Pectols Pyramid, Capitol Reef National Park

Figure 1. Pectols Pyramid, Capitol Reef National Park.

People tend to drive through Capitol Reef National Park and hurry for their stop. While you can see scenic landscape and rock formation this way, many hidden treasures can only be seen from the trail.

Pectols Pyramid is among the best scenes in the park. It can be seen near the trailhead to Hickman Bridge if you carefully. However, the angle from the road doesn't do it justice. Rim Overlook Trail is my favorite to see this rock formation, especially in the afternoon or evening.

Rim Overlook Trail starts at the same trailhead to Hickman Bridge. After the short climb from the trailhead, the trail splits to Hickman and Rim Overlook/Navajo Knobs. Turn right to Rim Overlook and keep hiking for probably 15 minutes. You will arrive at a higher ground with black boulders. Pectols Pyramid looks particularly good in this area.

These black boulders were thought to be carried here by ancient glaciers. It is now regarded by mud flow and adds as an interesting foreground to the Pectols Pyramid in the background. The most difficult part to hike here is probably the sun in the afternoon as no shade is along the trail. Be sure to do sun protection if you decide to hike here.

The trail keeps many people off and this view is still a best kept secret. You won't see many people here and so just enjoy it with the solitude.