Golden Throne Trail

The Golden Throne Trail is a 4-mile out-and-back from the Capitol Gorge trailhead to a knoll below the Golden Throne; it does not climb the formation. The route gains about 730 feet over two miles and usually takes around 2½ hours. Go for a steady uphill hike, a close look at the park’s warm-colored sandstone tower, and a high view back over Capitol Gorge. If you want a shorter, easier walk from the same lot, the Capitol Gorge trail to the Tanks is a better fit.

Start from the west side of the shared trailhead parking area. The first 10 to 15 minutes are the steepest; after that, the grade eases as the path crosses rocky benches along the north side of the gorge. It bends through three short side drainages, with flatter stretches between the climbs. The canyon walls rise above the road below, and sandstone domes and knobs come into view along the way.

After the second drainage, about 0.9 mile in, the golden-brown dome first opens into view to the northwest. Its unusual warm stain stands out against the pale Navajo Sandstone nearby. The trail keeps climbing beyond that first look, so save some energy for the final approach.

After the third drainage, the route climbs more directly to a small knoll about 1.8 miles from the start. This is the marked viewpoint below the formation’s base, not a summit scramble. Golden Throne rises above pale ridges to the north; behind you, Capitol Gorge cuts through layered red and cream rock. The broad view from the end is the payoff. For a photo, keep some of the pale ledges and gorge in the frame so the tower has scale.

There is little shade and no drinking water at the trailhead. Bring what you need and start early in hot weather. Summer storms can cause flash floods in the surrounding drainages, and the park warns about lightning and cliff edges; avoid exposed ground during storms and stay well back from edges. Pets are not allowed on this trail.