The Fremont River Trail Might Be The Most Beautiful Hike In All Of Utah’s Capitol Reef National Park
By Courtnie Erickson|Published August 16, 2023
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Here at Only In Your State, there are two things that we love — hiking trails and national parks. When you combine the two, you are in one for one incredible adventure. Tucked away in Utah’s Capitol Reef National Park is one of the most beautiful hiking trails around — the Fremont River Trail. Not only is this Utah trail fairly short and not too difficult, but the views are breathtaking. If visiting Capitol Reef National Park, this is one trail that must be on your itinerary.
Capitol Reef National Park is one of the most underrated national parks in Utah. This park has something for everyone from history to views to even fruit orchards.
When visiting, I highly recommend you spend some time exploring the Fremont River Trail. This is a 2.1-mile trail that offers some of the best views in the park.
Fruita is a small settlement located in the heart of the park. It was home to Fremont Indians and was then settled years later by pioneers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As you walk along this trail, you’ll enjoy views of the Historic Gifford House, the well-known fruit orchards, and the Fruita Campground.
As you continue, you will follow the Fremont River. You will pass by several areas where the river offers a picturesque scene. These are great spots to take a break and admire the views around you.
And you’ll want to follow it in its entirety as you will take a short, yet steep climb up to a summit with incredible views of the cliffs and Fruita area.
Bring lots of water on this hike and a camera — you’ll be sad if you forget one. Pay attention to your surroundings on this hike as mountain lions have been spotted along this trail. Also, don’t forget you will need to pay a fee to enter Capitol Reef National Park. You can learn more about this trail on AllTrails.
Have you ever tackled the Fremont River Trail in Capitol Reef National Park? Let us know in the comments. And, before you head on this trail or any others in the national park, make sure to check out our ultimate hiking packing list featuring 75 must-have hiking accessories.
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