Lower Muley Twist Canyon and Grand Gulch Loop

The trailhead for this loop is located within Capitol Reef National Park. Parking is typically available at the designated trailhead areas. Given the remote nature of the park, it's advisable to check the official National Park Service website for specific directions and any current parking regulations or road conditions before your visit.

This loop is generally considered an intermediate to strenuous route. While some sections through the 'twist' are fairly straightforward, the overall length (15 to 23 miles), remote nature, and potential for difficult-to-follow sections contribute to its challenge. Hikers should be prepared for long days, potentially 8-12 hours for a day hike, and significant elevation changes.

Yes, if you plan an overnight stay, a free backcountry permit is required. For day hikes, a permit is not typically needed for Lower Muley Twist Canyon itself. However, if your route includes sections of the Grand Gulch area, a permit is required for hiking or backpacking there. Capitol Reef National Park does have an entrance fee, which can be paid at the park entrance or visitor center. Always check the official National Park Service website for the most current fee and permit information.

Spring and fall are generally the best times to hike this loop, offering more moderate temperatures. Summer temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making hiking very challenging and increasing the risk of heat-related illness. Winter can bring cold temperatures and potential snow, though it can also offer unique solitude.

Reliable water sources are scarce, especially during summer months. Hikers are strongly advised to carry at least one gallon of water per person per day. It's crucial to contact the park service for current water availability if you plan an overnight trip, as conditions can vary.

The loop offers incredibly diverse terrain and stunning scenery. You'll navigate deep, winding canyons with towering walls of white Navajo sandstone streaked with black desert varnish, and red sandstone from the Wingate and Kayenta formations. Expect impressive alcoves, undercuts, and high arching overhangs. The path alternates between pebbled sand and slickrock, with multi-colored boulders and cliffs rising over 800 feet. Grand Gulch sections feature winding canyons, often with a dry riverbed and sometimes razor-sharp willows.

No, pets are generally not allowed on trails within Capitol Reef National Park, including the Lower Muley Twist Canyon and Grand Gulch Loop. This is to protect wildlife and ensure the safety of all visitors. Always check the most current pet regulations on the National Park Service website before bringing a pet to the park.

Yes, the area is rich in history and culture. Lower Muley Twist Canyon served as a wagon route for Mormon pioneers in the late 1800s, and you might find reminders of stockmen. The Grand Gulch area is particularly famous for its Ancestral Puebloan cliff ruins, rock art, and artifacts, some dating back 2,500 years. You can see structures like kivas, pictographs, and petroglyphs, often remarkably well-preserved.

Yes, while there is a defined loop, hikers have options to shorten the trip, do out-and-back hikes into specific sections, or combine it with other trails for extended backpacking adventures. The route itself utilizes sections of official trails like the Lower Muley Twist - Post Trail to Halls Creek Drainage, Grand Gulch Trail, and The Post Cut-Off Trail, allowing for some flexibility in planning your exact itinerary.

Trail conditions can vary. While much of the 'twist' is fairly easy to follow, sections can be difficult to navigate due to riverbed crossings, dense foliage, and flood debris. The path often alternates between pebbled sand and slickrock. It's highly recommended to carry a detailed map and navigation tools, and be proficient in their use, as the route is remote and not always clearly marked.

Given the trail's difficulty and remote nature, essential items include ample water (at least one gallon per person per day), high-energy food, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), sturdy hiking boots, layers of clothing for changing temperatures, a detailed map and compass or GPS device, a first-aid kit, and a headlamp or flashlight. If backpacking, a free backcountry permit is also required.