Upper Muley Twist Canyon Trail in Capitol Reef National Park

Upper Muley Twist Canyon cuts lengthwise along the spine of the "Waterpocket Fold" creating a colorful, meandering canyon. The Navajo and Wingate sandstone layers are exposed here, tilted by the uplift and folding of the Earth's crust and sculpted by millions of years of erosion. The Wingate, stripped of its protective Kayenta cap rock, has eroded into unusual forms including many large arches. We took the 3 mile section of the road/trail (Accessed from the Burr Trail Road) that is open for vehicles to the "Strike Valley Overlook" trailhead (Hiking Only) which provides outstanding views of the Waterpocket Fold and the surrounding area. The rim route which continues on North is hiking only and provides similar views. Highlights of the drive/hike are narrow canyons, expanses of slick-rock, large arches, and dramatic vistas from the top of the Waterpocket Fold. The route is marked with rock cairns and signs, but carrying a topographic map if hiking is recommended. It is extremely hot in summer and water sources are unreliable so carry adequate water. Use caution in narrow canyons, particularly during the flash flood season (typically July-September). Free back-country permits are required for all overnight hiking trips and can be obtained at the visitor center. This route is not an official, maintained trail. Route conditions, including obstacles in canyons, change frequently due to weather, flash floods, rockfall, and other hazards. Route-Finding, navigation, and map-reading skills are critical. Do not rely solely on unofficial route markers (rock cairns, etc.); they are not maintained by the National Park Service (NPS), may not indicate the route in this description, or may be absent.
Here are a couple of links to obtain more information to the "Lower Muley Twist Canyon" trail that I mentioned in the video. Also, the last link has some important info on the "Monsoon Season" in this area.
www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisi...
www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisi...
www.nps.gov/articles/monsoon-...
For further information Contact the Capitol Reef Visitor Center at 435-425-4111

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

Thanks

[@richardmoore2003]

Nice video. I drove this trail July 2022 and it’s cool to see what has changed. Thanks for sharing

[@cactushill]

Richard no problem. Thanks for commenting and viewing our video. It is much appreciated!

[@johnlounsbury6191]

thanks again beautiful trail. your videos are very informative for me. I'll be in your area and looking forward to driving trails and camping. looking forward to more adventures sir!

[@cactushill]

Thanks John...We are never disappointed when we are out about in Utah. We always see something that is awesome and beautiful. Thanks again for viewing our videos...Much appreciated!

[@BaconTomatoCheese]

Great video! I like the way you keep the entire frame on the scenery only… I was there years ago, I’ll have to go back again!

[@cactushill]

Sand Blaster...Yes, you should definitely go back! Thanks for the great comment and viewing our channel. It is sincerely appreciated!

[@lynnnorthrup8914]

Good job and thanks for sharing! We have done this drive and the hike multiple times. One of the best hikes in the park. Very tough comeback to Strike Overlook. Done Wolverine and Little Death Hollow as well. The years are slowing down the hiking, but are still going except a little slower. 😀😀😀😀😀👍👍👍👍👍

[@cactushill]

Thanks Lynn!. We are already in "Slow Down" process 😉. We do some short hikes now and again but mainly use the Jeep to get into all the beautiful places in Utah. BTW...I am working on a video on Wolverine loop right now. I should have it out Thursday or Friday (It's in 2 parts).

[@lynnnorthrup8914]

@@cactushill 😀 This trip to the Swell is exploratory before we take anybody with us. Keep in touch and maybe we can share the trail sometime. There is the San Juan’s and the Alpine Loop and so much more and drones! Looking forward to your next video. 😀👍