National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS Photo
Capitol Reef National Park
Located in south-central Utah in the heart of red rock country, Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden treasure filled with cliffs, canyons, domes, and bridges in the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline (a wrinkle on the earth) extending almost 100 miles.
Entrance Fees
Activities
Top Hikes
1.8 mi · 400 ft gain · out & back
Scenic trail to a spectacular 133-foot natural bridge with canyon views and 17 interpretive points of interest.
Starts at: Highway 24 Trailhead
4.4 mi · 200 ft gain · out & back
An easy walk through a deep, dramatic canyon with towering Navajo sandstone walls rising on both sides.
Starts at: Grand Wash Trailhead
2 mi · 80 ft gain · out & back
A walk through a deep canyon featuring historic pioneer inscriptions and natural waterpockets carved into the rock.
Starts at: Capitol Gorge Trailhead
3.4 mi · 670 ft gain · out & back
Steep climb through Grand Wash canyon to a stunning natural arch perched on a cliff edge with dramatic slickrock terrain.
Starts at: Grand Wash Trailhead
Upcoming Events
Ranger's Choice Talk
Learn more about the natural and cultural resources of Capitol Reef. Meet at the Campground Amphitheater, adjacent to Loop C. Ranger program schedules are also posted on bulletin boards at the visitor center and campground. Program topics may change. Programs may be cancelled due to weather or staffing issues. Check at visitor center for updated daily program offerings.
Join us for Capitol Reef's annual astronomy festival--Heritage Starfest celebrates the amazing night skies of Capitol Reef and surrounding Wayne County. Friday, September 11: All events will take place in Capitol Reef National Park. Saturday, September 12: Events will be held in the town of Torrey, Utah: Torrey Town Park and at the Entrada Institute. The webpage will be updated when more information becomes available: https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/heritage-starfest.htm
Reef Ride Bike Days 2026: Save the Dates and celebrate National Public Lands Day on two Saturdays in September 2026. Come enjoy the recently repaved Scenic Drive on a bicycle or on foot. From sunrise to 2:00 pm the Scenic Drive will be closed to vehicles for this special event, allowing folks a chance to explore at a slower pace. The Scenic Drive is a 7.9-mile (12.7 km) paved road that offers breathtaking views of the park's unique geological formations. The bikes-only portion will begin after the campground and provide access to Grand Wash, Capitol Gorge, and Pleasant Creek. Some bicyclists may also choose to ride the dirt roads into Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge, although these may not be suitable for road bikes. **Be sure to read the Safety Tips on the event website (below). Elevation ranges from approximately 5,400 feet (1,646 m) to 5,977 feet (1,822 m) above sea level.Parking for vehicles is available throughout Fruita. The Picnic Area and Jorgenson pasture parking areas are south of the visitor center and are great places to unload bikes and start your ride.
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit: November
Pleasant weather with fewer crowds
Weather & Climate
Weather is posted daily; check at the park visitor center for weather updates. Do not enter into narrow canyons if there is a threat of rain or if rain has been falling in the area. Rain and snow may also make dirt roads impassable to vehicles.