Rim Overlook Trail

This Rim Overlook Trail is a decent hike within Capitol Reef National Park. What makes it better than average though, is that you can pare it with a little side trek to Hickman Bridge, and for those interested, hike even further past the Rim Overlook to Navajo Knobs for grander views of the surrounding Capitol Reef landscape from high above!

For myself, I was content with just making it here and completing the Rim Overlook Trail portion. I did not have enough strength and energy to attempt to go deeper along the path to Navajo Knobs.
In fact, I visited here at Capitol Reef back in late July of this summer, 2021, and since I first wandered off to see Hickman Bridge and then returning to this main trail towards Rim Overlook...it was late morning to midday and while hiking upwards, the temperatures were scorching hot!!! I'd say at least mid to upper 90's. Wow...so getting here (at least for me) was difficult. I was certainly slurping down plenty of water.
And that's because officially from the parking lot and trailhead to here at Rim Overlook, it's a 2.3 mile one way trek gaining at least 1000 feet in elevation. Surprisingly I struggled to arrive at the top. Plus...starting at the trailhead and veering off almost 1 mile each way to see the sights at Hickman Bridge was sort of an extra mini voyage of its own.

For those who care, I'd describe Hickman Bridge as this giant arch/bridge embedded in the rugged Capitol Reef rocks, similar to what you'd expect to find at a place like Natural Bridges National Monument.
Still, it's worthwhile (and in tandem with) to check out Hickman Bridge and then return to this main trailhead and continue on towards Rim Overlook. For those adventurous hikers...there's always Navajo Knobs Point at the end of it all.

I used about half the day to visit Hickman Bridge and then come here to Rim Overlook. And for continuing to Navajo Knobs and returning would take up a majority of the day.

Along the pathway up here to Rim Overlook, there really weren't any signs as I went along. What I had to follow was keeping track of the little piled rocks as sort of guide marks along the hike. These rockpiles are very typical of what you'd expect to discover on remote hikes. It's nice of the park services and rangers to create them and it certainly helped assist me heading in the correct direction.

This Rim Overlook Trail didn't get strenuous until the last 1 mile of the grind higher. This is where I had to pause a few times for water.
Overall, along the entire 2.3 miles one-way...there weren't too many opportunities to stop for photos. Other than heading off to Hickman Bridge, this Rim Overlook Trail was a pretty standard path unlike other hikes where along the way I'd be stunned by glorious views and it'll take me forever to make it to the peak, lol. Not here, not on this hike. It's only until you arrive at the official Rim Overlook, where you'll appreciate the scenery.

And yes, from the top of Rim Overlook and looking down upon the Capitol Reef landscape, my best memory were the colors, so vintage of Utah's wondrous landscapes. I think the reddish rock tones really stood out to me. I also liked how Highway 24, which cuts straight through the heart of Capitol Reef, was pretty visible from here at the rim.

I used 20 - 25 minutes admiring the setting. It gave me a chance to take some panoramic photos as well as record a video. It was refreshing gazing down upon Capitol Reef, realizing how far I had climbed while having a moment to reflect and simply catch my breathe from the hard journey.

One thing I'd like to point out for any photography enthusiasts...from here at Rim Overlook it's situated right along the edge of the cliff. So...(for me) I usually bring a tripod for my camera to place down on the ground, but I was pretty cautious of my steps up here at Rim Overlook. Basically there's no room for error and it's a straight fall if you move too close to the edge. Just keep that in mind. I'd suggest crouching or sitting down for optimal photos. That's what I did. Otherwise if you stand, you'll appear out of proportion within the context of the beautiful backdrop behind you. That's just me trying to be nit picky when it comes to picture taking, lol. Just enjoy the vista point regardless.

Lastly, I'd like to mention that coming here to Rim Overlook was nice and pleasant and yes I managed the tough climb to the top while paring it off with venturing to Hickman Bridge. Though...if there's just one hike for you to attempt at Capitol Reef, my favorite without a doubt hike is....Chimney Rock Trail! I can't recommend that hike enough, one of my favorites of all time! Chimney Rock should be first and foremost on your priority list and if you're still having fun and looking for more ways to explore, then sure coming here to Rim Overlook is just fine.