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Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Easy
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
121 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
3.5 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
1-1.5h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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Directions to Trailhead

Capitol Gorge to Tanks Trail

Measurement:

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Table of contents

The Capitol Gorge Tanks Trail is a great hike with fascinating features both natural and human-made. This hike will lead you past the pioneer registers: names of early settlers carved into the rock. You will also pass ancient petroglyphs and pictographs left by the Indigenous people of this area. Finally, this hike will lead you to a series of natural water tanks, or “Tinajas”, large, deep pools that are home to aquatic invertebrates.

Route Description for Capitol Gorge to Tanks Trail

The Capitol Gorge Tanks Trail is a lovely hike that features petroglyphs, pictographs, pioneer etchings, and natural water tanks in Capitol Reef National Park. This trail gets hot in the afternoon sun, so be sure to bring along a good sunhat, and lots of water for everyone in your hiking party. When you are walking along see if you can spot the faded petroglyphs and pictographs as well as the names of early pioneers etched in the wall. Please be respectful of these historical pieces, do not touch or lean against the petroglyphs and do not leave any markings of your own along the trail. The water tanks, or Tinajas, at the end of this trail are home to aquatic invertebrates including insects and crustaceans—see how many critters you can spy living in this cool formation.

From the trailhead, follow the path eastward. The trail will divide approximately one mile in, take a left to hike over to the water tanks.

Follow the little loop to the tanks before heading back the way you came. If you want to do some more exploring, you can take a right at the trail divide to continue hiking along the Capitol Gorge Trail.

Getting to the Capitol Gorge to Tanks Trail Trailhead

This trail begins at the Capitol Gorge Trailhead at the end of Capitol Gorge Road.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground:

    No

  • When to do:

    March to November

  • Pets allowed:

    No

  • Family friendly:

    Yes

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    Moderate

  • Route Type:

    Lollipop

Capitol Gorge to Tanks Trail Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

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