Chimney Rock to the Spring in Upper Spring Canyon - 9.3 Miles Round-Trip

Spring Canyon stretches over 16 miles from the SE flank of Thousand Lakes Mountain in the Fishlake National Forest to the Fremont River in Capitol Reef National Park. The canyon is divided into Upper and Lower segments; the upper is accessed from Holt Draw Road west of the park, and the lower from Highway 24 within the park.

Trail Map | Photo Gallery

This unmaintained hiking route features towering Wingate cliffs, Navajo domes, twisting narrows and two springs. 

Though it takes considerable effort to reach Upper Spring Canyon from Holt Draw, Chimney Rock Canyon provides a short cut into the heart of Spring Canyon, from which point hikers will find moderate travel in either direction. 

One great day-hike option leads to the spring in Upper Spring Canyon, 4.65 miles from the Chimney Rock Loop Trailhead. This route follows the north side of Chimney Rock Loop into Chimney Rock Canyon, which meets Spring Canyon at the Upper - Lower Canyon split.

It turns NW into Upper Spring Canyon for an easy walk up to the spring, which is ringed by cottonwood trees under a large alcove. 

Though not technical, canyon travel on unmaintained routes requires good map and navigation skills. Unmarked obstacles may exist, and flash floods can pose serious hazards:

The Chimney Rock Trail runs across bright red mudstone and siltstone flats up to the beginning of the loop (.5 miles : 6,328'). Veer left and begin a rolling descent in and above a wash to the Chimney Rock Canyon split (1.35 miles : 6,155'). Keep left and begin unmaintained travel in CRC.

Chimney Rock Canyon narrows under towering Wingate walls streaked with desert varnish. You'll pass two side canyons on the left (@ 1.65 miles and 2.3 miles) and scramble through 2-3 obstacles before reaching the marked split for Upper-Lower Spring Canyon (2.9 miles : 5,895').

Turn left into USC. Travel soon clarifies past a coble-strewn area into a lush cottonwood forest with good camping terrain (3.4 miles : 5,920'). Remain in the wash and cross back and forth as required. There are several grassy benches along the way, but avoid trampling through sensitive vegetation and disturbing biological soil crusts.

At 4.6 miles you'll see a thick cluster of cottonwoods under a tall alcove just off to the right (north). Follow a small wash about 125 yards to the base of the alcove and spring (4.65 miles : 6,053'). Water seeps from high above, and depending on time of year and flow, your eyes can trace it back to the source. 

Do not enter or touch water in the seep or collection pool, or disturb vegetation in the area. Use water sparingly, and only if absolutely necessary.

Return Hike Note: Re-joining the Chimney Rock Loop from Chimney Rock Canyon can be a little tricky. The route-trail braids in several places as you near this point, and cairns can be difficult to follow. Take note of side canyons and key features on the way out, as they can be useful in regaining the trail on the way back.