Chimney Rock Loop Trail in Capitol Reef National Park, UT

Hike Chimney Rock Loop Trail Capitol Reef National Park, UT

Class 1 3.5 miles 800 gain 1-2 hr Loop Apr 8, 2021
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Chimney Rock Loop Trail GPX Track

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The Chimney Rock Loop Trail is a popular loop hike accessed shortly after entering Capitol Reef National Park from the west. It forms a loop as it wraps up and over Mummy Cliff. The most popular section is leading up to the high point of Mummy Cliff, but most people don't seem to complete the entire loop. Chimney Rock, a feature for which the trail is named, is a cool-looking pinnacle that you pass shortly after starting the hike. The trail makes some tight switchbacks before splitting, forming the loop. I did the hike counter-clockwise so I could get to the high point and enjoy some views as the light was fading, but either direction would be lovely. I continued past Mummy Cliff's high point after enjoying the sunset by heading east along the trail. After a half mile or so the trail split again. Heading right would lead into Spring Canyon, left continues back to complete the loop, gaining some elevation along the way.

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Chimney Rock Trail trailhead.
Chimney Rock Trail trailhead.
View toward Chimney Rock.
View toward Chimney Rock.
Popular, pretty trail.
Popular, pretty trail.
After a short ascent up some switchbacks, I reached the junction. I headed to the right first to reach Mummy Cliff. I'll be returning from the left trail on my way back.
After a short ascent up some switchbacks, I reached the junction. I headed to the right first to reach Mummy Cliff. I'll be returning from the left trail on my way back.
Close-up toward the trail I came in on.
Close-up toward the trail I came in on.
Headed up the Chimney Rock Trail to Mummy Cliff.
Headed up the Chimney Rock Trail to Mummy Cliff.
View back along the trail.
View back along the trail.
Chimney Rock from above, the trailhead is visible in the center.
Chimney Rock from above, the trailhead is visible in the center.
Another shot looking back along the trail.
Another shot looking back along the trail.
Mummy Cliff ahead.
Mummy Cliff ahead.
Mummy Cliff summit, view east.
Mummy Cliff summit, view east.
Continuing along the Chimney Rock loop. The trail heads down toward Spring Canyon, left of center.
Continuing along the Chimney Rock loop. The trail heads down toward Spring Canyon, left of center.
Image 12 from gallery
Another view point along the trail, looking east.
Another view point along the trail, looking east.
The trail continues toward Spring Canyon.
The trail continues toward Spring Canyon.
Image 15 from gallery
View back toward Mummy Cliff.
View back toward Mummy Cliff.
Image 17 from gallery
Junction with the Spring Canyon Trail. I continued along the Chimney Rock Trail to complete the loop.
Junction with the Spring Canyon Trail. I continued along the Chimney Rock Trail to complete the loop.
View back toward Spring Canyon before reaching the Chimney Rock Trail junction, completing the loop.
View back toward Spring Canyon before reaching the Chimney Rock Trail junction, completing the loop.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!