Utah’s most popular hiking trails are often crowded with throngs of tourists, so if you want to truly escape into the natural beauty of the backcountry, you’ll have to travel a bit farther afield. The Upper Muley Twist Canyon Trail in Capitol Reef National Park is difficult and requires some map skills, but you’ll likely have this vast landscape mostly to yourself.

To find the trailhead for this adventure, take the Burr Trail switchbacks, then drive about a third of a mile west to the trailhead.
Chad Quam/Alltrails
If you have a high-clearance vehicle, you can drive to the Strike Valley Overlook parking lot, about a mile down the road.
The trail makes a loop, and you can hike it either clockwise or counterclockwise. You'll gain more than 1,300 feet in elevation during your hike, but you'll get most of the strenuous part done at the beginning by hiking counterclockwise.
Marlene King/Alltrails
Travel along vast stretches of slickrock, and check out the views and vistas along the way.
Marlene King/Alltrails
You'll want to make sure to bring plenty of water on this trail! It's mostly sun-exposed and it's very remote.
The rock formations are unique and varied. From sections that look like they've melted down the side of the mountain...
Marlene King/Alltrails

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...to some large arches, the topography is fascinating, and certainly photo-worthy.
Ginger Nolan/Alltrails
The Waterpocket Fold is a huge wrinkle in the surface of the planet that stretches 100 miles. Formed at least 50 million years ago, it created steep cliffs, canyons, and monoliths all across this landscape.
Gary Gagnon/Alltrails
The trail is marked by cairns, but it's a good idea to have a topographic map along (and know how to use it properly). It's easy to get lost in this vast landscape, and help is far away.
William Alexander/Alltrails
The trail is just over 10 miles long, so many hikers choose to make this an overnight backpacking trip. Free permits are required and available at the park's Visitor Center.
William Alexander/Alltrails
If you have the navigation skills and physical strength for this adventure, it's truly an incredible journey!
Jeff Perreault/Alltrails

Learn more about Capitol Reef National Park on its website, and follow the park’s Facebook page for the latest updates. You can print out trail information and a map here.

Read more about the Burr Trail in this article.

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Upper Muley Twist Canyon Trail, Torrey, UT 84775, USA