The Chimney Rock Loop climbs steeply to bluffs over Chimney Rock, then arcs across Mummy Cliff before dropping into Chimney Rock Canyon. This moderate 3.5 mile lollipop route features diverse terrain, interesting geologic features and exceptional views in a relatively short space.

The Chimney Rock Loop runs above Mummy Cliff with great views down the steep western escarpment of the Waterpocket Fold

The trail begins with a steep climb beside a fault that has split and separated rock layers in the cliff

Views from the bluff extend southwest across the high, volcanic plateau of Boulder Mountain

Nearly 10,000' of sedimentary strata are exposed in the Capitol Reef area, ranging from the Permian (270 M years ago) to the Cretaceous (80 M years ago) periods

The Waterpocket Fold is a nearly 100 mile long monocline - or wrinkle - in the Earth's crust that tilts steeply from west to east

Capitol Reef's elevation gradient results in greater precipitation from the south to north ends of the park

Soft mudstones and siltstones of the Moenkopi Formation form badland-like slopes at the base of Chimney Rock

Slopes containing bentonitic clays in the shale are generally inhospitable environments for plants

The Henry Mountains, which frame views to the SE, are home to the only free roaming and huntable bison herds in the lower 48 states

Plants grow poorly (and often not at all) in badlands with poor soil compositions and structure

The north side of the Chimney Rock Loop runs through a wide canyon on mild grades

Water is the chief erosional agent in Capitol Reef, assisted by wind, gravity and freeze-thaw cycles

887 plant species have been documented in Capitol Reef, with shrublands being the most diverse community type