Capitol Reef National Park

The basics

Perhaps the most striking feature of Capitol Reef is the Waterpocket Fold, a nearly 100-mile warp in the Earth’s crust. (Imagine Grand Canyon’s horizontal layers; now imagine those layers vertically—that’s the Waterpocket Fold.) Just like you should expect in any Utah national park, it’s just one of many incredible red-rock vistas you can find here.

About two hours from Arches National Park and Moab, the park is incredibly long and narrow, with only the Fruita area—where Mormon pioneers grew cherries, apricots, peaches, and more—paved and easily accessible. It’s in this park section that the vast majority of park visitors head; they spread out between the overlooks on the 8-mile scenic drive, hiking trails like the Cassidy Arch Trail, and the still-operating orchards, where you can buy fresh pies and tasty park goodies.

Things to know before you go

• If you don’t have a national parks pass, the fee to enter the park beyond Highway 24 is $20 per vehicle.

• Many spots will be in the open sun—bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.

• When in season (and for a fee), fruit picking is a popular park activity.

• If you have a high-clearance vehicle, check out the park’s north and south districts to get a fabulous park experience to yourself.

• The Gifford Homestead is famous for its pie. Grab a slice while you’re in the Fruita area.

How to get there

Most visitors will take Highway 24 toward the Fruita area—if you stay on Highway 24, you don’t have to pay the entrance fee. If you’re looking for what sets the park apart, head north to Polk Creek Road (unpaved) for Cathedral Valley’s wide-open desert expanses and spectacular, crowd-free vistas.

When to get there

Capitol Reef has two high seasons: March to June and September to October—both windows avoiding the heat of a Utah summer. Of course, if you’re into the park’s orchards, those bloom in spring and make for quite the sight (and bigger crowds). To get a less touristy experience, visit outside those times; though the park is open year-round, be prepared for certain facilities to be closed.

Way before the pioneers

The Fremont Culture lived in Utah for roughly 1,000 years—between 300 and 1300 AD. You can spot their petroglyphs about 1.5 miles east of the visitor center on Highway 24; the parking turnout and boardwalks are well-marked. If the light isn’t on your side, bring binoculars for the best viewing experience.

How much time do you need in Capitol Reef National Park?

Since Capitol Reef National Park is relatively compact, you can explore some key highlights in just one day—or even less. One day is enough to take in its 7.9-mile (12.7-kilometer) Scenic Drive, visit the Gifford Homestead built by early Mormon settlers, take a hike, and see ancient petroglyphs.

Is Capitol Reef National Park worth the trip?

Yes, Capitol Reef National Park is worth the trip. It features a desert landscape of canyons, cliffs, and bridges and is much less crowded than Utah’s more famous national parks. In addition to natural beauty, Capitol Reef also has fascinating history, from ancient rock art to a pioneer farmhouse.

How long does it take to drive through Capitol Reef National Park?

You can explore the Scenic Drive through Canyonlands National Park in about two hours. The 7.9-mile (12.7-kilometer) paved route leads south from Fruita past sedimentary rock formations, escarpment views, and Wingate Sandstone. Its spur roads into Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge are unpaved but suitable for most cars.

When should I visit Capitol Reef National Park?

Spring and fall are the best times to visit Capitol Reef National Park. The seasons' mild, relatively stable weather is comfortable for hiking, camping, and cycling. After a busy period from March through June, the park stays relatively quiet through summer's heat, and then bustles again starting in early September.

What's so special about Capitol Reef National Park?

Capitol Reef is a place to experience Utah’s red-rock canyons, soaring cliffs, and world-class hiking without the crowds that fill the state’s more famous national parks. It’s also home to fascinating history, from ancient Fremont Culture petroglyphs to the 1908 Gifford Homestead that offers a glimpse of early Mormon settlements.

Are there bears in Capitol Reef National Park?

Yes, there are black bears in Capitol Reef National Park, but encounters with bears are rare. Visitors are more likely to spot the park’s diverse bird species, desert lizards, or desert bighorn sheep. The curly horned native sheep are now common in the area, after being reintroduced in the 1990s.

Ways to explore

About two hours from Arches National Park and Moab, Capitol Reef National Park is long and narrow, with only the Fruita area—where Mormon pioneers grew cherries, peaches, and more—paved and easily accessible. It’s in this park section that the vast majority of park visitors head; they spread out between the overlooks on the 8-mile (13-kilometer) scenic drive, hiking trails like the Cassidy Arch Trail, and the still-operating orchards, where you can buy fresh pies and tasty goodies.

It’s simple enough to explore on your own—or opt for a guided tour for a deeper look at this often overlooked Utah park.

Accessibility

The park’s frontcountry is fairly accessible, with an accessible visitor center and a scenic drive with paved overlooks. Most trails, however, are rugged, natural terrain.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Plenty of water, sunscreen, snacks, camera, binoculars, first aid kit, cash for the fruit orchards

What to wear

Lightweight, moisture-wicking layers, sturdy walking/hiking shoes, hat and sunglasses

Not allowed

Pets on trails (except service animals), collecting rocks or artifacts, drones, feeding wildlife, campfires outside designated areas, disturbing petroglyphs

Amenities

Visitor center, bookstore, restrooms, campgrounds, picnic areas, trails, historic orchards

Address 

Capitol Reef National Park sits off Utah’s Highway 24, about 120 miles (192 kilometers) from both Bryce Canyon and Arches National Parks. If you’re doing a Utah parks trip, don’t skip it.

Driving

Get on Highway 24, east or west, depending on where you’re coming from. At the gate, entrance passes are US$20.

Public transportation

There’s no public transportation to the park. If you don’t have your own wheels, your best bet is hopping on a guided tour.

Best times to visit

Early morning and late afternoon provide the best lighting for photography of the rock formations and cliffs—plus, midday can be busy and hot.

Best days to visit

Spring and fall weekdays provide the most solitude on the park’s trails and at the viewpoints.

Best months to visit

April through May, and September through October, are great—smaller crowds, still-open orchards, and nice weather that’s not too hot, not too cold.

Special events

Fruit-picking season runs from early March (apricots) to mid-October (apples). Heritage StarFest, an astronomy event, runs in September.