We saved the best hike for last when we decided to venture out to the Chimney Rock Trailhead. It’s advertised as a loop trail atop the mesa to experience the panoramic views of Capitol Reef and the overlook of Chimney Rock, about halfway along the loop there is a longer trail that goes into the canyon. We decided it would be more adventurous to go into Chimney Rock canyon to its junction at Upper & Lower Spring Canyon Trail. The trail starts on the north side of Utah State Road 24, and quickly begins to ascend the side of the mesa, following switchbacks as the slope increases. After a three hundred-foot climb, we found ourselves the beginning of the loop trail. Located at the east side of the mesa, this canyon then cuts its way down to Spring Canyon, which was our goal. With the sun still creeping up over the canyon walls to the east, we enjoyed the early morning light advancing up the red rock walls. The canyon wash was mostly sand, seeing the impacts from previous flashfloods, debris stuck in tree’s roots and riverbed erosion quickly reminded us of the real dangers hiking in this environment.
Canyon floor hiking is breathtaking. Dynamic scenery, EVERYWHERE! The canyon walls change color and patterns, rock rubble on the trail, huge boulders that have tumbled from above, geologic textures galore and the spattering of determined vegetation to not give in to the harsh environment. Slot canyons, narrows and dead-end alcoves provide frequent distractions to stay on the main trail. As the trail got narrower and the canyon walls taller, we soon came to end of this trail and took a much-needed break, admiring in awe at our surroundings and a vow to return one day to venture down Spring Canyon trail.
As Deb and I retraced our tracks back to the trailhead, even though it was the same trail, it had completely different look and feel. The cool morning air was gone, the higher sun had nearly eliminated all the early canyon wall shadows, the sun was now boldly shining on the canyon floor AND we were gradually going uphill! Soon we reached the Chimney Rock Loop Trail connector and the only thing left was to navigate down the mesa on the narrow switchbacks to the parking lot. We trekked 6.89 miles in just a little over 4 hours. Time for some pie at the Gifford House!!
Click on any photo to enlarge
