Chimney Rock Trail stole my heart! The hike was a bit strenuous for my liking, but the sweeping panoramas made every step worth it. I felt like I was on top of the world up there!
It's 3.3 miles and pretty easy despite the elevation. It’s pretty much just a path. Few rocks to climb over on the path so not strenuous at all. Great view at sunrise (we left before it rose). View of the chimney rock itself s just so so but the views of the mountains makes it worth it. This
I can't believe this hike a) doesn't have more hikers and b) have more parking spots. It was our absolute favorite hike we did during our week-long hiking trip to the Capitol Reef NP and surrounding area. We hiked it during the mid-afternoon hours in late April and saw only one other couple the entire time.
The hike is not too difficult, and most people should be able to complete the loop (3.6 mi. RT). I would recommend doing it counterclockwise. The views are just spectacular along the rim overlooking Chimney Rock and the park below you. Of all the hikes of this distance and difficulty in Southern Utah, it would be hard to find one that gives you this much bang-for-your-buck. Keep in mind there is no shade at all on this hike and it does get a bit windy up on top along the rim, where you can see for miles and miles.
My wife and I arrived to the trailhead around 1pm. The trailhead is located right off the main highway, not too far from Torrey. We were the only ones hiking this afternoon. There is a toilet at the trailhead. We did the trail counter clockwise. This was a fairly strenuous hike for us, and at the end of the day we felt it. Trail conditions were dry, muddy, snowy, and icy. It had it all depending on where the sun got to the trail. Our AllTrails app has the trail at 3.3 miles. A loop. We did not wear traction devices, but we hiked with trekking poles. That helped a lot. This was strenuous, but also a lot of fun, and beautiful. I would like to hike this trail in dry conditions.
We walked down this trail at twilight, just for a couple hundred yards or so. Chimney rock is so pretty. The beginning part of the trail is easy, so do not miss it!