Things to do in Capitol Reef National Park
A south-central Utah park built around the Waterpocket Fold, with cliffs, domes, canyons, orchards, petroglyphs, scenic roads, and remote desert districts.
Best months: April, May, September, October
What is worth your time in Capitol Reef National Park
Grand Wash TrailDo not miss
A deep, easy canyon walk reaches narrows-like walls without technical gear.
Hike · 2 hr5
Hickman Bridge TrailDo not miss
The moderate trail reaches a graceful 133-foot natural bridge and is the signature quick hike in Capitol Reef.
Hike · 1.6 hr4.6
Capitol Reef Scenic DriveDo not miss
The paved drive gives a concentrated tour of the Waterpocket Fold, cliffs, spurs, and canyon mouths with low effort.
Scenic Drive · 2.3 hr
Cohab Canyon Trail
The trail climbs into hidden side canyons and overlooks above the Fruita orchards.
Hike · 2.5 hr5
Navajo Knobs Trail
The long rim hike offers one of the park biggest frontcountry panoramas over domes, cliffs, and Fruita.
Hike · 7 hr5
Temple of the Sun and Moon
These isolated Cathedral Valley monoliths are the classic payoff for the remote northern district drive.
Viewpoint · 1.1 hr5
Burr Trail Switchbacks
The dramatic road climb across the Waterpocket Fold reveals Capitol Reef scale from a remote southern angle.
Scenic Drive · 4.5 hr4.9
Capitol Gorge Trail
This historic canyon walk passes pioneer inscriptions and can continue to waterpocket tanks.
Hike · 1.5 hr4.8
Sunset Point
A short walk reaches a broad west-facing panorama that glows beautifully at day end.
Viewpoint · 45 min4.8
Capitol Reef Visitor Center
The visitor center is the best indoor stop for permits, road conditions, exhibits, water, and flash-flood guidance.
Ranger Program · 45 min4.7
Gifford House Store and Museum
The historic farmhouse is the beloved stop for Fruita history, local goods, and seasonal pies.
Ranger Program · 33 min4.7
Goosenecks Overlook
The drive-up overlook peers into tight bends of Sulphur Creek and pairs easily with Sunset Point.
Viewpoint · 23 min4.7
Capitol Reef Petroglyph Panel
The boardwalk overlooks Fremont Culture rock imagery with excellent access and high interpretive value.
Viewpoint · 33 min4.6
Cassidy Arch Trail
The slickrock climb reaches a dramatic arch above Grand Wash and one of the park best photo perches.
Hike · 3.3 hr
And 3 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- Capitol Reef is famous for the Waterpocket Fold, Fruita orchards, Hickman Bridge, Cassidy Arch, Capitol Gorge, Cathedral Valley, and red-rock scenery without the same crowds as nearby Utah parks.