Chimney Rock Loop Capitol Reef

 We drove up to Capitol Reef National Park and hiked the Chimney Loop Trail this morning. The trail is 3.7 miles all together with 810 ft of elevation gain. We hiked the loop counterclockwise. Lots of wildflowers in bloom along the way.

 View of Chimney Rock near the trailhead.

 The first 0.5 mile connects the trailhead to the loop. This section starts out flat, then climbs up a series of switchbacks up to the loop junction.

 At the junction, we took the trail to the right.

 Before nearing Chimney Rock, there is an outcropping of rocks for great views.

 view of Chimney Rock from the outcropping













The trail continues on top of the Mummy Cliffs. Looking north ward, we had a good view of the gooseneck section of Suphur Creek and continuing down toward the Visitor Center, where we hiked two days ago.

 View of the trail as it descends off the Mummy Cliffs and down around the back side of the loop trail.

 We saw lots of phacelia in bloom, along with other wildflowers

 From looking across at the rocky cliffs of Capitol Reef, we began to hike below them, looking up at their towering heights.

 more fields of wildflowers

 the trail has a nice meandering feel to it

 looking down into the eroded edges of the reef

 sun rising behind one of the cliffs

 enjoying the views all around the loop

 sone large boulders on the trail

 At the trail junction, we went left to continue the loop. The trail on the right continues for several miles through the Chimney Rock Canyon ?Route.

 heading west along the back side of the loop














descending back down towards the trailhead













some of the wildflowers we saw in bloom along the trail today: