Sulphur Creek Waterfall Hike

This is a 1.4-mile out-and-back from the gravel parking by the UT-24 bridge to Sulphur Creek’s lower waterfall and pool, then back the same way. The falls are about 0.7 mile upstream. It is a short canyon walk, separate from the much longer top-down Sulphur Creek traverse. Allow one to two hours; creek crossings and uneven footing slow the walk.

Use the gravel area beside the UT-24 bridge just west of the visitor center, keeping the visitor-center lot for center visitors. The start can be hard to pick out around nearby buildings; once at the channel, head upstream. The route alternates between sandy bank and creek bed, with several crossings. Depending on flow, you may get wet feet; an above-creek line can be drier but less direct. Stop at the modest waterfall and pool, then return. An alternate return by the old lime kiln is described, but its distance is not established, so it is not included in this mapped out-and-back.

Sulphur Creek has cut through some of Capitol Reef’s oldest exposed rock. The full canyon contains about two miles of narrows and three small waterfalls; this short walk reaches only the lower falls. Near the lower creek, an old lime kiln built by early Fruita residents is a reminder of the settlement’s working past. Look without climbing on or into it.

Spring and fall are the recommended seasons. Summer walks need a clear weather outlook: flash floods can change this narrow canyon quickly, and flow, obstacles, and crossing depth vary. Check current creek conditions before setting out, and do not drink from the creek. Pets are not allowed on park trails or off-trail areas. Food and drinking-water service at the trailhead or along the route were not found; bring what you need.