Trail Run Project Logo

An easy trail, great for those with kids or those who wish to stretch their legs after a long drive.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

1.3

Miles

2.1

KM

100%

Runnable

5,491' 1,674 m

High

5,422' 1,653 m

Low

15' 4 m

Up

76' 23 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (1°)

3%

Max Grade (2°)

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views

Description

The path between the picnic area and the visitor center really doesn’t fit the usual or official definition of a trail, but it is a nice route and a good introduction to the geologic and human history of Fruita. The path is especially suited for those who arrive early at the campground and need both a little exercise after pulling in and some information about Capitol Reef. It is also the only trail in the park where dogs are allowed, so Rex and Fluffy will like it too.

Campers can access the Visitor Center Trail by picking up the east end of the Fremont River Trail that borders Loops A and B on the north side next to the river and heading downstream (east) past the Gifford House to the bridge on the Scenic Drive. Others should park at the picnic area, which is 1.0 mile from the visitor center on the Scenic Drive. The path is located just across the Scenic Drive to the west.

Wherever you choose to start, the trail meanders across streams and beside historic orchards rich with heirloom apple varieties, among other fruit, to eventually end in the Capitol Reef Visitor Center Parking Area.

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.

Flora & Fauna

Huge old cottonwoods, osage orange trees, heirloom fruit trees, and four-wing saltbush are abundant along the trail.

Contacts

Shared By:

Hunter R

Trail Ratings

  2.5 from 4 votes

#43989

Overall
  2.5 from 4 votes
5 Star
0%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
50%
2 Star
50%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1,215

in Utah

#43,989

Overall
2 Views Last Month
129 Since Aug 30, 2016
Easy Easy

83%
17%
0%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

Cottonwood trees at Fruita. with permission from Nick Terrett
Sep 8, 2016 near Loa, UT
Orchards and Mountain
Feb 19, 2016 near Loa, UT
Gifford Homestead, where pies and ice cream are abundant.
Jun 28, 2017 near Loa, UT
Capitol Reef Visitor Center
Feb 19, 2016 near Loa, UT

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.