Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park is a national park in Utah's Canyon Country, comprising 378 sq mi (980 km²) of sandstone canyons, ridges, buttes, and monoliths. The park is defined by the Waterpocket Fold, a 100 mi (160 km) long wrinkle in the earth's crust known as a monocline. The Fold extends from nearby Thousand Lakes Mountain to the Colorado River (now Lake Powell). Capitol Reef National Park was established to protect this grand and colorful geologic feature, as well as the unique natural and cultural history found in the area. The name was derived from the rounded sandstone buttes which resemble capitol domes and from the long line of rocky cliffs which are a barrier to travel, like a coral reef.

From the 9th to 15th centuries, Native Americans of the Fremont Culture lived in and near the Waterpocket Fold. Later, nomadic Ute and Southern Paiute tribes inhabited the area. White settlement came in the 1870s, with Mormon settlers establishing the community of Fruita along the banks of the Fremont River. These settlers planted fruit orchards along the river that still exist today. In 1968, a large amount of land was added to the park, and in 1971 the National Monument became Capitol Reef National Park.

The park experiences hot, dry summers and cold winters. The best times to visit are spring (April through May) and fall (September through October), when daytime temperatures are pleasant and the risk of flash floods is lower. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F (38°C) in the lower elevations. Winter brings cold temperatures and occasional snow, but the park remains open year-round.

By Plane

The closest major airport is Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), about 3.5 hours drive from the park. Regional airports in Cedar City (CDC) and St. George (SGU) are closer but have limited service. Grand Junction, Colorado (GJT) is also approximately 3 hours away.

By Car / Road

Capitol Reef is located along Utah Scenic Byway 24, between the towns of Hanksville and Torrey. From Salt Lake City, drive south on I-15 to US-89, then east on UT-24. From the west, approach via UT-12 from Bryce Canyon. From the east, take I-70 to UT-24 at Hanksville. The park is about 3.5 hours from Salt Lake City and 2 hours from Cedar City.

A vehicle is essential for exploring Capitol Reef. The main park road runs along the Waterpocket Fold and connects the Scenic Drive with UT-24. Several unpaved roads branch off for backcountry access. There is no public transportation within the park. Most visitors drive the main road and stop at overlooks and trailheads.

• Capitol Dome — The park's namesake formation, a massive sandstone dome resembling the U.S. Capitol building.

• Hickman Bridge — A 133-foot natural bridge accessible via a 1.7-mile round trip trail.

• Gifford Homestead — A historic pioneer homestead in the Fruita district, with a small museum and store selling homemade pies and jams.

• Fruita Historic District — Preserved pioneer buildings and fruit orchards along the Fremont River.

• Sunset Point — A scenic overlook with views of the Waterpocket Fold and surrounding canyons.

• Capitol Gorge Trail — A flat, easy 2-mile round trip hike through a narrow canyon with historic inscriptions.

• Hiking — The park offers trails ranging from easy walks along the Fremont River to strenuous backcountry routes. Popular trails include Hickman Bridge, Capitol Gorge, and the Grand Wash.

• Scenic driving — The Scenic Drive and UT-24 offer stunning views of the Waterpocket Fold and surrounding formations.

• Fruit picking — In summer and fall, visitors can pick fruit from the historic orchards in the Fruita district. A small fee applies.

• Canyoneering — The park contains numerous slot canyons for technical canyoneering adventures.

• Stargazing — The park's remote location and dark skies make it excellent for stargazing.

• Photography — The park's unique geology and dramatic lighting provide excellent photography opportunities.

Dining options within the park are limited. The Gifford Homestead serves pies and baked goods seasonally. The town of Torrey has a few restaurants.

• Hunt & Gather — Torrey, +1 435 425 3070. Th-Tu 5PM-9PM. Closed winters. Local favorite with a seasonal menu.
• Capitol Burger — Torrey, +1 801-362-0226. Popular burger truck usually parked in the Chuckwagon Store lot. Vegetarian burgers available.
• Gifford Homestead — Inside the park. Homemade pies and baked goods. Open seasonally.

Water is available at the visitor center and at developed areas in the park. The town of Torrey has limited options for alcoholic beverages. Carry plenty of water for any hiking, as the desert climate is extremely dehydrating.

• Budget: Fruita Campground, inside the park. 71 sites along the Fremont River. Fees vary by season. Reservations recommended.
• Mid-range: The Rim Rock, Torrey. Comfortable rooms with views of the surrounding landscape.
• Upscale / heritage: Skyview Hotel, 876 West State Route 24, Torrey. Modern rooms, some with private hot tubs. Boxed breakfast available.

The Gifford Homestead store in the Fruita district sells homemade pies, jams, and other baked goods. The park visitor center has a bookstore with maps, books, and souvenirs. The town of Torrey, about 10 miles west, has a few small shops and galleries.

• Bryce Canyon National Park — About 2 hours west via UT-12. Spectacular hoodoos and amphitheaters.
• Arches National Park — About 2.5 hours northeast. Over 2,000 natural sandstone arches.
• Goblin Valley State Park — About 1 hour east via UT-24. Unique mushroom-shaped rock formations.
• Torrey — 10 miles west. Small town with restaurants, lodging, and gateway to the park.
• Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument — South and east. Vast wilderness with slot canyons and scenic drives.
• Boulder Mountain — South of Torrey. Pine forests and alpine lakes.