Anyone here have any direct ("been there; done that") experience with the off-road excursion exiting Capitol Reef National Park? I'm specifically looking for information regarding the road called the "South Draw" going south out of the park, and heading west to Utah SR-12.

The reason I ask is because the park map states that part of the road is for "high clearance 4-wheel-drive recommended" vehicles. But, to be honest, that leaves a great amount open to interpretation.

For example, that same statement exists for the Shafer Road over in Canyonlands National Park, and I've seen plenty of videos of RAV-4s, CR-Vs, and such climb that road, so clearly "high clearance 4wd" is not a necessity. Further, I've actually taken my Valkyrie down that road, and a friend followed on his GL1800 Goldwing. Yes, it was a bit dicey on street bikes, but we made it.

IOW, when I read "high clearance 4-wheel-drive vehicle recommended" on a national park trail map, I don't know how serious the trail really is.

I'd like to take my truck (CCLB 4x4) on the "South Draw" road, but I'm concerned about getting all the way through. When I called the Capitol Reef park office, I spoke with a girl that said she recently talked to a guy who ran his lifted Suzuki Sammy over that trail, and he said it was tough. But, again, when you get information third hand, I'd hard to get details. By "tough" did he mean that his short wheelbase didn't allow a good bite? Were the water crossings deep? Were the turns tight with off-camber grade?

So, do any members here have direct information about the trail I'm interested in?

I don't know how the road is, but there has been quite a bit of flooding in utah thanks to a high snow pack and it warming up late in the summer. It could be bad down there. just some a heads up

About four years ago I tried it in my CCLB and gave up shortly after leaving the end of road in Capitol Reef. I got down into the streambed and it was pretty wet and sticky. Not wanting to spend a summer day digging 8k of stuck truck and all.....

As for the rangers in Capitol Reef... you are wasting your time. The will absolutely disuade you from trying anything that would make them get out the air conditioned visitor center for any reason. I have been in there asking about various road conditions and every time I was told to not go. So I went anyway and found that most road (if not wet) are pretty straight forward.

I am headed over there in a few weeks and might try again in my new "little" truck.