Trail Overview

This is an amazing trail (not too technical) that connects from the south end of Capitol Reef NP to the Tantalus Flats trail and comes out by the Lower Bowns reservoir. Most of the trail can be done in 4H, but once or twice it will help to shift her into 4-Lo. Beautiful views and overall a great beginner trail (but very enjoyable by the most seasoned driver as well. Some sections are driven along the actual river bed. One small river crossing at the beginning of the trail (if driving it south, beginning at Capitol Reef), depth will depend on the season, but at the highest, it will be only 3 feet or so. High clearance is required.

Photos of Pleasant Creek (South Draw Road)

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Difficulty

You will come across large ruts, some boulders, water crossings, and gravel.

Technical Rating

Brian H

Oct 30, 2025

Open

Trail is open. No snow or water in Wash. not sure why the last review said it’s closed. It’s open until it snows. Once outside the river wash, the incline over to Tantalus is really washed out and this portion is easily rated toward difficult. The visitor center will tell you not to go, but if you have high clearance you can make it.

Kevin Golembeski

Oct 13, 2025

Open

We did this rout last week and had a blast, much harder than I expected due to deep washouts but easy enough for our rubicon with 2” lift and 36” tires. Did need 4 low and disconnected sway bars made it a breeze. However, a less capable vehicle and driver would struggle. Today when I went to the visitors center, they informed me that the park closed this road due to it being impassable due to a wash out from recent rains. Not sure when it will reopen so check with the park staff or visitors center before trying it.

Tim McGee

Sep 16, 2025

Open

I took the trail into the park and the trail didn't get difficult until you hit the national Park border I'm glad I had Rock sliders and skid plates. It was probably the maximum capability of my truck. absolutely beautiful trail though

Hoang Ly

Aug 12, 2025

Open

Henry Asch

Jul 28, 2024

Open

The north end of this trail is blocked off for work on Scenic drive. We came in from the south and nearly had to run back the whole trail.

Tyler henry

Oct 10, 2023

Open

Shawn Carpentier

Sep 21, 2023

Open

Emmanuel lopez

Jul 07, 2023

Open

Ed Aldeo

Jul 04, 2023

Open