Hiking Sulfur Creek in Capitol Reef National Park

The weather has not been cooperating here in Capitol Reef National Park—it’s been very windy. I remember a hike Karen and I did here several years ago where the wind just whipped down the canyon we were in and sand-blasted us. Trying to keep the grit out of our eyes was pretty hopeless. With that memory in mind we wanted to find some hike that the kids would enjoy and not be blinded.

We decided on a hike starting from the visitor center and going up Sulfur Creek. This hike is probably normally done by starting upstream about six miles and hiking down, then hitchhiking or taking a second vehicle back to the start. We didn’t think we were up for that, so we started hiking upstream to see how far we could go. Being in the deep canyon was a good choice to be sheltered from the wind. There is no trail—just follow the creek.

At first we wanted to keep our feet dry by hopping across rocks at the many stream crossings that were necessary. Finally we learned—it’s better to just walk in the creek. After a mile we hit the first waterfall (according to the descriptions there are three). Scaling it was beyond the comfort zone for a couple of us (not the kids though, we could boost them over it). It didn’t matter. Kids, water, sand, rocks, throwing sticks—what could be more fun. We probably spent a couple of hours playing there.

On our return, no one worried about keeping their feet dry. It was so much fun splashing through the creek.

Links
—Sulfur Creek 2012 photo gallery