Capitol Reef is a geologist’s dream! However, I’m no geologist (ha!) and I hate to say it, but Capitol Reef was my least favorite national park in Utah, but it’s still one that you should check out! Especially if you’re exploring southeastern Utah, you might as well make a pit stop. If you don’t want to spend a lot of time here or you’re limited on it, then keep on reading and learn how to make the most of a day in Capitol Reef.
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Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef is located in central Utah and is made up of about 240 thousand acres. The park was named after its dome formations, which are similar to those of capitol buildings (Leighton, 21). If you don’t like geology, I hear you; those are my sediments exactly. However, if you fancy a nice rock formation or two then you’re in for a treat since the park has two geological features, the Water pocket fold and Cathedral Valley (National Park Services, 2021).
There are many parts of the park that are remote, specifically the northern and southern parts, and these can only be accessible by dirt roads (National Park Services, 2021). The Fruita Historic District is the most developed area of the park (National Park Services, 2021).
When To Visit
With the exception of the visitor center, Capitol Reef is open 24 hours 7 days a week. The park’s busy season tends to align with the other national park’s in Utah, which can be anywhere from March through October. In my opinion, I recommend you go anywhere between March through May and/ or September through October. The reason I omit summers is because of the heat and the large crowds and, let’s be honest, it’s so much more intimate when you have a whole place to yourself (almost). I went in April and thought it was the best time to visit.
Where is Capitol Reef?
Capitol Reef might have been my least favorite national park out of the Mighty 5. However, when you look at the map and see where the park is located, how can you not go and make a quick pit stop?! Especially when it’s on the way to Canyonlands and Arches.
Capitol Reef in distance from other popular sites:
- Salt Lake City – 3 and a half hours
- Zion – about 3 hours
- Bryce Canyon – about 2 hours
- Canyonlands – 2 hours
Check out my 1 Day Itinerary to Canyonlands & Arches National Park!
Getting Around
You are better off driving yourself around throughout the park since Capitol Reef doesn’t offer a free shuttle like Zion and Bryce Canyon do. However, there are some unpaved roads, like Capitol Gorge and Grand Wash, that may not be friendly to low clearance vehicles. I recommend you drive in a 4-wheeler or truck, something that is not too low to the ground, to avoid dents and scratches at the bottom of your car.
A Day in Capitol Reef National Park
Let’s start adventuring! Off to the right of highway 24 you will see the park’s visitor center. It doesn’t hurt to stop by, get a map, and find out what trails are accessible or not. The rangers are incredibly knowledgeable and up to date on any bit of information when it comes to the park.
Explore The Fruita Rural Historical District
Since the visitor center is found within the Fruita Rural Historic District, I recommend you start your day by exploring this area first. Not unless you’d like to start your day with an early morning hike, and then reward yourself with a nice slice of pie afterwards at the Gifford House. This is the only part of the park that is developed. Nevertheless, there’s a lot to check out in this region:
- Check Out The Petroglyph Panel – This can be found off highway 24, which is easily accessible
- Visit the Gifford House – Hungry? Head on over to the farm house and get you some pie! Here you can eat and shop all while learning the history of the house. It’s typically open from Pie day (3/14) through October 31st, 8am through 5pm.
- Mid-day lunch – Have lunch at the picnic area after visiting the schoolhouse, the Ripple Rock Nature Center, and the Blacksmith shop.
Drive on the Scenic Drive
Take the scenic route and check out the beauty of the park on this two-hour, paved, roundtrip drive. This is a great way to see Capitol Reef’s beauty.
Take a hike!
Is it even a trip if you don’t hike?! I kid, I kid, but while you’re here, immerse yourself with the park, and check out what makes Capitol Reef unique with a hike, even if it is a short, easy one.
Capitol Gorge Trail
My fiancée and I decided to do this trail after driving down the Scenic Drive. At the end of the Scenic Drive, the Capitol Gorge road (2.4 miles) begins, but the trail doesn’t begin until you reach the end of the unpaved road. Before reaching the trailhead for Capitol Gorge you will see a parking lot and restrooms, after that the adventure begins! This trail has some unique characteristics like the Pioneer registrations you see along the rock walls. Unfortunately, many others have left their own markings on the rocks, but please refrain from doing this in order to preserve the trail.
We made our way to The Tanks, which is a short climb off of the Capitol Gorge trail. If you decide to head to The Tanks, make sure to stay to the left of the trail since it’s not marked and you can easily get lost. If it hasn’t rained in prior days, The Tanks will most likely not be filled with water, so keep an eye out for two large pool like pockets; these can be easily missed if they’re empty. The entire trail from Capitol Gorge to The Tanks is about 2.2 miles round trip and is ranked easy.
Other hikes worth checking out:
Here I have linked the trail heads for each of the trails for reference. For a day trip, I would recommend not doing a difficult trail since these are long and can typically take the entire day to complete.
- Cassidy Arch – 3.4 roundtrip mile long trail, ranked as difficult
- Grand Wash – 4.4 roundtrip mile long trail, ranked as easy
- Cohab Canyon – 3.4 roundtrip mile long trail, ranked as moderate
- Fremont River – 2 roundtrip mile long trail, ranked as moderate
- Hickman Bridge – 1.8 roundtrip mile long trail, ranked as moderate
- Chimney Rock – 3.6 roundtrip mile long trail, ranked as difficult
- Frying Pan – 5.8 roundtrip mile long trail, ranked as difficult; this trail connects Cassidy Arch and Cohab Canyon trail. So the trailhead to Frying Pan can be found at either Cassidy Arch or Cohab Canyon
- Golden Throne – This trail can be accessed from the Capitol Gorge trail. 4 roundtrip mile long trail, ranked as difficult
- Navajo Knobs – 9.4 roundtrip mile long trail, ranked as difficult
- Rim Overlook – Rim Overlook is on the way to Navajo Knobs, so the trailhead is the same as Navajo Knobs; 4.6 roundtrip mile long trail, ranked as difficult
Check Out The Scenic View Points
And lastly check out some breathtaking views that really make you question if what you’re seeing is actually real:
Capitol Reef National Park Map of Attractions
More Travel Tips
- Download a map before you go!
- Remember with every National Park there is a fee to enter. It’s typically $20 for a 7-day pass for private vehicles. If you’re on your way to explore the Mighty Five, I’d recommend buying the America The Beautiful Pass, which is $80 and gets you into all the National Parks for a year
- Don’t forget your water and sunscreen!
- To get the most out of your day, start EARLY!
- Always, always, always check the park’s site, or the visitor center, for up-to-date information before you head out
- And as always, leave no trace behind!
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Many of the recommendations here are either ones I personally did or ones I wish I would have known about ahead of time. I hope with the help of my guide you are able to make the most of your day. Happy exploring!
Sources: LEIGHTON – GIBBS SMITH INC PUB – 2021; National Park Service (2021). Capitol Reef [Brochure]. Utah: National Park Foundation.
