Overlook the Waterpocket Fold at Strike Valley

Itinerary tips

• 1Plan for a 3-mile round-trip hike if you have a high-clearance 4WD vehicle to reach the upper trailhead, or 9 miles if starting from the paved Burr Trail road.
• 2Carry at least two liters of water and salty snacks, as the exposed trail offers zero shade and can be dehydrating even in cooler months.
• 3Download offline maps or bring a physical topography guide, as cellular service is non-existent once you turn off the paved highway.
• 4Allocate 3 to 4 hours for the hike and photography to account for the steep final ascent to the ridge.
• 5Check current road conditions at the Capitol Reef Visitor Center before heading out, as the Burr Trail switchbacks can become impassable after rain.
• 6Pack a windbreaker for the summit, as the exposed ridge often experiences high-velocity gusts that feel significantly cooler than the canyon floor.