South Draw Road - Capitol Reef NP

Few showers the day prior. Trail was relatively easy out of Capitol Reef NP until the last 10%, one water crossing and driving through semi-wet riverbeds. To finish, there is a steep and narrow, knarly climb prior to entering Dixie National Forest with very soft mud and deep ruts. Could end up in a bad situation very quickly. Would not do it again alone, likely very easy in the dry which is why most say to avoid it wet. 25' Land Cruiser on 33" MT's, 25 psi.

Trail Closed as of 5/13 for construction at the National Park. No expected reopening date. Scenic Drive is closed south of Grand Wash road.

Fun, beautiful trail. Small water crossings and a little mud but nothing to worry about.

Trail is open all the way from Pine Creek CG to Capitol Gorge. There is an old closure sign still on display a little ways before Sheets Draw, but it‘s out of date - trail is open. Tough going though, some gnarly off-camber, heavily rutted and eroded sections with steep drop offs that are a bit sketchy. Doable in my F150 though, and totally worth it.

Posted sign at the entrance to Capitol Reef. No through road to SR24. Vehicles must turn around at Pleasant Creek and return to access road! Trail is marked is 4x4 required and not recommended due to maintenance. There’s no date on the posted sign.

There are a few narrow sections but my F150 could fit through. The crux is a short (50 yard) descent at the park boundary on the south side. Steep (probably 8-10%) with large rocks/steps (12-18") and a drop off on the side. Only other vehicle I saw were two park rangers.