Navajo Knobs Trail - Capitol Reef National Park

Navajo Knobs Trail - Capitol Reef National Park
If you like National Parks but don't like crowds, you should consider checking out Capitol Reef National Park. It's probably one of the least crowded parks in the Southwest. But that doesn't mean it isn't incredible. Every time we go, we are already making plans to go back. And we never seem to squeeze in as many hikes as we want. This trip was no exception. We expected to do Muley Twist. But the weather had other plans. It decided to snow and given the uncertain road conditions and possible sketchy climbs, we changed our itinerary.
Plan B was the Navajo Knobs trail. I hadn't done much research about Navajo Knobs. Basically, I'd just read about it on the pamphlet they handed me at the hotel. Two things about the Navajo Knobs trail caught my eye; it was the hardest hike listed and it had the best views. I like a challenge and I like nice views. So Navajo Knobs it was.
Something about Capitol Reef National Park. When you drive through on the main road, there are these amazing, incredibly tall, red cliffs along the side of the road. What I didn't realize is that the Navajo Knobs Trail takes you up along those cliffs to the very top.
It was a challenge, with multiple false summits. And the views were not overstated. It was like being on the top of the world. If you haven't been to Capitol Reef National Park, you should consider checking it out. And when you're there, consider putting the toughest hike in the park under your belt.
Music - Epidemic Sound
Blues or Something Like that - Tigerblood Jewel
Don't let me Drown - Tigerblood Jewel
Enjoy the Ride - Razorspade
#hiking
#outdoors
#backpacking
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:
amzn.to/2JDd7YZ

[@walkitoffarizona887]

The cherry on top was that view! Beautiful! Snow made that much better ! Being able to share it together is the best !

[@michaelfitzgerald434]

One of your very best. Beautiful!

[@bdbeatle1]

Wow! Another awesome hike! And great food!

[@scottsatterthwaite5056]

Beautiful and inspiring.

[@RoamingWithRosie]

That! You did it. Inspire those of us a wee bit older to keep on keeping on. Almost have us convinced we could do it. Until the end. You did it for us. Loved it. Thanks!

[@TheMountainMatt]

They’re always right😉. That snow adds to the fun and beauty 👍🏼nice job guys that overlook is amazing!

[@corydriver7634]

Awesome hike, love the outtakes and she’s ALWAYS right.

[@JerryArizona]

Do not encourage her. Most of the time I am always right.

[@corydriver7634]

@@JerryArizona lol.

[@dmdhiker]

Did this route 2 days ago and enjoyed it immensely. Would be even harder with the snow. Nice job and video.

Awesome landscape, Happy New Year from Italy :) Like n.57

[@johnnycramer5841]

Kickass. Showed this to my mom and she loved it. Going for my havasuai falls permit soon. The Forever Bachelor Timmy C.

[@JerryArizona]

Good luck on the permits. I forgot they were coming around again. Curious to see how it works out given how things are right now.

[@robhebbs7960]

What beautiful scenery with the colors of the rock and the snow . gorgeous views on top. thank you guys for taking me up there and showing me those views. Because i would not be able to climb that i dont believe .

[@bkbland1626]

I spent a week this Autumn checking out and hiking in Capitol Reef with my best friend. We had a blast. That place is amazing.

[@JerryArizona]

It's definitely under-rated.

[@pamelag2223]

Loved the dismount especially since I would not even be able to do the mount! too scary! Thanks for your effort!

[@JerryArizona]

The mount is not much more graceful.

[@dantheman1624]

A great hike, just did that in October....the views are incredible along the way

[@CameronCox_1969]

First time I found you guys. Crack up. Love your work . Great vibe and fun and beautiful to watch. From Australia and had that spot pinned for future travelling and you just convinced me to do Utah in winter.

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks! I've always wanted to go to Australia. One day. I can't recommend southern Utah enough. It's like another planet, and so much diversity in such a small area. Headed up there again next week. Any questions planning a trip, just ask.

[@TinaArizona]

Seriously, if you’re coming all the way from Australia, hit Jerry up. He will give you some mind-blowing locations.

[@CameronCox_1969]

​@@TinaArizona Kinda funny the ALL THE WAY from Australia comment, I have been to the US over 6 times now and with out fail someone always sales WOW that's so far to come, Everything is a long way from Australia LMAO. My Google Map Pins of the US particularly the Utah area almost blank out the map. I certainly will be hitting Jerry up, so glad google present their channel to me, exactly my kind travel people.

[@dixielambrecht7009]

WOW. Just ...WOWSERS

[@princesssachikoikeda1050]

You helped me find hiking spots multiple times! You're awesome! It'll be a dream to hike with you two!!!

[@westcoastislander6699]

Capitol Reef has got to be our most favourite national park. So many amazing hikes to do. Have done this one a couple of times. If you have not already done it, would recommend Fremont Overlook hike. A relentless uphill hike, but the amazing views and surprise overlook at the end make it well worth it. Best back pack trip there? Try Halls Creek.

[@JerryArizona]

I'll look into them! Love Capitol Reef. We were just talking about going back later this year. I also still need to do the technical route at Cassidy Arch. Hear it's a lot of fun.

[@jrlong3490]

What!? No Mexican Food after that epic and grueling hike? Oh and Jerry, note to file for marital longevity, Tina is always right. :) Safe travels.

[@JerryArizona]

We tried. The Mexican place was closed. And do not encourage Tina; she already thinks she's right all the time.

[@HikingEngineer]

love this hike! This was the only hike I did in CR when I drove thru in summer of 2017 and only had a half day. Also did Hickman in the beginning

[@JerryArizona]

Capitol Reef is under-rated. We where going to check out Muley Twist but felt there was too much snow. We read there were some sketchy exposure parts, so we changed to this hike. Not disappointed.

[@HikingEngineer]

@@JerryArizona totally agree on CR being underrated as it's the least known and probably least visited of the Utah parks. I've done a ton in Arches, Canyonlands, and Zion but only 1 hike each in Bryce and CR. Bryce all looks the same so I don't need to go back there haha, but definitely want to go back to CR, and also explore the San Rafael Swell area

[@JerryArizona]

@@HikingEngineer I feel exactly the same way with Bryce. Been there maybe three times. Only hiked once though. Otherwise, checked out the overlooks and moved along. I keep saying I'm going to backpack it one day and it never seems to happen.

[@skipandcherieadventures116]

We thoroughly enjoy your videos and have found that we have gone on several trips thanks to you guys...Navajo Knobs(this week), Gooseberry Yurts, and I believe Coyote Gulch, the Ranger’s cabin at the Painted Desert to name several off the top of my head now....I am sure there are quite a few others. We are planning to do the three Arches one in Moab too! Thanks so much for your inspiration!

[@theryanstravel1699]

Oh man, so many "fingers." Repetitive trails can drive us crazy. But wow, those views along the view are truly spectacular. Argh, false summits! But the final overlook is killer. Made us catch our breath with you standing so close to the edge. You made it! New friends here :)

[@gomanastro]

nice editing

[@BrandonH1138]

Awesome as always! Would love to see a behind the scenes need out video on your editing process

[@JerryArizona]

I keep meaning to do videos on editing, shooting, gear, etc. but never seem to get around to it. One of these days.

[@CrossingJourney]

Have you used mic with your GoPro? Sound quality is very good! Thank you for sharing. We are heading there next month! Can’t wait!

[@JerryArizona]

I've considered a mic, but it ruins the waterproof and rugged aspect of the GoPro, so I've never gotten one. I just mess around with it manually and it turns out ok most of the time. I have a Canon and a shotgun mic, but it's heavy and requires a gimbal, so I usually end up using the GoPro.

[@JoeQuake]

Hike Capitol Reef by day. Dinner at the Rim Rock in the evening. (Maybe some disc golf in between.) Great place to go.

[@JerryArizona]

Really bummed we probably won't make it back there this year. That little Mexican Food place is actually pretty good too.

[@bruceneiman5158]

You went to Torrey to eat well last got a story American place in Torrey once held one of th best chefs for Mexican food it was a gem in the middle of now where but the chef left and the place was never the same. Jerry you found a very special woman there who loves to hike that is unique for sure.

[@JerryArizona]

We were just up there again and the mexican restaurant just outside Capitol Reef was open for a change. And it was actually really good, which is shocking for a restaurant attached to a gas station. Wish the place you're talking about was still around. And yeah, Tina is great. Crazily enough, we got into this together; it wasn't where one of us convinced the other. One of these days I'll make a video about how we got into hiking.

[@bernardcrane750]

Wow is right!

[@robn.5932]

Another new trail to try, thanks Jerry and Tina. Where did you guys stay?

[@JerryArizona]

We love the cabins at Capitol Reef Resort. They are amazing and one of our favorite places to stay. We were just talking the other day that we wanted to plan another trip there just to stay at the cabins.

[@jamesfreddys]

Is Navajo Knobs a three day weekend for you guys?

[@JerryArizona]

It was. We ended up staying at Hanksville night one (got in late after work), then two nights at Capitol Reef. Absolutely love the cabins at Capitol Reef Resort.

[@brandyhofmann2582]

You guys need to check out Sulphur Creek, maybe when it warms up though. Edit, My god what a view.

[@JerryArizona]

Definitely want to do that one when it's warmer.

[@Brandonbikes]

Jerry, what area are you based out of? Ever been to Canyonlands?

[@JerryArizona]

Phoenix. Tina went to Canyonlands solo and we tried going back a couple years ago, but snow had most of the areas we wanted to visit closed. I'm actually considering that as a possibility on a trip soon, but I'm concerned the snow might have the roads messed up again.

[@devinwessels5092]

Yall hella funny

[@JohnPaul-ts8dq]

Beautiful country. Did you edit out Tina’s fickle finger of fate Jerry?

[@JerryArizona]

No middle finger this trip. Kinda strange, now that you mention it.

[@TinaArizona]

This cracked me the fuck up!

[@scottyb949]

Crazy! When did you do this hike? My girlfriend and I love your stuff and almost did that hike on Jan. 10 (an injury kept us off the trail.) We're wondering if we almost saw you both on the trail. Either way, thank you for showing us the hike we missed!

[@JerryArizona]

This was 1/2 or so. Too bad you missed out, it's a great hike. Maybe we'll cross paths one of these days.

[@zacheryjones2903]

How long did it take you to reach the summit?

[@JerryArizona]

It's been a while, but the GPS route shows just under 6 hours for the entire hike. So about 3 to get to the top.

[@zacheryjones2903]

@@JerryArizona thanks for the reply! My wife and I did this yesterday and that's about how long it took us as well

[@aamullen75]

Jerry, are you on Strava? Would be cool to follow you there if you are.

[@JerryArizona]

No. I use Gaia, but I don't publish the routes. I'm really bad about remembering to turn recording on and off though, so they'd just be a mess.

[@Hunter_RxFire]

What brand and style pants do y'all wear?

[@JerryArizona]

They're just generic, fleece lined pants off Amazon. I looked at them and they don't even have brand tags. Sorry.

[@mountainwilliam2979]

Don't step on my S#@t! 😂

[@marcump]

You should do "Little Wild Horse Canyon" just outside east of the swell. Just don't do it it rain is expected...for obvious reasons 🙂

[@JerryArizona]

Done it. Beautiful canyon.

[@marcump]

There's an orchard down low in the valley

[@JerryArizona]

Been there a few times. Never when the apples were ripe though.

[@jonschmidt1709]

Wow! Enjoying watching everyone of your vids, but the views on this topped all I think. Must be the contrast with the desert and snow. Thanks, another lists added to the list! (My wife will love me for that....NOT)

[@JerryArizona]

If you go up there, check into upper Muley Twist and just the road down Water Pocket Fold. That's what we were going to do this hike, but it was sketchy in the snow. The cabins at Capitol Reef Resort are absolutely incredible to stay at also....And it's just 30~40 minutes to Hanksville with Factory Butte, Mars Research Center, North Wash, San Rafael Swell, Goblin Valley and more. We keep exploring this area and there's just so much to see. (Don't tell your wife I told you.)

[@jonschmidt1709]

@@JerryArizona we have a 5 national parks in a week thing kinda planned with my wifes cousins family....Zion, Bryce, Capital Reef, Arches, Canyonland. I think it's a bucket list for them....for me it'll just be getting the palate wet! Will have to check out the cabins when we finally get to some serious planning...

[@aaronlybrand]

My wife always makes fun of my hiking videos by reenacting me breathing heavy.

[@TheSringel]

cairn's are also called "ducks". go figure...

[@davescott757]

Love all your vids but this music sucks

[@JerryArizona]

Yeah.....I'm not happy with some of my past music choices either. Hopefully you think it's gotten better in the more recent vids.