
Capitol Reef is a lesser-known national park in Utah, and it likes it that way. People do it wrong – they rush through it on their way through the Utah Mighty Five. It’s best experienced by relaxing while surrounded by red rock walls in Historic Fruita, or by getting off the paved roads and exploring the secluded areas of the park. At the very least, spend some time hiking to get some of the best views of the park.

Places
- Fruita. Small town oasis, orchards, hiking, biking, and history.
- Torrey. Gateway to Capitol Reef – lodging and restaurants.
- Capitol Gorge. Scenic canyon route, historic inscriptions, towering walls.
- Waterpocket Fold. The defining geological feature of Capitol Reef.
- Cathedral Valley. Backcountry area containing the Temples of the Sun & Moon.
- Goblin Valley. Quirky state park with out-of-this-world formations.
- Scenic Route 12. All-American Scenic Road.
- Boulder, Utah. Small foodie town with 3 great restaurants and a state park.

Planning a Trip to Capitol Reef? Copy Our 3-Day Itinerary
Get our done‑for‑you, 3‑day route with exact drives, maps, and must‑see stops so you don’t waste time in traffic or miss the best views.
Inside the guide:
*Day‑by‑day plan for Capitol Reef including the best hikes, drives, and sites
*Exact times, activities, and where to sleep and eat
*Best Friend Guarantee: love it or get your money back
*Visiting Utah’s 5 National Parks– Save big $ and get a plan for Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Arches & Canyonlands. Learn more here
Plan Your Trip
Start Here
- How Much Time Do I Need to Visit Capitol Reef National Park?
- 9 Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting Capitol Reef
Where to Stay and Eat
- Best Restaurants In and Around Capitol Reef (+ Affordable Options)
- Best Places to Camp In and Around Capitol Reef
Best Sites & Activities

Nearby
More on Capitol Reef
- Where to Watch a Sunset or Sunrise at Capitol Reef National Park
- Hiking in the Desert: 11 Things to Know Before You Go
Prefer to Watch?
Watch More
- Capitol Reef Trip Planner (50 min)
- 14 Great Things to Do in Utah’s Most Charming National Park! (15 min)
- Don’t Miss These 6 Amazing Hikes in Gorgeous Capitol Reef National Park (16 min)
- Let’s Go For a Ride! 4 Breathtaking Drives in Remote Capitol Reef National Park (13 min)
- 9 Mistakes to Avoid During Your Visit to Capitol Reef (12 min)
- 5 Things to Hate About Capitol Reef National Park (12 min)
- 5 Things We Love About Capitol Reef National Park (12 min)
- Epic 8-day Road Trip to Utah’s National Parks [Zion to Arches] (60 min)

Planning a Trip to Utah’s National Parks? Copy Our 7‑Day Road Trip
Get our done‑for‑you, 5-7‑day route with exact drives, maps, and must‑see stops so you don’t waste time in traffic or miss the best views.
Inside the guide:
*Day‑by‑day plan for Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches & Canyonlands
*Details you need: Time frames, driving routes, and where to sleep each night to reduce back-tracking
*Includes audio stories to listen to as you drive
*Best Friend Guarantee: love it or get your money back