What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Chimney Rock Loop
Lace up your hiking boots for this roundtrip hike to enjoy fabulous views of the towering Chimney Rock. This famous pillar rises from the surrounding terrain in all its red sandstone glory. Most of the trail is relatively easy to navigate, but you will go up a steep cliff at one point.
Length: 3.5 miles
Intensity: Easy to moderate
South Draw: Pleasant Creek to Tantalus Flats
This out-and-back hike is in Capital Reef National Park. It starts outside the park inside Dixie National Forest, and the trail is a fun mix of mellow dirt roads with steeper rocky sections suitable for both hikers and mountain bikers. You'll tackle hard climbs and fast descents and enjoy Utah's red rocks and beautiful views.
Length: 8.2 miles
Intensity: Difficult
Paiute ATV Trail
This trail system covers several mountain ranges and three state parks, and scenic vistas let you see quite a bit of Central Utah. Ride for several hours or days, and enjoy the same trails that are home to regional events. These trails connect many communities, and the BLM, state parks, National Forest Service, and private landowners manage the property.
Length: 974 miles available
Intensity: Easy to moderate
Fishing and Boating
Fish Creek Cove gives you access to Otter Creek Reservoir, and the clear, cold waters mean you can fish for rainbow trout all year long. You can also find brown and cutthroat trout, and smallmouth bass and wipers are also in these waters. Fishing access is available on the western edge of the reservoir at three different points. They include South Point, Tamarisk Point, and Fisherman's Beach.
Climbing
Visit Capitol Reef National Park for numerous Wingate crack routes. Check in advance for new anchor bolting bans; you need permits for bouldering or climbing in the park. Fortunately, there's a self-serve kiosk available 24/7 where you get a free day-use permit. Of the 60 total climbs, 42 are trad options, and 15 are bouldering climbs. You can also enjoy four top-rope climbs, a pair of aid climbs, and one sport route.
Wildlife Viewing
Fish Creek Cove is a great place to witness wildlife and so is Capitol Reef National Park. Keep your eyes on the terrain around you for elk, antelope, and deer. You might also see cougars and coyotes. Smaller mammals closer to the ground include chipmunks, woodrats, and mice, and the only reptiles are a handful of lizards and snakes. You might find a rare toad or frog close to water, but there's much more life in the air. Over 230 bird species fly through here; some are permanent residents, but others pass through while migrating. Notable bird-watching locations include the Fremont River Trail, Sulphur Creek, and the trees outside Ripple Rock Nature Center.
Picnicking
Fish Creek Cove does have pit toilets and picnic tables, but there isn't any potable water. On the other hand, Capitol Reef National Park has a paved Scenic Drive with the Capitol Gorge Parking Area, where you can picnic. Enjoy the scenery while you drive there, and then take advantage of a big, paved lot where you can easily park your RV. The picnic area has plenty of tables in the shade, and restrooms are available.
