The Rim Overlook and Navajo Knobs Trail is an out-and-back hike in Capitol Reef National Park with an elevation gain of 500m and spectacular views over the Waterpocket Fold, the Fremont River Valley and Castle Rock. It’s the longest maintained trail in Capitol Reef, 9.4 miles (15 km) return, and with its birdseye views of the area’s most impressive rock formations and fun rock scrambling section at the top was our favourite hike in the park.

From the Hickman Bridge trailhead east of the visitor center, the route follows the Hickman Bridge Trail to a first trail junction. If you’re planning to hike to the Navajo Knobs, I’d leave the side trip to Hickman Bridge for the way back, and turn right, towards Rim Overlook. You’ll pass by Hickman Bridge Overlook first before you reach the Rim Overlook after 2.3 miles (3.7 km). The trail then sidles along the canyon rim, at times closely tracing the edge of the cliff that falls off sharply to the rocky terraces below, and approaches the Navajo Knobs, a rocky outcrop that marks the turn-around point on this hike. 

We met quite a few hikers who didn’t dare climb onto the Navajo Knobs, but the little rock scrambling that’s involved really isn’t too difficult (it’s the most fun part of this hike, actually), and the 360-degree panoramic views from the top are spectacular.

Although it’s an out-and-back trail, the return walk is not at all boring because the views are quite different facing east, and it’s mostly downhill too. It’s quite a long hike in rocky terrain, though, and steadily uphill on the way to the Navajo Knobs, with no shade whatsoever, so try to set out early and take plenty of water.

Also, the trail starts from the Hickman Bridge car park, which fills up quickly, but then most people only hike to Hickman Bridge, a 1.8-mile (3 km) return walk, and even if the parking lot is full when you arrive, you probably won’t have to wait long for a spot if you go early in the morning.