Capitol Reef National Park: Guide for you

Nestled in the heart of Utah, Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. With its unique geological formations, including the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth’s crust, and vibrant desert landscapes, this park offers endless opportunities for adventure and discovery.

Overview

Capitol Reef National Park is often overlooked but offers stunning views and hiking trails that can rival those of the more popular Mighty 5 national parks. Regarding hiking, Capitol Reef can even compete with Zion, but with fewer crowds and easier navigation.

For visitors with limited time, I suggest focusing on the main attractions in the central part of the park. However, for those with more time and a spirit of exploration, venturing into the backcountry roads can lead to some of Utah’s most unique travel experiences.

This guide will highlight the top things to do in Capitol Reef, ranging from well-known spots to off-the-beaten-path adventures. Discover how to combine these activities to craft an unforgettable itinerary for your visit to Capitol Reef.

Best Things to Do in Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef offers all the recreation, activities and beauty national parks are known.

Hiking

One of the great things about hiking in Capitol Reef National Park is that it offers stunning views, vast landscapes, and a sense of solitude due to being less crowded compared to other popular parks like Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands, and Arches. However, the scenery is equally breathtaking.

The park’s top trailheads are conveniently located along Scenic Byway 24, which is the main road on the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive route. Before embarking on your hike, it’s recommended to visit the Visitor Center and chat with a park ranger to learn about the park’s history and discover interesting artifacts.

To start preparing for your trip, take a look at the park’s finest hiking trails.

Scenic Drives

In some parks, you have to go off the main road to see the best views. However, in Capitol Reef National Park, there is plenty of beauty accessible by car.

A good place to start is the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, an 8-mile paved road with pullouts for stopping and enjoying the scenery. Additionally, there are two dirt spur roads, Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge, which lead to canyons and trailheads. These dirt roads are usually suitable for cars and RVs up to 27 feet long.

Grand Wash is a scenic drive through Capitol Reef that takes you to a hiking trail through narrow canyons, which is highly recommended.

Canyoneering & Slot Canyon Hikes

Narrow slot canyons that can be explored on foot or with canyoneering gear. After relaxing by the Fremont River for a few days, wear your hiking boots and participate in a canyoneering adventure led by a local guide.

Pick Fruit in Fruita

After Capitol Reef became a national monument, many of Fruita’s residents left, but the fields, orchards, and wildlife are still there for visitors to enjoy. During certain months, visitors can pick small amounts of fruit like cherries in June, apricots in July, pears in August, and apples in September. Look for signs indicating where you can pick fruit and be ready to make a small donation for any fruit you take home. There is no fee for eating fruit on the spot. The donations collected on an honor system help maintain the orchards, which is a great cause.

Revere Mother Nature at the Temples

Approximately 5 miles east of Sleepy Hollow on SR 24, keep an eye out for the left turnoff to Cathedral Valley Scenic Backway. This desert and canyon route offers stunning views of formations like the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon, visible from the Upper Cathedral Valley Trail. It is recommended to use high-clearance vehicles for this rugged drive, which involves crossing the shallow Fremont River. Remember that like other unpaved roads in the Utah desert, this route may become inaccessible when wet, so stay updated on the weather forecast.

Places to Stay

Don’t worry about places to stay when you go to Capitol Reef. You would have a lot of choices.

Camping

There are 3 popular campsites that many visitors choose when coming to Capitol Reef National Park.

Cathedral Valley Campground

The Cathedral Valley Campground sits roughly midway along the Cathedral Valley Loop Road, which winds through Capitol Reef’s Cathedral District. Access to the campground typically requires a high-clearance four-wheel drive vehicle. While the campground remains open throughout the year, weather conditions may render it inaccessible at times.

Cedar Mesa Campground

Cedar Mesa Campground is situated approximately 23 miles (37.0 km) south of Utah State Highway 24 on the Notom-Bullfrog Road, nestled at an elevation of 5,500 feet (1,676 m). Typically, two-wheel drive vehicles can access the campground, although occasionally the road may require high clearance.

This primitive campground, which does not charge a fee, offers five (5) sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire grate. While there is a pit toilet available, there is no access to water. The campground welcomes visitors year-round, but it’s advisable to check road conditions at the Capitol Reef Visitor Center before planning an overnight stay.

Fruita Campground

Fruita Campground is considered one of the most stunning established campgrounds to explore. The sites are suitable for both tents and RVs, each featuring a picnic table and campfire ring. While there are no RV hookups, reservations are highly recommended between March and November as the sites tend to fill up quickly.

Camping in Capitol Reef National Park harkens to an ancient time

Hotel and Resort

For those seeking comfort and convenience, there are several hotels located just outside Capitol Reef National Park. From budget-friendly options to luxurious accommodations, these hotels offer a range of amenities to ensure a pleasant stay.

Skyview Hotel (3-star)

The Skyview Hotel provides accommodation in Torrey. This 3-star hotel is a modern 14-guest room, 6 glamping dome boutique hotel designed with your destination in mind.

Address: 876 W SR 24, Torrey, UT 84775
Price Range: $193 – $237

Cougar Ridge (4-star)

Cougar Ridge provides adventurous experiences with all the comforts (and more) of home. Luxury casitas and one spectacular lodge are located at the entrance to Capitol Reef National Park in Utah, offering miles of backcountry ready to fulfill any long-held pioneer fantasies.

Address: 561 E Cougar Ridge Ln., Torrey, UT 84775
Price Range: $650 – $1500

Dining

Capitol Reef National Park does not have a restaurant. However, the Gifford House Store and Museum offers baked goods, coffee, tea, canned goods, ice cream, and snacks from March to October during the spring and summer season. The visitor center has a drink machine, but you can help reduce waste by buying a reusable water bottle at the year-round visitor center and filling it up at water bottle filling stations in the park. Snacks are also sold at the visitor center.

The Gifford House Store and Museum offers baked goods, coffee, tea, canned goods, ice cream and snacks

However, there are some options for dining in the local area.

The Pioneer Kitchen

Address: 2600 East Highway 24 At Capitol Reef Resort, Torrey, UT 84775

The Pioneer Kitchen at Capitol Reef Resort offers delicious comfort food and beverages in a serene, welcoming environment, with expansive windows showcasing the beauty of Capitol Reef National Park and the vast desert landscape of the Colorado Plateau.

Breakfast
Summer: 7:00AM – 11:00AM
Winter: 7:00AM – 10:00AM
Dinner
Summer: 5:00PM – 9:00PM
Winter: 5:00PM – 8:00PM
Price range per person $9 – $25

The Rim Rock Patio

Address: 2523 E. Hwy 24, Torrey, UT 84775

A spaghetti western cafe serving a unique fusion of Italian pizza and Western BBQ, set against a backdrop that Sergio Leone could only imagine.

Dinner 4pm to 9:30pm (Open Later Most Nights)
Price range per person $3 – $11

The Rim Rock Restaurant

Address: 2523 East Highway 24, Torrey, UT 84775

Local cuisine, American cuisine, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options

Open time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Price range per person $6 – $38

Planning Your Trip

Before embarking on your adventure to Capitol Reef National Park, it’s essential to take some time to plan ahead. Consider factors such as weather conditions, trail difficulty, and park regulations to create an itinerary that suits your interests and abilities.

Visiting Time

The best time to visit Capitol Reef National Park is during the spring and fall months when temperatures are mild, and the park is less crowded. Summer can be hot, but early mornings and evenings are ideal for outdoor activities.

Transportation

Located just off Highway 24, Capitol Reef is easily accessible by car. Visitors can also fly into nearby airports in Salt Lake City or Grand Junction and rent a car for the scenic drive to the park.

You can travel to Capitol Reef National Park by car

Capitol Reef National Park Map

Conclusion

Capitol Reef National Park is a place of awe-inspiring beauty and endless adventure. Whether you’re hiking among towering cliffs, stargazing under the desert sky, or savoring delicious local cuisine, this park offers a truly unforgettable experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Photos

Q&A of Glacier Bay National Park

Are pets allowed in Capitol Reef National Park?

Pets are welcome in certain areas of the park but must be kept on a leash at all times. They are not allowed on trails or in buildings.

Can I camp in Capitol Reef National Park?

Yes, there are several campgrounds within the park offering both tent and RV camping. Backcountry camping is also permitted with a permit.

re there guided tours available in the park?

Yes, the park offers a variety of ranger-led programs and guided tours, including hikes, stargazing events, and cultural demonstrations.

What should I bring when visiting Capitol Reef?

Be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, sturdy footwear for hiking, and layers of clothing for changing weather conditions. Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes!