Hiking Surprise Canyon
Explore the Hidden Beauty of Capitol Reef's Short & Scenic Hike
Surprise Canyon in a Nutshell
Surprise Canyon is located in Capitol Reef National Park in Southwest Utah. It’s an easy trail to navigate for kids or those seeking a less demanding hike. While it's a bit of a drive on a sandy, washboard road to reach the trailhead, the journey is part of the adventure. With fewer hikers, the peacefulness and natural beauty of this surprisingly special canyon can be fully appreciated.
A Little Info on Capital Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is marked by the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile-long geological formation and classic monocline with layers of sandstone, cliffs, and hidden canyons. Its rich human history spans from the ancient Fremont and Ancestral Puebloans, known for rock art and farming, to 19th-century Mormon settlers like Elijah Behunin, who developed Fruita's orchards. The park is 378 square miles and was designated as a national park in 1971.
My Hiking Experience
Finding solitude in a National Park can be a rarity these days, yet Surprise Canyon offered me just that – a solitary hike in nature's brilliance.
The first two-thirds of the trail meanders through a mostly level, vast Utah desert filled with boundless skies. Along the way, I saw loads of lizards b-lining it to bushes for cover as I made my way, an uninvited guest, through their sun-dappled domain. In mid-June, following a super rainy spring, the desert was dotted with cactus blooms and flowers, adding splashes of pink, yellow, and purple to the scene.
Twenty minutes into the hike, I made my way into the canyon, where towering cliff walls stood like natural skyscrapers that rose majestically around me. The trail remained flat and sandy, peppered with slick-rock boulders to climb over. Believe it or not, I did the whole hike in flip-flops – that's how easy it is. However, I didn't climb up the dry falls to the upper part of the canyon (I'll get into that later), but if you're planning on doing that, you'll definitely want some sturdy footwear.
As I ventured deeper into the canyon, a sense of watchful eyes lingered in the air. It felt as though a hidden observer might be perched high above or cloaked just behind a rock, silently watching. I kept thinking to myself, if I’m ever gonna see a big kitty-cat while hiking, this has got to be the place. But alas, I saved my pspspsps for my two cats when I got back home.
Even though the canyon felt mysterious, it was this intrigue and beauty that kept me forward, eager to see the stunning views and surprises that awaited around each corner. And it did not disappoint.
Surprise Canyon Trail Directions
Begin your hike in Surprise Canyon by following the trail westward, leading to the wash and the sandy streambed. A short 20-ish-minute walk brings you to the dramatic entrance of the canyon. As the trail narrows, you'll be wrapped in the embrace of the towering walls and encounter a seasonal waterfall area, dry most of the year. This is where most hikers turn around.
For those feeling adventurous, you can scramble up this dry fall into the higher canyon, which curves north. Or, take the path less traveled – an unofficial trail to the right, which offers a detour around it. These lead into the higher, less captivating parts of the canyon, which eventually widens and loses its initial charm. To get back to the car, you’ll head back the same way you came.
What I love most about this hike
Having the trail all to myself – not a soul in sight.
Watching all the colorful lizards darting around in the desert.
The incredible peace and quiet.
The refreshing cool shade once inside the canyon.
The could-be-better parts
There’s no shade for the first two-thirds of the trail until you hit the canyon.
Although the drive to the trailhead is scenic, the washboard can get really annoying.
How to Get to Surprise Canyon
From the Capitol Reef Visitor Center, it’s a 43-mile drive to the trailhead. It takes approximately two hours along a sandy, bumpy road (my 2-wheel-drive Rav4 handled like a champ). If it rains, roads may become extremely muddy and impassable. Always check road conditions first.
From the Capitol Reef Visitor Center, head east for a short distance and turn left onto Scenic Drive. You’ll merge right onto UT-24 East and follow it for 9 miles. Then, turn right onto Notom-Bullfrog Road (S Notom Rd) and follow it for 32.5 miles. Finally, turn right onto Burr Trail Road (BLM 12000) and continue a short distance to reach the Surprise Canyon Trailhead on the west side of the road. The trailhead has a small parking area with room for around six cars.
Surprise Canyon Trail Beta
Distance: 2 miles, out and back
Elevation gain: 633 feet
Total time: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Season: Year-round, but hot in summer with little shade.
Water: None. Bring your own. And there’s no toilet.
Dogs: Not allowed
Accessible: No. Due to surface type (sandy and uneven)
As you enjoy the beauty of Surprise Canyon, it's important to practice the Leave No Trace principles. Help preserve this stunning landscape by staying on the designated trails to protect the delicate desert ecosystem. Carry out all your trash, including small items like wrappers and fruit peels, to keep the area clean and wild. By following these simple guidelines, we can all contribute to maintaining the natural splendor of Capitol Reef National Park for years to come.
