The Grand Wash Trail follows a narrow canyon through Capitol Reef. The route follows the stream bed as it winds through several layers of sandstone between Highway 24 and Grand Wash Road. It leads two and a quarter miles along the mostly level wash bottom, making an easy hike.

Hikers can begin this trek from the Grand Wash Trailhead on Highway 24 or from the end of Grand Wash Road. Hiking northeastward from Grand Wash Road the trail begins at an elevation close to 5,500 feet. It follows the wash through the reef. The canyon walls gradually rise at first. A mile from the trailhead the canyon narrows. Hikers will pass through a series of goosenecks before leaving the narrows. Two and a quarter miles from Grand Wash Road the mouth of the canyon empties into the Fremont River. This wash is generally dry, but does experience occasional flash flooding. It is one of only five drainages that leads completely through Capitol Reef.

Directions: From Capitol Reef Visitor Center, Drive almost five miles eastward along Highway 24 to the Grand Wash Trailhead on the southern side of the road.

Elevation: 5,510 feet

Ending Elevation: 5,360 feet

Usage: Heavy

Difficulty: Easy

Visitor Information