Capitol Reef National Park

Located in south-central Utah, Capitol Reef National Park is a stunning 241,904-acre desert landscape that is rich in geological wonders and historical significance. Established as a national monument in 1937 and later designated as a national park in 1971, Capitol Reef attracts visitors from around the world.

Situated in the heart of the Colorado Plateau, Capitol Reef National Park is known for its unique and dramatic rock formations, including the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long warp in the Earth's crust. The park features colorful cliffs, rugged canyons, towering monoliths, and deep, hidden red rock canyons that offer a visual feast for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Besides its geological wonders, Capitol Reef also boasts a rich historical background. The area was first inhabited by the Fremont people around 700 AD, and later by Mormon pioneers in the late 19th century. The park is named after the whitish domes of Navajo Sandstone that resemble the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., and the rocky cliffs that served as a natural barrier or "reef" for early settlers.

Visitors to Capitol Reef National Park can engage in various activities that highlight both its natural beauty and historical significance. Hiking is a popular pastime, with a range of trails catering to different skill levels. The notable Hickman Bridge Trail, Capitol Gorge Trail, and Cassidy Arch Trail offer breathtaking vistas and opportunities for exploring the park's unique rock formations up close.

Those seeking a more adventurous experience can embark on backcountry camping and backpacking trips, allowing them to immerse themselves in the remote and untouched wilderness. Capitol Reef is renowned for its dark night skies, providing a perfect setting for stargazing and astrophotography.

Moreover, the park offers scenic drives along its paved roads, such as the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, which takes visitors through magnificent canyons and viewpoints. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal fruit picking at the historic orchards, a remnant of the pioneer era, where they can savor delicious apples, pears, and apricots.

In addition to the wide range of activities within the park, there are several noteworthy attractions located nearby. Boulder Mountain to the north offers excellent fishing opportunities and scenic drives, while the nearby town of Torrey provides accommodation, dining options, and visitor services. Not far from Capitol Reef, the stunning landscapes of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Bryce Canyon National Park further add to the allure of the region.

Capitol Reef National Park truly offers a remarkable blend of natural beauty, geology, and human history. From its captivating rock formations and lush orchards to its rich Native American and Mormon pioneer heritage, it stands as a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to explore the wonders of the American Southwest.

Capitol Reef National Park is situated within the majestic state of Utah. Located in the heart of the Colorado Plateau, this national park spans across Wayne County in south-central Utah. Nestled between the popular destinations of Zion National Park and Arches National Park, Capitol Reef boasts a unique and captivating geographical location. Throughout the park, visitors can witness the stunning Waterpocket Fold, a nearly 100-mile long warp in the Earth's crust, creating a fascinating landscape of towering cliffs, colorful canyons, and breathtaking rock formations. Moreover, the park is enveloped by the vastness of the desert, including the Fremont River and vast expanses of the rugged and arid terrain, making it a geological wonderland worth exploring.

Address & Contact

52 West Headquarters Drive
Torrey, UT 84775
Driving Directions
Phone: 435-425-3791
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Capitol Reef National Park would be in April or May. During these months, the average maximum temperatures range from 65°F to 73°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation during this time is relatively low, at 0.4 in and 0.97 in, respectively. These months offer a good balance between comfortable temperatures and lower levels of rainfall. It is advisable to avoid the peak tourist season in July and August when the park experiences higher visitor counts and increased precipitation.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Capitol Reef National Park are: Astronomy Stargazing Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Hands-On Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Arts and Culture Biking Road Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use) Canyoneering Climbing Rock Climbing Hiking Front-Country Hiking Fishing Backcountry Hiking Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Living History Self-Guided Tours - Auto First Person Interpretation Group Camping RV Camping Arts and Crafts Volunteer Vacation Citizen Science Cultural Demonstrations Horse Camping (see also camping) Off-Trail Permitted Hiking

Topics

Learn about these topics at Capitol Reef National Park: Animals Birds Geology Night Sky Archeology Arts Industry Native American Heritage Transportation Westward Expansion Cats (wild) Fish Canyons and Canyonlands Fossils and Paleontology River and Riparian Rock Landscapes and Features Arches Trails Unique Species Colonization and Settlement Explorers and Expeditions Mining Military Painting Photography Religion and Spirituality Churches Schools and Education Science, Technology and Innovation Women's History Climate Change Foothills, Plains and Valleys Forests and Woodlands Glaciers Grasslands Astronomy Scenic Views Waterfalls Deciduous Forests Social Movements Roads, Routes and Highways Elk Coniferous Forests Petrified Wood Thickets and Shrublands Rare Endangered Volcanoes Ruins Dinosaur Mineral Deposits Voting Rights and Suffrage Ranches Homesteading Dunes Commerce Trade Ancient Seas Plateaus and Mesas Farming and Agriculture

Visitor Centers

Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center

Capitol Reef National Park visitor center sits at the intersection of UT-24 and the Scenic Drive.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Capitol Reef National Park

Fruita Campground

The 71 site Fruita campground is the only developed campground in the park, offering picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, water and a dump station. A $25 nightly fee is charged. It is open year-round. From March through October, campsites are able to be reserved on www.recreation.gov. From November through February, campsites are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fees (US$): 25.00 (Campground nightly fee)
Total Campsites: 71
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Group Campsite

The Group Campsite is a secluded site located near the Fruita Campground and can accommodate a maximum of 40 people. It may be reserved through www.recreation.gov up to one year in advance. The Fruita Group Campsite is open from mid-April to mid-October. It is closed every Tuesday and Wednesday nights for maintenance. The nightly rate is $125.
Fees (US$): 125.00 (Group Site Nightly Fee)
Total Campsites: 1
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Primitive campsites at Cathedral Campground

It is located approximately halfway on the Cathedral Valley Loop Road. About 36 miles (57.9 km) from the visitor center, this primitive, no-fee campground has 6 sites, each with a picnic table and fire grate. There is a pit toilet, but no water available. The campground is open year-round; however, visitors should check road conditions with the Capitol Reef Visitor Center prior to planning an overnight stay. The campground is at ~7,000 feet (2,133 m) in elevation, No reservations; first-come, first-served.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Primitive Camping)
Total Campsites: 6
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Primitive campsites at Cedar Mesa Campground

It is located approximately 23 miles (37.0 km) south of Utah State Highway 24 on the Notom-Bullfrog Road and is at 5,500 feet (1,676 m) in elevation. This primitive, no-fee campground has five sites, each with a picnic table and fire grate. There is also a pit toilet, but no water is available. The campground is open year-round, but visitors should check with the Capitol Reef Visitor Center for road conditions prior to planning an overnight stay. No reservations; first-come, first-served.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Primitive Camping)
Total Campsites: 5
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Hotels within or near Capitol Reef National Park

The Rim Rock Inn

Located in Torrey, The Rim Rock Inn is on a lake, a 2-minute drive from Capitol Reef National Park and 6 minutes from Chimney Rock Loop. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2523 Highway 24 E, Torrey, Utah 84775
Web: Link

Aquarius Inn

When you stay at Aquarius Inn in Bicknell, you'll be 13 mi (20.9 km) from Capitol Reef National Park. Featured amenities include a computer station and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 292 West Main Street, Bicknell, Utah 84715
Web: Link

OYO Hotel Hanksville, UT

When you stay at OYO Hotel Hanksville, UT in Hanksville, you'll be 5 minutes by car from Mars Desert Research Center. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 280 e 100 n, Hanksville, Utah 84734
Web: Link

Cougar Ridge Lodge

With a stay at Cougar Ridge Lodge in Torrey, you'll be within a 15-minute drive of Capitol Reef National Park and Chimney Rock Loop. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 560 e Cougar Ridge Ln, Torrey, Utah 84775
Web: Link