Upper Muley Twist Canyon

Upper Muley Twist Canyon is Capitol Reef's secret cathedral — a winding slot-and-canyon route through some of the most intensely colored Waterpocket Fold geology in the park. You'll navigate a mostly unmarked wash through towering Navajo sandstone walls streaked in reds, oranges, and creams, with sections narrow enough to touch both sides and others that open into sweeping amphitheaters. The route climbs gradually through the canyon, offering multiple spur scrambles up to Strike Valley Overlook for jaw-dropping views across the entire Waterpocket Fold. The terrain is uneven — expect sand, slickrock, boulder scrambles, and some route-finding where cairns can be sparse. This is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of hike: do the lower portion as a half-day out-and-back, or commit to the full loop (roughly 15 miles) for an all-day or overnight epic. Best suited for experienced hikers who love solitude, geology, and don't mind working for their views.