
easy
2 hours
Suitable for most adults and children who can walk on uneven ground for 2 hours; not recommended for people with serious back, heart, or pregnancy-related restrictions.
Spend two relaxed hours on trail with trained pack llamas along the Waterpocket Fold at Capitol Reef. This family-friendly trek blends geology, local history, and low-impact animal companionship — ideal for first-time adventurers and curious kids.
You round the last shoulder of the gravel parking lot and hear a soft humming — the llamas are waiting. Their wool coats sift the desert light as guides clip on lead ropes and load light packs. The trail slips away from the Capitol Reef Resort, through sagebrush flats and toward the Waterpocket Fold, a raw red wall that pins the sky and tells of ancient forces at work.

Start in the morning to avoid midday sun; temperatures rise quickly on exposed sections of the trail.
Wear closed-toe hiking shoes with good tread — the route includes sandy sections and slickrock slabs.
Let guides handle llama gear and approach llamas calmly; treat them as working companions, not pets.
Groups are small and trips sell out — reserve in advance, especially in spring and fall peak seasons.
The Waterpocket Fold is a geologic monocline formed during the Laramide orogeny; the area also bears traces of Fremont-era habitation and later Mormon settler routes.
Guides and operators emphasize low-impact travel; llamas reduce pack-animal erosion and visitors are asked to follow leave-no-trace principles.
Protects feet on sandy wash and slickrock; good tread reduces slips.
Direct sun is intense on exposed stretches; a wide-brim hat and SPF are essential.
summer specific
Even though water is provided, carry a small pack for layers, camera and personal items.
Capture llamas framed against the Waterpocket Fold and distant layered cliffs.