Exploring Capitol Reef National Park

Park: Capitol Reef National Park
State: Utah
Year Established: 1971
Acres: 241,900
Annual Visitors: 1.1 Million
Entrance Fee: $10 - $20

Located in south-central Utah, Capitol Reef National Park is best known for its unique landscape including what is called the Waterpocket Fold. What looks like a wrinkle in the landscape formed millions of  years ago makes the rocks look like a coral reef, inspiring the park's name. There are over 71 species of mammals living in the park and during your visit you’re likely to see mule deer and squirrels, maybe even a bighorn sheep or a gray fox. 

While only a small portion of the park is accessible by paved roads, Capitol Reef actually encompasses over 200,000 acres. Along with the unique coral-like rocks, the park also boasts Petroglyphs that are over 1,000 years old, left by the original Mormon settlers of the area, the Freemont people. 

Things to do in Capitol Reef National Park

One of five national parks in Utah, Capitol Reef National Park is often visited on a road trip of the state including Zion, Bryce Canyon, or Arches and Canyonlands located in Moab as well. It’s also included as a stop in the Grand Circle Road Trip. 

There are three park districts within Capitol Reef that you can explore on your visit: Fruita Historic District, Cathedral Valley District, and Waterpocket Fold. Fruita is the most popular and the most easily accessible portion of the park, and includes the historic Morman homesteads. Cathedral Valley District is the most remote, and Waterpocket Fold is best enjoyed on the Burr Trail Scenic Byway. 

Hiking in Capitol Reef National Park

Hickman Bridge Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Capitol Reef National Park because it’s fairly quick and easy with stunning views. Named for the natural bridge that spans 133 feet, it’s a 1.7 mile trail and if you’re up for it, you can combine it with Rim Overlook and Navajo Knobs Trail. 

Goosenecks Overlook and Sunset Point are another pair of popular trails that are often hiked together. Perfect to start roughly 45 minutes before sunset, you will get a view of Waterpocket Fold, Chimney Rock, Ferns Nipple, Boulder Mountain and Mount Ellen. 

Finally, we suggest hitting Cassidy Arch Trail and Capitol Reef Petroglyph Trail. Cassidy Arch is a 3.4 mile trail with great views of the Grand Wash area and you can walk straight over the top of the arch. The Petroglyph Trail is only a 0.3 mile boardwalk, it's wheelchair and stroller friendly, and is shaded by cottonwood trees where you can view the etched drawings in the rocks and cliffs. 

Camping in Capitol Reef National Park

Fruita Campground

The Fruita Campground at Capitol Reef National Park has 71 sites, surrounded by historic orchards and next to the Fremont River. The campground is reserved only during the busy season from March 1st through October 31st so be sure to plan ahead! It costs $25 per night and accommodations include a fire pit, picnic table, water, and flush toilets. 

Primitive Campgrounds

Cathedral Valley Campgrounds and Cedar Mesa Campgrounds are also available but as primitive sites there is no water or toilets. Cathedral Valley has six sites available and Cedar Mesa has five sites available, all first-come, first-served. 

When to visit Capitol Reef National Park

Thanks to the mild weather, spring or fall is the best time to visit Capitol Reef National Park and enjoy a hike. If you want to avoid the crowds, we suggest going in early March or November to avoid the peak season. Keep in mind, the closer you visit to winter, the colder it will be. Even though Utah has a desert landscape, it can drop into the 20s by late November. 

During the winter, temperatures will drop below freezing and snow is likely so if you want to visit when all trails are open and weather is ideal for hiking, we suggest fall or spring. 

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