Hiking "Smart" in Grand Wash (Capitol Reef National Park, Utah) [ 1:50 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
Hiking "Smart" in Grand Wash (Capitol Reef National Park, Utah) [ 1:50 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | DownloadCapitol Reef National Park Visitor Information and Map
In Capitol Reef National Park, we kept a constant eye on the weather. It never varied from hot and sunny while we were in the park, but that wasn’t the weather we were concerned about. Hiking in slot canyons requires vigilant attention to the weather up-canyon. Zion National Park had been unusually dry when we’d hiked its Narrows and Subway slot canyons, but we had learned that arid conditions can change instantly in the event of a rainfall miles away and remembered well the instant river that materialized during our Bryce Canyon hike.
As we hiked Grand Wash at Capitol Reef, a simple dirt road entombed by sheer cliff walls, we looked forward to entering the narrowest neck of the gorge. We had checked in with a park ranger twice that day already for distant weather conditions, and he had explained (as he must to so many out-of-town visitors) that the danger lay in the distance -in the dark clouds forming on the northeastern horizon.
A slot canyon is more or less a dry chute that can fill with water in a flash when rainwater rolls down slick rock to the lowest point. As the funnel narrows, the water rises. Unwary hikers are trapped every year by flash floods in slot canyons, so we were attentive to his instructions.
As we walked the stark unusual landscape, we maintained an awareness of the “climbable” slopes. The 
ranger had advised us to always know our escape route; that it had to be “up” and as high as possible. But, when thunder rumbled in the distance, we knew our hike was over. It would have been great to get further into the canyon, but we had learned and seen enough to take the flooding danger seriously and opted for our Plan B hike without a second thought. You have to hike “smart” every time, because you never know which time your wise decision will make the difference.
Capitol Reef National Park: Visitor Information and Map
Capitol Reef National Park (Torrey, Utah) Park Website
378 miles of colorful canyons and ridges… Slot canyons, rock arches and monoliths!
Pick-your-own fruit (June – Oct)
HC 70 Box 15; Torrey, UT 84775
435-425-3791 x 111
Park Hours: Open year-round; see website for details
Entrance Fee: $3.00/individuals or $5.00/private vehicle. Valid for 7 days. Annual pass available.
View Capitol Reef National Park, Utah in a larger map
It looks so dry there.
Very arid (and dramatic) landscape. It doesn’t get much rain or hold it very well.
That’s really spooky especially after reading the story in that link you gave us. A matter of minutes and they were swept away. How many foreign tourists would be aware of such dangers?
Suzanne: There’s a decent attempt to educate visitors about the risks of slot canyons, and it sounds like the couple who lost their lives were with experienced guides. You try to neutralize as much risk as possible by gauging a hike’s difficulty against the experience and abilities of the hikers, but tragedies occur every year. Very sad. My heart hurts for all those affected by the deaths in this year’s Escalante flash flood.
Stunning landscape – the red of the earth is so rich in colour. You describe a balanced approach to hiking these enchanting but potentially risky areas. It sounds similar to those who climb the high mountains but make decisions to turn around short of the peak in balance of safety (and life).
Another AMAZING post and AWESOME photos, Heather. I love the way you live life!!! What a great journey you are on.
Hugs, JJ
We’re interested in visiting this area of Utah. Thanks to your text and photos, we know what to expect. If you enjoy slot canyons, visit Upper Antelope and Lower Antelope Canyons on the Navajo Reservation near Page. Each canyon offers a unique experience and the photo opps are endless. I would save this trip for the autumn when the monsoon has disappeared. Like your experience in Capitol Reef, you have to be ever vigilant about the weather, especially in Lower Antelope Canyon where the steep, narrow walls offer little access in case of a sudden thunderstorm.
I quite agree with you.
Hike is a kind of movement with potential danger. We must protect ourselvse first. Yeah, you are a smart hiker.
I have to say the scene is so wonderful, That’s the award of your hard walk.
Keep walking, Dear friend.
Mark: “Enchanting” is the word. It’s hard to abandon course just short of your destination -but easier to remain focused on the bigger picture when you have three kids hiking along beside you…
JJ: Thanks much! You, also, have a jump-in-there attitude that is quite engaging. Which is why I like reading your blog… : D
Donna: I’ve wanted to visit the Antelope Canyons for years! Hasn’t worked out yet, but I always catch my breath at the photos other photographers have found there… Soon, I hope!
How wonderful to be looking forward to a southern Utah vacation! I hope you have a wonderful time.
iWalk: I know that you, also, know the value of advance research when traveling. -And I appreciate how you share those necessary details on your site.
You can be already considered as hiking professionals, so much you know about it