NEW PHOTOS COMING SOON // DUE TO A CORRUPTED MEMORY CARD, I'LL BE HIKING THE SLOTS ALONG NOTOM-BULLFROG AGAIN THIS WINTER TO INCLUDE MY OWN PERSONAL PHOTOS.

STATISTICS AT-A-GLANCE

• HIKE NAME: Sheets Gulch

• DISTANCE: 3-9 miles RT depending on where you decide to turn around. First set of narrows are around 1.3 miles in

• ELEVATION GAIN: <300 feet, will depend on distance // AllTrails gain is VERY off

• RESTROOMS: No

• DOG FRIENDLY: No

• PERMIT: No

• FEE: Technically yes because this is located within Capitol Reef National Park. Although not a direct fee area with a booth, I always have my America the Beautiful Pass displayed. The private vehicle fee for Capitol Reef is $20.

• VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS: 2wd, BUT this is on a dirt/gravel road known as Notom-Bullfrog. The TH is approx 2.5 miles after the pavement turns to gravel. It is usually passable by any vehicle, however the washboards are awful. Would avoid if recent rain.

• TRAILHEAD COORDINATES: 38.116149,-111.071439 (Park at these coordinates, but I prefer to bypass the recommended trail and just start in the gulch -- see map)

• MAP PROVIDED IN WEBSITE: Yes, AllTrails

Directions from Highway 24: Drive southward on the Notom-Bullfrog Road 12.7 miles to the Sheets Gulch Trailhead. Park along the road, but beware of deep sand. Do not park in the wash. You will see a sign on the same side of the road as you park for the trail.

Notable stops along the trail: (mileage listed from trailhead)

• 1.3 miles - 1st slot

• 2.25 miles - 2nd slot

• 2.7 miles - Sheets Gulch Arch

• 3.5 miles - 8ft chockstone + 3rd slot

• 4.5 miles - Pouroff and turnaround spot

Hike description from the National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/burrowash.htm

Sheets Gulch is located 12.7 miles (20.4 km) south of Highway 24 on the Notom-Bullfrog Road. About one mile (1.6 km) up the wash (west) you will encounter a major side drainage on the right (north); stay left. A short distance further up canyon another drainage enters; stay right at this junction. One mile (1.6 km) further, the wash bottom narrows and you may find a few pools of water associated with several small chockstones and dry falls. The most difficult obstacle along the route, another chockstone and pool, is encountered about 4.1 miles (6.6 km) from the road. A good climber will be able to negotiate this alone, but most people will need assistance from another person. The last obstacle is about 5.3 miles (8.5 km) from the trailhead. Here you will encounter a high pour-off in a cave-like chamber; bypass this by backtracking about 100 yards (91 m) and climbing out of the wash on the left (north) side of the canyon. Beyond this point, numerous stands of Douglas fir begin to appear on cool, shaded, north slopes, and the canyon walls begin to change from the white Navajo sandstone to the red Wingate. There is an intermittent seep with cottonwood trees about 6.7 miles (10.8 km) in from the trailhead. Soon the canyon opens up and becomes much wider. This is a good place to turn around if you are on a day hike. To return to the trailhead, simply retrace the route back down the canyon.