Capitol Reef Backpacking Trip
Backpack through slot canyons and sandstone arches on this unique trip to Capitol Reef National Park!
TRIP DATES:
May 8-12, 2025 SOLD OUT | October 2-6, 2025 SOLD OUT
Trip Length
5 Days
$1850 Per Person
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with other women and femmes as we delve into the breathtaking wonders of Capitol Reef National Park. Our journey isn’t just about putting on miles through the rugged beauty of this stunning landscape; it’s an opportunity for connection, empowerment, and shared experiences amidst nature’s beauty.
Explore the Waterpocket Fold, a “wrinkle” formed millions of years ago to create this unique landscape. With your guide, you’ll learn about the native Fremont people, pioneers, and homesteads while backpacking with a supportive group of fellow adventurers!
Activities
- Backpacking
- Hiking & Interpretive Tours
Included
- Medically-trained, naturalist guides
- Round-trip transportation from SLC
- Accommodations
- Group Camp Equipment
- Sleeping Tent & Pad
- All meals
- Park entry fees
Not Included
- Flights
- Gratuity for Your Guide
- Sleeping bag (available to rent for $50)
- Personal camping gear (see pack list)
*Prices do not include 8.5% Utah sales tax
Weather
In May, Capitol Reef National Park In the springtime, Capitol Reef National Park experiences mild and pleasant weather, with daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (18-29°C), providing ideal conditions for exploration; however, visitors should be prepared for cooler evenings, and occasional rain showers, making layered clothing and waterproof gear advisable for a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience. Autumn weather is similarly favorable, with temperatures typically ranging from the mid-50s to mid-70s Fahrenheit (12-24°C), though evenings can be quite chilly.
Intensity – Moderate
Moderate (4) – Prepare to engage in 6-8 hours of invigorating hiking each day, navigating varied terrain and notable elevation changes, particularly in the awe-inspiring landscapes of Capitol Reef, all while carrying essential backpacks filled with water and sustenance. This adventure is well-suited for moderately experienced individuals in good physical condition, with the final day covering substantial mileage, adding an exhilarating challenge to this remarkable journey.
Accomodations
- Double Occupancy Frontcountry Tent
- Camping, Night 1
- Double Occupancy Backcountry Tent
- Camping, Nights 2-3
- Double Occupancy hotel, Night 4
Flights
Your guide will meet you at the Salt Lake City International Airport between 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM on Day 1, so please book a flight that arrives by 10:00 AM. Alternatively, you can be collected at your accommodation within Salt Lake City at 10:00 AM if you are already in town, located within 10-15 minutes of the airport.
Your trip ends back at the Salt Lake City International Airport at around 2:00 PM on day five. Please book a flight that leaves after 4:00 PM to ensure you have enough time to check-in. Alternatively, you can be dropped at your accommodation in Phoenix if you are staying on.
Trek across rugged trails, feeling envigorated by the desert landscape as you navigate the wilderness with your pack. Experience the bond of hiking together, finding empowerment amidst nature’s challenges.
Day One
Your adventure begins today! Upon your arrival to the Salt Lake City International Airport, your guide will pick you up for a transfer to Capitol Reef National Park. You’ll meet your fellow travelers and get to know one another via a lunch in town! After a 3.5-hour transfer south, enjoy a welcome dinner as you set up camp for the evening, inside Capitol Reef National Park!
Meals: L, D
Day Two
Rise and shine and savor a nutritious breakfast and pack up camp before embarking on a day of exploration. Start the day with a short drive to your backcountry trailhead. The day’s hike will take you through Capitol Reef’s captivating landscape, covering 5-7 miles. Mid-day you’ll pause for a delightful trailside lunch, recharging amidst the breathtaking red rock formations. In the early evening we will set up camp, amongst the canyon walls. We will share stories of the day’s discoveries, and relish a well-deserved dinner.
Meals: B, L, D
Day Three
This morning you’ll begin your day with a hearty breakfast as you prepare for a more challenging but rewarding trek. Today’s journey will cover approximately 10 miles. After 3-5 miles you and your group will set up camp before the time has come to slack pack the Hall Creek Narrows. Take advantage of strategically chosen rest stops to soak in the beauty of the narrows and capture some memorable photos. As we delve deeper into Halls Creek, witness the ever-changing colors of the canyon walls, creating a mesmerizing kaleidoscope. In the evening, we will set-up camp in a carefully selected spot, enjoy a delicious dinner, and bask in the tranquility of the wilderness.
Meals: B, L, D
Day Four
Enjoy your final morning appreciating the peaceful surroundings. We break camp and embark on the final leg of the journey, covering 10-12 miles as we hike out of Halls Creek Narrows. Celebrate our adventure with a satisfying lunch, reflecting on the memories created in this stunning corner of Capitol Reef National Park. Conclude this backpacking experience with a sense of accomplishment and a deeper connection to the natural wonders of Halls Creek Narrows with a night in town at a much needed hotel. We’ll spend the evening at the stunning Skyview Hotel in Torrey.
Meals: B, L, D
Day Five
The time has come for you to say “until next time.” Take the morning to enjoy a farewell breakfast with your fellow travelers. In the late morning, you’ll take a ride back to Salt Lake City, where you will say your goodbyes feeling rewarded.
Meals: B
Packing LIst
Required Gear
- Backpacking pack (50-60 liters)
- Luggage (can be left in the vehicle, 1 small suitcase per person)
- Sleeping bag (also available to rent)
- Pack cover
- Headlamp
- Reusable water bottles or bladders (3L total capacity)
- Wag Bags
Recommended Gear & Personal Items
- Cotton or silk sleeping bag liner (optional, recommended if renting)
- Travel pillow
- Sunscreen
- Earplugs
- Insect repellent
- Toiletries (please choose biodegradable and scent-free items)
- Small, personal first aid kit (including blister treatment)
- Small, quick dry towel
Required Clothing
- Warm jacket (down, puffy, fleece)
- Rain jacket or shell
- Breathable wicking base layers
- Lightweight hiking pants
- Warm clothes to sleep in
- Warm hat
- Sun hat with a brim
- Wool socks (1 pair per day of trip)
- Hiking boots
- Sunglasses
Recommended Clothing
- Rain pants
- Buff or neck scarf
- Comfortable clothes for camp
- Sandals or camp shoes
Trip FAQ’s
What will we eat?
Meals may be prepared by guides, picked up as boxed lunches, or enjoyed in restaurants. We prioritize seasonal, fresh ingredients and local suppliers in all regions. We can cater to most dietary requests and allergies with advanced notice. Be sure to include this information in our client intake form when registering for your trip!
Can we adjust the start time or trip length?
Start times are totally customizable to your group’s needs! Trips can easily be shortened to accommodate your needs. If you’d like to lengthen your trip, email hello@goodtripadventures.com as additional rates may apply.
Do you offer payment plans?
We are here to help! We offer flexible payment plans tailored to your needs. Reach out to us for more information on how we can assist you with payment options. Regardless of the payment plan implemented, full payment must be received by 30 days in advance of the trip start.
Are there age requirements?
They say age is just a number and we (mostly) agree! However, due to legal restrictions and group dynamic considerations, we do have a minimum age of 18 on our public group departures. But there’s no maximum!
If you have someone under 18 in your group, we can accommodate all ages on a private adventure, so let’s talk!