Old Wagon Loop
View Photos
Old Wagon Loop
Difficulty Rating:
The Old Wagon Loop is a beautiful hike along an historic wagon trail in Capitol Reef National Park. This hike starts with a steep and steady uphill then meanders its way through rocky terrain and a pinyon pine and juniper forest before descending back down to the trailhead. This trail sees little traffic and is a great way to get out and enjoy the peace and quiet of the Utah desert.
Getting there
This hike begins at the Old Wagon Loop trailhead on the west side of Capitol Reef Scenic Drive.
About
| Backcountry Campground | No |
| When to do | year-round |
| Pets allowed | No |
| Family friendly | No |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | Low |
| Route Type | Lollipop |
Old Wagon Loop
Elevation Graph
Weather
Old Wagon Loop Description
The Old Wagon loop is a beautiful hike in the Utah desert. This trail gets very little shade, so lather on the sunscreen, pop on a good sunhat and bring more water than you think you need. This route begins with a steep and consistent climb—we recommend bringing along hiking poles to save yourself some strain. If you ever feel like you are getting off-route along this trail, just look for the cairns: stacks of rocks that act as waypoints on hiking trails. The Old Wagon loop gets little traffic compared to the other, more popular hikes near Fruita. If you are looking for a way to spend the afternoon enjoying the beauty of the desert in peace, this is a perfect hike for you.
From the trailhead, follow the path westward to a divide. This divide marks the beginning and end of the loop section. Take a left to follow the loop clockwise.
Upon completing the loop, follow the main path back to the trailhead. If you are looking for more to do in the area, check out the Golden Throne Trail nearby.
Similar hikes to the Old Wagon Loop hike
Goosenecks and Sunset Point Trail
The Goosenecks and Sunset Point trail is a must-do hike in Capitol Reef National Park. This short trail is relatively…
Surprise Canyon Trail
The Surprise Canyon Trail is a low-traffic hike down a beautiful canyon in Capitol Reef National Park. This out-and-back hike…
West Pleasant Creek Trail
The West Pleasant Creek Trail is a beautiful out-and-back hike along a very pleasant creek that runs year-round. This area…
Comments