Capitol Reef National Park
Overview
Rising out of the arid desert of southern Utah, Capitol Reef National Park is sure to capture the imagination. Formed through millions of years of geologic processes, the park highlights spectacular sandstone formations, living cryptobiotic soils, and a textbook example of a massive monocline. The Waterpocket Fold is now home to specialized desert plant and animal species in addition to the desert landscapes that are protected within the park. Skyscraping spires, winding canyons, colorful cliffs, and massive domes and arches all make Capitol Reef a one of a kind destination.
To learn more about Capitol Reef, visit www.nps.gov.
Local Info
Visitor Center:
The Main Visitor Center is open 8 am to 4:30 pm daily, and is closed on some major holidays. Extended hours exist from the spring through the fall, and more information about seasonal operations can be found here.
Visiting Tips
Capitol Reef is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Even with Capitol Reef's arid climate, inclement weather sometimes causes road closures. For updated weather information, current closures, and up to date information on the park, visit the park's website.
Fees & Passes:
To learn more about park fees, click here.
Camping & Lodging
There is one developed campground and two primitive campgrounds maintained within the Capitol Reef National Park. It is not possible to make reservations for the Fruita Campground, so you'll want to come early as it usually fills by early to mid-afternoon in the spring and the fall. All camping areas in Capitol Reef fill on a first come, first served basis. While each campground is open year-round, it is best to check road reports, as road closures can make reaching a campground impossible.
- Fruita Campground: Open year round. Potable water is available.
- Cathedral Valley Campground: Open year round. No potable water available.
- Cedar Mesa Campground: Open year round. No potable water available.
Backcountry camping is also available. A permit must be obtained from the visitor center during normal business hours. More information on camping in the park, can be found here.
Food & Drink
There are no restaurants or lodges that operate within the park. The Gifford House Store and Museum sells fresh baked goods such as cinnamon rolls, breads, and pies, in addition to ice cream, canned good, chips, and other novelties. Other packaged snacks are also available at the visitor center. There are many dining options available outside of the park. More information about dining in the nearby areas can be found here.
Other Activities
Capitol Reef National Park is located near excellent areas for a variety of outdoor activities. When not exploring the park on foot, there are ample opportunities for other non-motorized activities around the park, such as trail running, mountain biking, and rock climbing. There are also many areas where motorized activities such as dirt biking, rock crawling, and ATV riding are popular as well.
Maps & Guidebooks
A variety of guidebooks, pamphlets, and brochures are available at the parks website to help plan your trip.
Gems in Capitol Reef National Park - 8
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Recommended Routes in Capitol Reef National Park - 18
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Cassidy Arch
3.2 mi 5.1 km • 734' Up 223.63 m Up • 732' Down 223.21 m Down
Hickman Bridge
1.8 mi 2.9 km • 393' Up 119.7 m Up • 393' Down 119.69 m Down
Navajo Knobs Out and Back
9.2 mi 14.8 km • 1,888' Up 575.4 m Up • 1,888' Down 575.38 m Down
Sulphur Creek
5.8 mi 9.3 km • 515' Up 156.86 m Up • 1,063' Down 324.08 m Down
Rim Overlook Trail
4.4 mi 7.1 km • 1,007' Up 306.88 m Up • 1,007' Down 306.87 m Down
Capitol Reef Extravaganza
25.1 mi 40.4 km • 4,835' Up 1473.86 m Up • 4,834' Down 1473.46 m Down
Capitol Gorge Trail
4.7 mi 7.5 km • 222' Up 67.65 m Up • 222' Down 67.56 m Down
Capitol Reef National Park Running
- 103 Miles 165 Kilometers of Trail
- 18 Recommended Routes
- 8 Gems
- 7 Easy Trails
- 39 Intermediate Trails
- 10 Difficult Trails
Areas Within Capitol Reef National Park
Weather Averages
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Trails in Capitol Reef National Park - 38
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1.4
mi
2.2
km
#1Cassidy Arch Trail
Loa, UT
|
Loa, UT | 17 | ||
3.1
mi
4.9
km
#2Chimney Rock Trail
Loa, UT
|
Loa, UT | 22 | ||
2.4
mi
3.8
km
#3Grand Wash Trail
Loa, UT
|
Loa, UT | 31 | ||
0.5
mi
0.7
km
#4Strike Valley Overlook Trail
Loa, UT
|
Loa, UT | 6 | ||
2.8
mi
4.5
km
#5Frying Pan Trail
Loa, UT
|
Loa, UT | 16 | ||
1.6
mi
2.5
km
#6Cohab Canyon Trail
Loa, UT
|
Loa, UT | 17 | ||
1.4
mi
2.2
km
#7Fremont River Trail
Loa, UT
|
Loa, UT | 14 | ||
1.8
mi
3.0
km
#8Golden Throne Trail
Loa, UT
|
Loa, UT | 10 | ||
8.0
mi
12.9
km
#9Upper Muley Twist Canyon Trail
Escalante, UT
|
Escalante, UT | 4 | ||
3.4
mi
5.4
km
#10Cottonwood Wash
Loa, UT
|
Loa, UT | 4 |
Photos of Capitol Reef National Park - 325
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