Upper Muley Twist Canyon Trail in Capitol Reef National Park

Upper Muley Twist Canyon cuts lengthwise along the spine of the "Waterpocket Fold" creating a colorful, meandering canyon. The Navajo and Wingate sandstone layers are exposed here, tilted by the uplift and folding of the Earth's crust and sculpted by millions of years of erosion. The Wingate, stripped of its protective Kayenta cap rock, has eroded into unusual forms including many large arches. We took the 3 mile section of the road/trail (Accessed from the Burr Trail Road) that is open for vehicles to the "Strike Valley Overlook" trailhead (Hiking Only) which provides outstanding views of the Waterpocket Fold and the surrounding area. The rim route which continues on North is hiking only and provides similar views. Highlights of the drive/hike are narrow canyons, expanses of slick-rock, large arches, and dramatic vistas from the top of the Waterpocket Fold. The route is marked with rock cairns and signs, but carrying a topographic map if hiking is recommended. It is extremely hot in summer and water sources are unreliable so carry adequate water. Use caution in narrow canyons, particularly during the flash flood season (typically July-September). Free back-country permits are required for all overnight hiking trips and can be obtained at the visitor center. This route is not an official, maintained trail. Route conditions, including obstacles in canyons, change frequently due to weather, flash floods, rockfall, and other hazards. Route-Finding, navigation, and map-reading skills are critical. Do not rely solely on unofficial route markers (rock cairns, etc.); they are not maintained by the National Park Service (NPS), may not indicate the route in this description, or may be absent.

Here are a couple of links to obtain more information to the "Lower Muley Twist Canyon" trail that I mentioned in the video. Also, the last link has some important info on the "Monsoon Season" in this area.

https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/lowermuley.htm
https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/upload/Lower-Muley-May15-low-res-locked-for-web-2.pdf
https://www.nps.gov/articles/monsoon-season.htm

For further information Contact the Capitol Reef Visitor Center at 435-425-4111