When you first enter Capitol Reef National Park (coming from Torrey, Utah) there are two quick hikes you can do from one trailhead not far from the entrance. These hikes are Goosenecks and Sunset Point.

How to Get to Goosenecks and Sunset Point Trailhead

When entering Capitol Reef from the direction of Torrey along Highway 24 you will first pass the Chimney Rock trail head on your left, the next available turnoff will be on you right and will be for Panorama Point, the Goosenecks, and Sunset Point. There will be a short paved road to Panorama Point, after which it will turn into a gravel road. The gravel road will continue on for about half a mile before terminating at the trail head. This road is not in the best of shape, so be ready for a bumpy ride to the trails.

What You will See when Hiking

Goosenecks and Sunset Point

These two hikes are both short out and back hikes. Goosenecks is much shorter than Sunset Point, but it experiences faster elevation gain. The short Goosenecks trail leads to an overlook to see the Sulfur Creek Goosenecks.

These unfortunately are not the most impressive goosenecks in the world, or even Utah, and because we were there during a dry year when the river was low there was not all that much to see. There are some fun rocks and ledges to scramble on though.

Across the parking are from the Goosenecks is the Sunset Point trail. This a meandering trail that gives you sweeping views of the park. There are several benches along the trail for you to sit and take in the scenery. It is much flatter than the Goosenecks trail. We were not there for sunset or sunrise, but it seems like it would be an ideal place to view both of them.

Sum Up

Neither Goosenecks or Sunset Point are must see items at Capitol Reef, but if you have a little time and want to do something short they are both fun. Each hike will take you between 10 and 30 minutes. The closest restrooms are at the Chimney Rock trailhead.