This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Capitol Reef National Park offers some of Utah's best and easiest day hikes.

Whether trekking to Hickman Bridge, enjoying a stroll in Capitol Gorge or climbing up to Cassidy Arch, there are numerous possibilities.

For newcomers to Capitol Reef or those looking for more detail than can be found in the standard National Park Service-issued list of hikes, check out the new Falcon Guide, "Best Easy Day Hikes Capitol Reef National Park."

Written by former Salt Lake Tribune outdoor editor Brett Prettyman, the 126-page, $12.95 guidebook offers details on 22 Capitol Reef hikes.

The book is small and light enough to easily fit in a car glove box or in a daypack.

Information on the hikes includes starting point, distance, hiking time, difficulty, trail surface, best season to hike, fees, maps, permits, trail contact and other trail uses.

In addition, there is a short write-up on each hike, including information on what you might see as well as local history.

The guide also includes an introduction to the park and details on "the art of hiking."

— Tom Wharton