Coyote Gulch to Fortymile Ridge — Notom Road Desert Bench via Strike Valley Overlook
Capitol Reef's forgotten eastern bench.
Running south from Notom along the eastern flank of Capitol Reef National Park, this route follows the Waterpocket Fold’s dramatic monocline for roughly 35 miles before connecting to Bullfrog Marina on Lake Powell. The real draw is Strike Valley Overlook — a short walk from the road’s edge that puts you directly above the folded sandstone fins, dropping 1,000 feet into the canyon below with no guardrail and no crowd. Side spurs peel off toward the Halls Creek Narrows and Lower Muley Twist Canyon trailheads, making this a legitimate hub for Capitol Reef’s most isolated backcountry. The Entrada and Navajo sandstone benches on both sides of the road carry an unearthly color shift at golden hour — deep reds bleeding into ochre and white.
The road is dirt and gravel throughout; dry conditions make it passable for high-clearance 2WD, but any moisture turns the clay-sand mix into a tire trap — 4WD and all-terrain rubber are the honest minimum once you’re heading south past Notom. No fuel, no water, no services between Torrey and Bullfrog. Carry at least five gallons per vehicle. Summer temperatures regularly push past 105°F on the valley floor; late March through May and September through October are the windows where you won’t cook. No permit required for vehicle travel. Dispersed camping is allowed outside park boundaries on the BLM corridor. This stretch earns its isolation — plan for a full day minimum.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 35 mi / 56.3 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5800 ft |
| Best season | March-May, September-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Torrey, UT |
| Land manager | Capitol Reef National Park / BLM Henry Mountains Field Office |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Capitol Reef Scenic Drives NPS BLM Henry Mountains Field Office |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this route, or do I need a lifted rig?
A stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner will get through in dry conditions. The sandy washes and rocky bench sections don't require a lift, but low-range is non-negotiable and airing down to 20-25 PSI is strongly advised.
Is this route passable in summer, or is July a bad idea?
Summer is rough here — temps regularly hit 100°F+ on the desert bench with zero shade, and afternoon monsoon storms can turn the sandy washes into impassable mud overnight. Stick to March–May or September–October for a reason.
Do I need a permit to drive this route or camp along it?
The northern section through Capitol Reef National Park requires a standard park entry fee ($35/vehicle in 2024). The southern BLM stretch managed by the Henry Mountains Field Office has no fee, and dispersed camping is allowed outside NPS boundaries — no permit required for dispersed sites.
What's the hardest section of this trail and what should I actually expect?
The climb up toward Strike Valley Overlook on the Waterpocket Fold rim is the most exposed and technical stretch — loose rock, steep off-camber shelf road, with serious exposure on the edge. It's not a white-knuckle nightmare, but one wrong line on a wet or sandy section could pin you in a bad spot fast.
How far is it to the nearest gas, and is there any water on the route?
Torrey, UT is your last reliable fuel stop before dropping onto Notom Road — that's roughly 70+ miles from the southern end of the route, so top off and carry extra. There is no potable water on this trail; pack all water in, minimum 1 gallon per person per day.
Trail track
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