Capitol Reef National Park

View of Capitol Reef National Park

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.

Capitol Reef Overview Map

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

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Where to Stay and Eat

Best Sites & Activities

people hiking in Capitol Reef

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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