Capitol Reef National Park

As one of Utah’s Mighty Five, Capitol Reef National Park was our last holdout. Located in the desert of central southern Utah we had ignored it, favoring Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, and Zion instead. Not to be overlooked, it’s diverse scenery and fascinating geology make it just as interesting as the other Utah national parks.

The name, Capitol Reef comes from the 50 to 70 million-year-old nearly 100-mile-long fold in the Earth’s crust which looks similar to an under the ocean coral reef. Along the fold are white Navajo sandstone domes which look similar to the dome of the United States Capitol. Those two geological points of interest give the national park the name Capitol Reef.

Capitol Reef boasts a stunning array of landscapes from towering sandstone cliffs and massive domes to narrow slot canyons and lush wetlands. Our hiking destinations, Goosenecks Overlook and Sunset Point, are both located within the sandstone cliffs area.

 

Goosenecks Overlook and Sunset Point

Located just across the parking lot from each other, Goosenecks Overlook and Sunset Point are two easy and short hikes which I treated as one continuous hike. True to its name, Goosenecks Overlook provides visitors with a stunning view of the San Juan River winding like two goosenecks in the canyon far below. Equally accurate to its name is Sunset Point which wows visitors with stunning sunset views. Unfortunately, we were there just before noon.

 

Hike Overview
  • • Location: Goosenecks Overlook and Sunset Point in Capitol Reef National Park
    • Start/Finish: trailhead parking lot
    • Course Type: two out-and-backs
    • Course Surface: dirt and rocks
    • Distance: 1.21 miles
    • Total Time: 31:15
    • Average Pace: 25:47 minute/mile
    • Elevation Gain: 229 feet
    • Elevation Range: 6,233 to 6,373 feet
    • Weather: 72° and sunny, climbing to 80°
    • Date of Hike: June 26, 2025
    • Start time: 11:10 AM

 

Exploring the Two Trails

Because the two trailheads – Goosenecks Point and Sunset Point – were across the parking lot from each other, I didn’t stop my Garmin and counted them as one hike. The trails are short and would be easy hikes for both children and those less fit. Without a lot of elevation change, they were quite navigable and both had great views at the end. Protective fencing keeps visitors safe at the steep drop-off at Goosenecks Point.

Worth noting, both trails are in full sun, but for us the weather was quite comfortable even without shade.

 

Goosenecks Point

Goosenecks Point trailhead next to the parking lot…

 

From the parking lot, it was an easy hike to the overlook at Goosenecks Point; although, I followed another hiker and missed a turn on the wide open rocky trail. We found a view of the San Juan River far below, but I realized that it wasn’t the expected overlook and turned to backtrack.

 

I soon found my husband who had stopped to take a picture and we turned, this time finding the correct trail tucked behind some larger rocks.

 

Once we made it to the overlook we had a great view of both goosenecks formed by the San Juan River…

 

View from the overlook of the left gooseneck curve of the San Juan River…

 

View from the overlook of the right gooseneck curve in the San Juan River…

 

Sunset Point

Sunset Point trailhead next to the parking lot…

 

Once again, the hike to our destination was easy as we followed the dirt trail which had very little elevation change once we made a short climb out of the parking area.

 

Interesting rocks jutting out of the ground near the point…

 

Cool fossils-like indentations on a rock very near the point, but there was no sign saying exactly what they are…

 

There is a bench not far from this sign which is situated perfectly for enjoying a beautiful sunset.

 

We hiked beyond the sign at the point – at sunset it would be in bad form to continue hiking on this section of trail if other visitors behind were taking sunset pictures.

 

Garmin Stats

Garmin map and elevation graph…

 

Final Thoughts on Hiking  to Goosenecks Point and Sunset Point in Capitol Reef National Park

Huge fans of the southern Utah desert, we enjoyed exploring both Goosenecks Point and Sunset Point during our mid-day hike. The views from both points were outstanding, but I’m sure Sunset Point would be exceptional at sunset.

 

Questions
  • • Have you visited Capitol Reef National Park? ~ This was our first visit.
  • • Would you rather do a sunrise or a sunset hike? ~ sunrise
  • • Where do you prefer to hike, barren deserts or lush forests? ~ both