When it comes to choosing places to stay in Torrey, UT, it helps to decide what you’d like to do during your next visit. One of the top attractions the area has to offer is an endless number of incredible hiking trails.
There are dozens of hiking trails to choose from in and around Torrey, Utah. Many of the most popular hikes are located inside of Capitol Reef National Park. But there are also many outside of the park that are often overlooked by visitors.
Ready to start planning your next trip to Capitol Reef and Torrey? Keep reading to learn 5 must-see hikes for your next visit.
1. Chimney Rock Loop
For stunning views of one of Capitol Reef National Park’s most iconic rock formations, head to Chimney Rock Loop. This 3.5-mile roundtrip hike is a popular destination among park visitors, and for good reason. After a steep climb up a red rock cliff, you’ll loop around the top of Mummy Cliff. From there, you’ll get an up-close view of towering Chimney Rock. This pillar of red sandstone rises straight out of Capitol Reef’s rugged terrain.
Besides the relatively steep initial climb, this trail is fairly easy to moderate. This makes it a great choice for visitors not up to a more rugged or long-distance hike. Always remember to pack more water than you expect to need. If you’re visiting during the summer months, consider hiking this early or late in the day when temperatures are lower and the sun is less harsh.
2. Lower Spring Canyon Trail
Serious hikers looking for an all-day adventure will want to put this Torrey, Utah hiking trail on their list. The Lower Spring Canyon Trail is a 10.1-mile one-way hike located near Torrey in Capitol Reef. On this point-to-point trek, you’ll climb more than 1,000 feet, but because the elevation is spread out over 10 miles, you may not even notice it.
This trail is popular for its scenic location; if you want to get off the beaten path, and experience the national park that few visitors get to see, this trail is a must-see. Even if you don’t plan to hike the full distance, this can be a great trail to hike out and back for whatever distance you’re comfortable with. If you do plan to hike the full distance, it’s important to note that you’ll need to cross some water near the end. Wear waterproof boots or consider bringing a change of shoes for the last portion of the trail. If you’re unsure of the water levels, check with park staff before starting your hike to make sure that you’ll be able to safely make the crossing.
Check with local outfitters for shuttles if you’d like to hike the 10-mile portion and don’t have a second vehicle to drop off at the end of the trail or someone who won’t be hiking to pick you up. For instance, local outfitter, Sleeping Rainbow Adventures, offers hiker shuttles for both Spring Canyon and Sulphur Creek, as well as customized hiking and canyoneering shuttles.
3. Blind Lake Trail
While many of the area’s most popular hiking trails are located inside Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, Utah also has some scenic trails of its own. Blind Lake Trail, located outside of the park, near Torrey, is a great choice for hikers up for a challenge. This 7.2-mile out-and-back trail will take you through a very different landscape than what you’ll find in the park. As the name suggests, the trail wraps around Blind Lake, which is a reservoir created by the Forest Service in the early 1900s. This high-mountain lake winds through pine forests and offers stunning views of the valleys far below.
One big benefit of this trail is that pets are allowed. While pets are allowed inside Capitol Reef National Park, they aren’t permitted on trails. But on Blind Lake Trail, they’re not only welcome but are even allowed to be off-leash in some areas. Dreaming of bringing your pet along on your next vacation? Make your search for the best pet-friendly places to stay in Torrey, UT a breeze by booking one of our two pet-friendly villas!
4. North Caineville Mesa South Route
Located on the other side of Capitol Reef National Park from Torrey, Utah, is the sparsely-populated town of Caineville, where you’ll find this next trail.
North Caineville Mesa South Route is a moderate hike that’s around 2-miles round trip. While the hike may not be as long as some of the other challenging hikes on this list. But in just 2-miles, the hike gains more than 1,200 feet in elevation, which means plenty of steep climbs.
The scenery of this scenic hike makes it look as though you’ve been transported to another planet. The gray ridgelines you’ll hike along are largely sparse and barren, and the shadows that they cast late in the day are dramatic. From the highest points on this trail, you’ll enjoy some truly stunning views.
5. Singletree Falls
While Torrey, Utah has plenty of rugged trails perfect for experienced hikers, this next trail is much more family and beginner-friendly. Singletree Falls is a .8-mile out-and-back trail that starts at the Singletree Campground.
This shaded trail will take you less than half an hour to hike, though you may want to take longer to pause and enjoy the shade and views of the small waterfall. Consider packing a picnic lunch to enjoy along this quiet trail.
The Best Places to Stay in Torrey, UT
Planning to hit some of these hiking trails in and around Torrey, Utah, and Capitol Reef National Park during your next visit? First, you need to find the best places to stay in Torrey, UT.
Cougar Ridge is just a short drive from Torrey and the entrance to Capitol Reef. This makes it easy to get an early start on the trail or stay late in the park before returning to the ranch for a campfire or some stargazing. As one of the most unique places to stay in Utah, Cougar Ridge has something for every traveler. In between hikes, take advantage of some of our on-site amenities, which range from a bowling alley and game room in The Grand Lodge to private rodeos, wine-making classes, and more.
Right now, when you book 3 or more nights at Cougar Ridge, you can get 20% off your entire stay. Book now to see for yourself what makes this one of the best places to stay in Torrey, UT!