Are these the best views in Capitol Reef? Hiking Upper Muley Twist

Are these the best views in Capitol Reef? Hiking Upper Muley Twist
Capitol Reef is one of our favorite parks, and Muley Twist has been on our radar for years. We cancelled last year due to snow, but this was our year.
First, I want to say that if you have not been to the Waterpocket Fold section of Capitol Reef, make plans. It's amazing, even if you just drive down Notom Bullfrog road, then take Burr Trail Road up the Burr Trail Switchbacks and out at the 12. Incredible scenery, all along. 4WD is nice, but almost any vehicle with decent clearance would make it. (Unless it's rained or snowed, of course.)
Anyway, after several miles on Notom Bullfrog Road, you take the Burr Trail road up some incredible switchbacks. Reminded me of a smaller version of Shafer Trail switchbacks outside Moab. Once at the top, you'll quickly come to a road for Upper Muley Twist. You can take that about a mile or so and you come to the 2WD parking area. If conditions are good and you have a 4WD (high clearance recommended), you can continue on to the 4WD trailhead. I can't remember if this cuts 1 or 3 miles off the trip.
Once at either trailhead, start walking up the wash. You will pass 2 or 3 arches by this point in your trip. Once you come to Saddle Arch, you can either climb up to your right (looking up canyon) to the rim route, or continue up the wash. We heard the views from the rim were the high point, so we decided to save those until the end and continued up the wash.
Eventually, the wash begins to narrow up. You can get up out of the canyon on a bypass trail to your right, or continue into the slot canyon section of Upper Muley Twist. I definitely recommend continuing into the slot. It's short, but scenic. You quickly come to a dryfall and can't continue up canyon any further unless you take some moki steps on the right. This all depends on your comfort level. I climbed the steps and continued up canyon a ways, but eventually turned around to go back to the bypass. If you have enough time, I have read it is worth the extra mileage to continue up as far as you are comfortable before turning back.
The bypass quickly climbs up high on canyon right, with some exposed sections. Nothing technical, but if you have a fear of heights, keep that in mind. Soon enough the bottom of the canyon catches up to you and you find yourself back in the middle of the canyon....only to have to climb up to the ridge to your right. The climb is quick and to the point, and soon enough you will find yourself on the rim. The views of Waterfold Pocket from the rim cannot be beat. In fact, they're some of the best, if not the best in Capitol Reef National Park.
Once on the rim, go down canyon back toward your vehicle. Again, there are some very steep and exposed sections. You soon find yourself back by Saddle Arch. Take the trail you passed earlier back to the wash. Follow the wash back to your truck.
Our stats said 10 miles, 1,000 ft of elevation gain (and loss) in a little under 6 hours.
Music by Epidemic Sound:
We are Giants - Silver Maple
Aero - Tevor Kowalski
Guna - Martin Landh
Repurposed - Cody Francis
Falla Up - Lo Mimieux
If you click on the links below - and especially if you buy from these links - I'll get compensation. So that would be cool. No, I'm not sponsored by them, but I love the products.
Filmed on:
GoPro Hero 9 Black:
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Canon EOS R:
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Canon 35 mm f1.8 lens
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Weebil S gimbal for your DSLR:
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[@quixote5844]

Years ago, when I moved from Ohio to Oregon, I sought out the most remote part of the West I could find, and landed at Upper Muley Twist Canyon, in the little known Capital Reef National Park. It did not disappoint. Since then, I returned to Redrock country in Utah many times. So impressed was I that, at the urging of Southern Utah Wilderness Association, I started a group called Oregonians for Utah Wilderness - we gotta protect these precious areas from wilderness violators. I introduced my promotional slide shows like this: “Utah has rocks, like Oregon has trees. Utah has sunshine like Oregon has rain.” I love them both, both have wild places that deserve protection. Pay attention and pitch in.

[@markkeller6635]

Jerry and Tina, another great video!

[@3beepslater512]

Love the videos. The cinematography is fantastic. And you guys are just plain funny.

[@Ashley_Schaeffer]

I was here just a month before you... absolutely love this place...

[@JerryArizona]

Can't wait to go back there.

[@TheMoofy8]

beautiful shots, commentary and bg music!!!

[@papajon62]

Another great adventure! Never knew that trail was there, I’ll have to check it out sometime. Tina is so funny when you tease her….

[@JerryArizona]

It's a cool hike. And Tina is a good sport. She has to be, being married to me. Giving her a hard time is one of my favorite hobbies.

[@Ashley_Schaeffer]

Definitely my favorite region in Utah... Next to Canyonlands...

[@cathymoore1739]

Wow! Luv that View from the Ridge. Moki steps, exposure, adventure for the taking...Thanks for sharing another great outing!!

[@alexlz3369]

Best views!!

[@moretoliving2236]

Wow. What a cool hike. I have the overlook on my itinerary but did not anticipate a hike. Now its another one on the to do list.

[@JerryArizona]

Definitely a cool hike. With the switchbacks on the road, arches, slotted section, scrambling and the views from the ridge, it's got a lot of variety.

[@henrikm4657]

Your destinations, footage, and dry humorous commentary are great. You should have 100K subscribers! And a sponsorship from the tourist industry in Utah. Every time I watch one of your videos, I want to load up my car and drive out there.

[@JerryArizona]

Wow, thanks!

[@stevesheldon5153]

Well done, thanks!

[@dmerth]

Every one of you and Tina's videos draw us in. Both the humor and the video style. It tells a story and removes me from the daily grind of normal life. We had planned the "Upper Twist" last March but ended up hiking something else or otherwise rockhounding the Hanksville area. This video convinced me that perhaps I didn't need the petrified wood we collected as much as I needed those views! LOL

[@JerryArizona]

It's a great hike. We ended up bailing on it last year because of snow and did Navajo Knobs instead. (Also a good hike.)

[@TimA3167]

Was my Dads favorite place on earth (Capitol Reef). If you haven't already been, there are at least 3 amazing slot canyon trails along the notem road. As always, great video.

[@TomCrosman]

Burr trail is fun. I’ve only been down it.

[@jens.5676]

Amazing landscape! Thanks for sharing and I just realized we have the same hat

[@JerryArizona]

The Black Clover or Tina's Roxy hat? Because if you have that Roxy hat, I'm impressed. Pretty sure they don't make it anymore.

[@jens.5676]

@@JerryArizona well no, not the cap :-) I meant your hat

[@LetsMakeADayOfIt]

Hey! very nice video and great channel! Thanks for sharing :)

[@fabiocasalecchio]

Jerry,you and your videos rock!💪💪💪👍👍👍👏👏👏

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks! Are you related to a Tedesco from Chicago? Tina has a friend with that last name who we oddly enough took up to Melody Arch. When I saw your photo I thought it was her at first.

[@fabiocasalecchio]

@@JerryArizona no,I am from Italy😊

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Sweet! I've been waiting to see this one. I desperately want to go back to Capitol Reef...Lower Muley Twist looks like a cool overnight trip as well. That ridgeline looked sketchy but a good time!

[@danmcwhertor5922]

Stayed in Loa, UT in May 2021. Drove up Burr switchbacks and took Muley Twist Road (4WD) to parking and short walk to Strike Valley Overlook. The view of the Water Pocket Fold from the overlook was stunning. The use of cairns here was outstanding! As we were leaving we picked up two hikers that had totally underestimated their hike for the day. Gave them a ride back to their car in the earlier parking area. Love your channel. Thanks for taking us along!

[@JerryArizona]

Awesome! We've given a couple of rides to people in these situations too. And I absolutely agree on the views. They're incredible.

[@jitendrakhare9219]

Excellent video work.....Fabulous place...Enjoyed a lot...

[@richardb.7054]

Been on that trail a couple of times. Absolutely loved it. I had to park and walk, but didn't mind at all, it's a great walk starting with peek a boo arch, and all the other arches along the way. Strike Valley is incredible.

[@JerryArizona]

Still have a couple hikes down in Waterpocket Fold we want to check out. Great area. Even just to drive the road.

[@stevenjoelco]

Love this style of shooting, thanks for sharing :)

[@bruceneiman5158]

Been to this trail at sunset along the ridgeline it was amazing so like some hikes the time you go makes all the difference.

[@JerryArizona]

Would definitely be great at sunset. I also wish the skies were a little more accommodating with the clouds. But still amazing.

[@westcoastislander6699]

Didn't take more than 15 seconds of the opening shots and we said "Upper Muley Twist!" Done it twice. Truly a fabulous hike, especially if you take the time to explore. Always thought an over night on the top (near the sign post) would be amazing....if you're willing to haul H20 or the water pockets are definitely holding. Fantastic vid as always. We'd love to be there again!

[@JerryArizona]

It would be a great place to camp. I need to check into it to see if it's allowed. I also want to do Lower Muley one of these days.

[@walterbright1396]

Another great video. I drove the Burr Trail numerous times in the past but never knew this hike existed. It looks spectacular. I just hope I can manage it. I’ve gotten a bit rusty the past decade. Thanks for the great overview.

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Absolutely stunning! Thank you for sharing! Nothing better than gorgeous views to break up the day!

[@SeatonBrownFineArt]

Love your videos. Perfect. Thanks for posting!

[@SergeCousineau]

Amazing views and hike , love to see you guys hiking and talking! Nice capture and editing well put together! Have a great week Serge from "Hélène & Serge" channel in Boisbriand Québec Canada 🇨🇦 H&S 👩‍❤️‍👨🌈🇨🇦

[@histolee]

Great Video Great Music !!!

[@TimmyCramer]

Another awesome video Jerry! Good to see a couple enjoying each other and the outdoors. Should I make chicken wings for the Xmas party? Timmy C Arizona

[@livinlear157]

I have to say that these videos and the quality are getting better and better. Mainly I watch your channel because I love the interaction between You and Tina. Love you two!

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks! Funny, but we just got done hiking Brown's Peak. When we got home, I watched my video from when we did it last time and....wow. My older videos are hard to watch. But I guess you have to learn somehow.

[@bkbland1626]

Good stuff, Maynard. I was just out there a couple weeks ago. We camped out there on the white slickrock That place gets ALL the stars. Lower Muley Twist down to Hamburger Rocks is cool too.

[@JerryArizona]

Lower Muley...and some arch further down and even the narrows way at the end....are all on the list. Someday.

[@sojournerbushcraft]

Cool trail, pretty incredible how much variety there is in the desert. So many people have no idea what they are missing. Thanks for bad ass video. Always enjoy watching you and Tina tear up the trails … and each other, haha

[@saltydawg6817]

Absolutely hilarious… without question my favorite KZbin videos ever. OK that probably means I have no life but nonetheless. And Tina did not disappoint 🖕. I appreciate your time and effort. Be safe and be well.

[@JerryArizona]

First mile and I got the finger. I earn it, every time though. Glad you're enjoying the videos.

[@jeffshafer1070]

Nice trip & some great shots. Ridgeview = A+. Noticing a more relaxed production style lately using ambient instrumental music. It breathes well. Always enjoyable. We often haunt the same places except you're normally digging into it deeper. Thanks.

[@JerryArizona]

Glad you noticed. I'm trying to slow things the edit and music. Finding it flows better with the outdoors.

[@CactusAtlas]

Man... STILL haven't hit Capitol Reef. Only one of the Big 5 that remains unchecked. Kind of not phased about it as I know we'll get there one day but also glad to get to see videos like this to know what to expect and the usual gems you cover. Thanks a bundle for the info about the road (2WD vs 4WD), by the way. We still intend on purchasing a 4Runner to make destinations doable but this last year has changed plans a bit and its so necessary. So many trips and videos we've planned for that had to be scrapped because roads were not what people said. So seeing conditions like you showed is such a help. But yeah... this hike is going on the list for SURE. It looks AMAZING. Love the Karens bit. Probably the quietest ones one will ever encounter. Heh.

[@JerryArizona]

Tina gives me a lot of crap for the Karens thing. Which is probably good because it pre-empts everyone else from pointing it out. Notom BullFrog to Burr Trail through to the highway (forget the #) is a beautiful drive and doable in most vehicles as long as it's dry. If you go further down, I think it gets much worse, but it's been a couple years since we got down there.

[@TheRoadtoGonzo]

Super video. We're those Altras your wearing? Love my lone peaks with the mesh and drain hole, would never go back to heavy boots.

[@JerryArizona]

I have a love hate relationship with my Altra Lone Peaks. They're really comfortable and don't give me blisters.....But after about 8~10 miles in a day, the lack of arch support hurts my feet. And they're falling apart. Seams burst on my first trip with them and the laces broke after 4 or so trips. So I'm still looking for that perfect shoe.

[@MrTbo69]

We will be coming to Capital Reef this October. I watched this video and was psyched to do it as I would love a ridgeline hike. But we are renting an all wheel drive suv (not 4x4) and we would have to park at the first parking. Based on the map that would make a 15 mile round trip hike. That's to much for us on a day hike. Bummer.

[@JerryArizona]

Look into Navajo Knobs or Cassidy Arch. Both solid hikes without the road concerns. It's still worth a drive down there to take the Burr switchbacks and loop back around. It's a beautiful drive.

[@mattfroeming640]

Another great video Jerry! I'll have to add this one to my "to do list". If you haven't done it yet Ferns Nipple is a great hike. It's an off trail scramble to one of the best views in the park in my opinion. P.S. I agree with you Jerry. I follow "Karens" when I'm hiking too. LOL! Thanks for making the great videos.

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks! And I have looked that up (and seen it in the park) and it is now on the list. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@richterrysradicalsabbatica7500]

Great videos Jerry! Can't stop watching them. Planning another trip out west after the new year, your vids give great insight. BTW- I just finished this book I think you would enjoy "Over the Edge: Death in Grand Canyon", sounds kind of morbid but so much insight about what not to do in the wilderness. Also highlights the experience and greatness the NPS employees, especially during rescue missions. Give it a try I think you will learn lots. Be safe.

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks! And I'm planning a GC trip (finally) so I should probably check that book out.

[@JohnPaul-ts8dq]

How long of a hike was it? Loved the video.

[@JerryArizona]

I think I put it in the description. 10ish miles and 1,000' elevation change. Although we read it was more. Didn't feel like more though.

[@BS2Dos]

👍👍

[@almamdani6564]

Really enjoyed this video. How many hours did it take? Keep them coming.

[@JerryArizona]

Will do! And I'm showing about 5 1/2 hours car to car.

[@the-Albino-Rhino]

@9:15+ make sure people respect the ridgeline and the earthen crust that gives way before you, from Navajo to the Strike Valley.

[@oldboater]

Love this video, it would be nice to include the mileage of your hikes.

[@JerryArizona]

I guess I forgot it (or didn't know) in the video. I try to remember in most vids though. I DID actually remember to put it in the description, but understand most people don't read those (I never do). I shows 10 miles and 1,000 feet of elevation change. I think the drive adds 3 miles (each way, I think but it could be total). The route descriptions I read said closer to 2,000 feet of elevation change, but it didn't feel like that much and my gps only said 1,000.

[@lynnnorthrup8914]

I think the best view in Capitol Reef are from the Navajo Knobs trail. Upper Muley Twist and Water Pocket Fold views are awesome and a tougher hike with route finding challenges. Just curious what you and Tina do for a living to support you passion for adventure. Email is on my About page if you want to contact me directly. LN

[@JerryArizona]

Navajo Knobs was one of our favorite hikes. Except how we kept thinking we were 'almost there' when we were not close. We both have regular jobs. She's a nurse, I'm an engineer.

[@lynnnorthrup8914]

@@JerryArizona Thanks for responding. When you’re up here in Colorado, give us a shout. I’m CPA flunking retirement and we’re headed to Escalante right after 4/18. We have explored the San Juan’s and much of southern Utah and are still going except a little slower and not as far. We’re a 4Runner family so we would get a long. You are a good editor and videographer. Keep up the good work and let Tina drive. 😀😁😀😀😀👍👍👍👍👍

[@KatelynLesk]

Was the most exposure heading up to the ridgeline (where you mentioned it was dicey around the 7:10 mark) or was it on the ridgeline with the drop-offs? Read mixed reviews on the danger of this trail and hard to get a sense of what we'd be getting into

[@JerryArizona]

That spot had a lot of exposure, but wasn't really that bad. There were some steep parts around 9:42 and for a while after that as well once you're on top of the ridgeline. It's mostly psychological. You don't worry about falling off a sidewalk. But if there is a 300' drop at the edge of that sidewalk, it suddenly becomes more daunting. I'd say if nothing in the video made you really scared, give it a try. You can always turn around if you get to a spot that seems like too much for you.

[@KatelynLesk]

@@JerryArizona thank you, that is super helpful!!!! The exposure doesn't bother me if the terrain is easy to walk on. I get more nervous with exposure and any kind of slant on the rock (like where grippy shoes would really matter). Based on the vid and your description, sounds like a great trail!

[@JerryArizona]

@@KatelynLesk definitely some parts up on the ridgeline that are steeply slanted. I didn't need stealth rubber or canyoneering shoes, but it's still steep. Maybe try the reverse of the loop we did because you can still get the ridgeline views. If it gets too steep, go back down the way you came and if you want, you can still go up the wash and check out the narrows section.

[@KatelynLesk]

@@JerryArizona awesome! Thank you!!!!

[@donmalpas986]

You worry a lot.

[@JerryArizona]

I may need to try that sometime....The metal soundtrack, not the swimming.

[@the-Albino-Rhino]

She missed a cool arch. Just sayin'

[@JerryArizona]

Right?