Capitol Reef National Park

Cliffs, Orchards, and Hidden Canyons

Utah’s Red Rock Secret

Est. 1971

Capitol Reef National Park stretches for nearly 100 miles through Utah’s red rock country, yet it remains one of the least-crowded parks in the state. Named for its white Navajo sandstone domes — which early settlers thought resembled the U.S. Capitol — the park is filled with cliffs, canyons, natural bridges, and ancient rock art.

But Capitol Reef isn’t just geology. Orchards planted by Mormon pioneers still bloom each spring, visitors can pick fruit in season, and centuries-old petroglyphs tell stories of the Fremont people. It’s a place where natural wonders and human history come together under vast desert skies.

Featured Experiences

Capitol Reef unfolds slowly: a landscape of crimson cliffs, pale domes, and quiet green ribbons of orchard that seem to hum beneath the desert heat. Guided experiences help visitors read the park’s layers — from the ancient seabeds uplifted into the Waterpocket Fold to the petroglyphs and fruit trees left by the people who thrived here. Join a naturalist to trace the rock’s stories, wander beneath Hickman Bridge, photograph sunrise on Chimney Rock, or taste history with a hand-picked apple in Fruita. Every tour deepens the sense that this is not just geology but a living, breathing oasis in red rock country.

Suggested Itineraries

Capitol Reef moves at the pace of desert light. Mornings fill the canyons with gold; afternoons echo with the rustle of cottonwoods; evenings belong to the stars. These itineraries blend short, rewarding hikes and scenic drives with moments of pause — orchard picnics, ranger talks, and the quiet satisfaction of watching color drain from the cliffs at dusk.

1 Day Itinerary

Start in Fruita, exploring the historic district and its orchards. Visit the petroglyph panels along Highway 24, then hike the short but rewarding trail to Hickman Bridge. In the afternoon, drive the Scenic Drive to Capitol Gorge or Grand Wash, where towering cliffs create a cathedral-like atmosphere.

👉 Best for first-time visitors looking for the park’s highlights.

3 Day Itinerary

Day one focuses on Fruita and the Scenic Drive. On day two, hike to Cassidy Arch or Navajo Knobs for sweeping views, then explore the Fremont petroglyphs. Day three, take the drive down the Waterpocket Fold or Cathedral Valley (high-clearance vehicle recommended) to see Capitol Reef’s wilder side.

👉 Balanced mix of history, hiking, and scenery.

Weeklong Adventure

With a week, combine classic Fruita experiences with deeper exploration. Pick fruit in the orchards, then hike slot canyons like Burro Wash or Sulphur Creek. Spend a day in Cathedral Valley among giant monoliths, and another day driving the Burr Trail toward Boulder. Include ranger programs, night sky viewing, and nearby adventures in Torrey or Escalante for a full red rock immersion.

👉 Best for travelers seeking solitude and a richer connection to the landscape.

Let Us Plan Your Vacation

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Arches is easy to love but trickier to plan — parking fills by sunrise, timed-entry reservations are required in peak months, and desert weather can be unpredictable. Share your travel dates and interests, and we’ll create a custom Arches plan so you can focus on enjoying the hoodoos, hikes, and starry skies without stress.

See Capitol Reef your way.

From iconic hikes to jeep adventures and stargazing, explore the full range of experiences.

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What to Expect Each Season

Desert Cliffs, Orchards, and Starry Nights

Each season reshapes Capitol Reef’s character. Spring’s bloom turns Fruita into a fragrant garden; summer heat shimmers through slot canyons; fall brings golden harvest and crisp air; winter hushes the park beneath snow-tipped domes. Understanding the rhythm of the desert helps you find the park at its most vivid and peaceful.

Spring (March–May)
Orchards bloom in Fruita, trails are pleasant, and waterfalls flow from spring runoff.
Best for: Hiking, fruit blossoms, and photography.

Summer (June–August)
Hot days dominate, but mornings and evenings are stunning. Afternoon thunderstorms bring dramatic skies.
Best for: Scenic drives, short hikes, and stargazing.

Fall (September–November)
Cooler days return, orchards are ready for picking, and golden cottonwoods glow against red cliffs.
Best for: Harvest season, photography, and hiking.

Winter (December–February)
Quiet trails, snow-dusted cliffs, and near solitude. Cold nights, but peaceful days.
Best for: Solitude, photography, and crisp scenic drives.

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From sunrise hikes to stargazing nights, we’ll help you design the perfect trip.

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Capitol Reef National Park Tours

View All Capitol Reef Tours & Activities

From historic orchards to soaring arches and remote valleys, Capitol Reef is best explored with the help of guides who know its hidden gems. Tours make it easy to enjoy both the accessible highlights and the park’s wild backcountry.

Sightseeing & Multi-Day Trips

Scenic drives reveal Capitol Reef’s highlights, from Fruita orchards to Capitol Gorge. Multi-day trips often link Bryce, Capitol Reef, and Escalante for a full red rock journey.

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Visitor Centers At The Park

At the heart of Fruita, the Capitol Reef Visitor Center anchors the park’s story. Exhibits trace the 10-million-year journey of the Waterpocket Fold and the families who once farmed below its cliffs. Rangers provide trail updates, fruit-picking schedules, and night-sky tips, while the nearby Gifford House tempts travelers with warm pies and pioneer charm.

Capitol Reef Visitor Center (Fruita)

Located near the orchards, with exhibits on geology, Fremont culture, and pioneer history. Rangers provide maps, permits, and daily updates on trails and backcountry roads.

Tip: Check here before attempting Cathedral Valley or the Burr Trail — road conditions change daily.

Get a better picture of your travel plans.

VIEW PARK MAPS

Visiting On Your Own

Capitol Reef is easy to explore but rewards preparation. Highway 24 cuts through the heart of the park, providing access to Fruita, orchards, and petroglyphs. The Scenic Drive (fee area) adds deeper views into Capitol Gorge and Grand Wash. For Cathedral Valley and the Waterpocket Fold, a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle is often required.

Entrance fees are $20 per vehicle for a 7-day pass, or $80 for the America the Beautiful annual pass. Backcountry camping and canyoneering require permits.

Tips:

Carry plenty of water — desert hiking is demanding.

Check weather — flash floods can occur in slot canyons.

Arrive early in Fruita during harvest — fresh pies at the Gifford House sell out quickly.

Download maps offline — service is limited.

Park Information & Details

Capitol Reef is the perfect mix of approachable and wild. One paved road crosses its heart, yet solitude lies minutes beyond it. Knowing where to eat, what to pack, and how to navigate the backroads turns its remoteness into freedom rather than challenge.

Food & Drink

There are no restaurants in the park. Fruita has seasonal fruit pies and snacks at the Gifford House, while Torrey offers a handful of cafés and restaurants.

Tip: Stock up in Torrey before entering — food options are limited once inside the park.

What to Bring

Water, sun protection, sturdy shoes, and layers for chilly desert nights.

Tip: A tripod is great for stargazing and night photography.

Safety Tips

Stay on marked trails, watch for flash floods, and respect the desert environment.

Tip: Ask rangers about road conditions — unpaved routes can become impassable after storms.

Shuttle / Transport Info

There is no shuttle system in Capitol Reef. The best way to explore is by personal vehicle or guided tour.

Tip: A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for Cathedral Valley and Burr Trail drives.

Accessibility For All

Some areas of Capitol Reef are rugged, but several highlights are accessible. The Visitor Center, petroglyph panels, and orchards in Fruita have paved or flat paths. Pullouts along Highway 24 provide dramatic views from your car.

Tip: Combine a Fruita orchard stroll with accessible viewpoints along the Scenic Drive for the easiest experience.

Monsoon Rains In The Park

Flash Floods Happen Often

Canyoneering In The Parks

Follow This Utah Climbing Story

Stargazing In The National Park

One Of The Darkest Part Of The Country

Watching Birds

A Bird Jumps Around The Rocks

Wildlife In The Park

Snake Crosses The Path

Big Horn Sheep In The Winter

Watch Some Wildlife In The Park

Keep Wildlife Safe

Prevent Food Conditioning

Maps Of The Park & Region

Stretching nearly a hundred miles north to south, Capitol Reef is long, narrow, and full of detours worth taking. Maps help link its three personalities: the historic calm of Fruita, the towering monoliths of Cathedral Valley, and the winding backroads of the Waterpocket Fold.

Every season offers a new perspective at Capitol Reef.

Find tours and activities that match the time of year you’re visiting.

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Park Gateway Towns

Capitol Reef’s gateways feel as intimate as the park itself. Torrey welcomes travelers with cafés and inns under astonishing night skies, Fruita rests within the park’s orchards, and Salt Lake City connects distant travelers to this red-rock haven. Each offers a distinct pace — from rustic calm to city convenience — and every one keeps the cliffs within reach.

Torrey, UT

The closest gateway town, with inns, lodges, and restaurants. It’s a popular base for exploring the Scenic Drive and nearby Boulder.

Salt Lake City, UT

Four hours northwest, Salt Lake City is the main airport hub for Capitol Reef. It combines easy flight access with mountain scenery, hotels, and dining before the drive south.

Tip: Overnight here to rest and stock up before your desert adventure.

Fruita, UT

A historic settlement within the park, Fruita is known for its orchards, petroglyphs, and pioneer history. Limited lodging but unforgettable atmosphere.

What Visitors Say About The Park

The orchards in Fruita were blooming when we visited — it felt like an oasis in the desert.

Visitor from Colorado

Cathedral Valley was worth the drive. Remote, wild, and unforgettable.

Visitor from California

We stayed after dark for stargazing — the night sky was breathtaking, with the Milky Way stretching across the canyon.

Visitor from Texas

The Gifford House pies were the best part of our trip. Don’t miss them!

Visitor from Utah

The Scenic Drive and Capitol Gorge were incredible. The rock walls towered above us.

Visitor from Arizona

Plan Your Capitol Reef Adventure – Book Tours & Tickets Today

From orchard strolls to slot canyon hikes and stargazing nights, Capitol Reef offers a quieter, more intimate red rock experience. Let us help plan your trip — find tours, secure permits, and design your perfect adventure.

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