Capitol Reef National Park - Rim Overlook and Navajo Knobs

Using the same trail head as the Hickman Bridge Trail, we begin our hike.

After a short walk, you will come upon the trail marker.

In 0.3 miles, the trail marker shows the Hickman Bridge Trail to the left and the Rim Overlook to the right. 

The trail distance is 4.6 to the Rim Overlook which is the halfway stop on the longer Navajo Knobs Trail. 

The trail to the Rim Overlook ascends into a series of four successive dry drainages.

You can see in this photo, cairns mark the way along the trail.  

At the end of 2.0  miles, we arrive at the sign for the Rim Overlook.  

The cliff side setting of the overlook is not for the fainthearted.

You're perched atop a sheer cliff with a 1,000 foot drop.  As if you were on a hot-air balloon, you gaze down at Fruita with its orchards, the Gifford house and barn, the Sulphur Creek and Fremont River.

The trail takes on a new character shortly after the overlook; instead of continuous climbing, you now begin to slowly descend and wrap around the walls, only to begin another ascent on the far side of the many small off canyons that the trail crosses.

We find another amazing rock for a photo. Get ready to go up, and down a lot.  We took many breaks and drank plenty of water on our way up to Navajo Knobs.  The views along the trail were amazing. 

When you are almost to the Knobs, a rock formation called The Castle comes into view below you. The Castle is composed of eroding spires and turrets perched atop a crumbling red rock base; no telling how long this castle will be towering over the desert.

Here's a view of the Castle from the main road. 

The Knob hike consists of meandering switchbacks that provide blessed flat stretches, and long uphill climbs, mostly over sheer rock. (No, you aren’t in danger of falling off a cliff.)  We just keep motoring on! 

If you’re careful in choosing your path, you might not leave a single footprint for other hikers to find.

After our final canyon is conquered we finally get a glimpse of the Knobs in the next photo. 

At an elevation of 6,980 feet, the Navajo Knobs command an impressive view of the Waterpocket Fold and its surroundings. The Navajo Knobs are not a peak or summit by any stretch, but it’s hard not to feel like you’re on top of the world here (well, the top of the Reef, anyway). Take in the impressive 360 degree view of the park and surrounding areas

We took this photo to show the Navajo Knobs from the ground. They are centered atop the mountain.  We both agree that this was the best hike in the park.