each flood, but some obstacles are always present. A final low waterfall can present a difficult challenge, especially if it empties into a large pool. After traversing the Goosenecks, the canyon widens for the last half mile to the visitor center.

Sulphur Creek is a perennial stream, but its volume depends significantly on irrigation operations near Torrey. The flow is often low enough that boots can be worn for much of the run unless recent flooding has developed pools in the narrows. The temptation is high in the summer to run in sandals or water shoes, but the three significant obstacles along the route are more safely negotiated with sturdier footwear.

This content was contributed by author Rick Stinchfield. For a comprehensive running guide to Capitol Reef National Park and to see more by Rick, click here.

Contacts

Shared By:

Hunter R with improvements by Richard Rubicam

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 18 votes

#307

Overall
  4.7 from 18 votes
5 Star
72%
4 Star
22%
3 Star
6%
2 Star
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1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#38

in Utah

#307

Overall
5 Views Last Month
1,687 Since Feb 19, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

5%
0%
37%
21%
37%
0%

Photos

I find the boulder wedged in here adds to the interest.
Jan 14, 2020 near Loa, UT
What a fun place to be.
Jan 14, 2020 near Loa, UT
One of the falls.
Jan 14, 2020 near Loa, UT
This narrow section is located between the first and second falls. Unless the water levels are unusually low, you'll have to swim for about 100 ft to get through. We went through in mid March and the water was about 5.5 feet deep.
Mar 28, 2021 near Loa, UT
The first falls is beautiful. If you catch it on a warm day with the right water level, the pool is deep enough for jumping off the ledges.
Mar 28, 2021 near Loa, UT
Another view of the third waterfall.
Jan 14, 2020 near Loa, UT

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