Capitol Gorge to Tanks Trail

The Capitol Gorge Tanks Trail is a lovely hike that features petroglyphs, pictographs, pioneer etchings, and natural water tanks in Capitol Reef National Park. This trail gets hot in the afternoon sun, so be sure to bring along a good sunhat, and lots of water for everyone in your hiking party. When you are walking along see if you can spot the faded petroglyphs and pictographs as well as the names of early pioneers etched in the wall. Please be respectful of these historical pieces, do not touch or lean against the petroglyphs and do not leave any markings of your own along the trail. The water tanks, or Tinajas, at the end of this trail are home to aquatic invertebrates including insects and crustaceans—see how many critters you can spy living in this cool formation.

From the trailhead, follow the path eastward. The trail will divide approximately one mile in, take a left to hike over to the water tanks.

Follow the little loop to the tanks before heading back the way you came. If you want to do some more exploring, you can take a right at the trail divide to continue hiking along the Capitol Gorge Trail.