Guide to Utah’s Most Underrated National Park: Capitol Reef
Capitol Reef National Park, located in south-central Utah, is one of the most geologically fascinating and underrated national parks in the U.S! It’s known for the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile-long wrinkle in the Earth's crust that creates stunning cliffs, canyons, domes, and natural bridges.
Capitol Reef is also home to the historic Fruita District, once settled by Mormon pioneers and now known for its orchards, historic buildings, and scenic drives.
In this ultimate guide to Capitol Reef National Park, we have included the best hikes, where to stay, pro tips, a brief 48-hour itinerary for the park, and more.
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What’s the best time of year to visit?
We love April-June for wildflowers, mild temperatures, and fewer crowds. September and October are also nice for stunning fall colors.
We advise avoiding the summer and winter as temperatures can be a bit extreme, unpredictable, and make hiking difficult.
Top Hikes in Capitol Reef National Park
1. Hickman Bridge Trail
Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Natural arch, views of the Fremont River, and ancient pictographs
2. Cassidy Arch Trail
Distance: 3.4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Highlights: Spectacular arch you can walk on, named after outlaw Butch Cassidy
3. Capitol Gorge Trail
Distance: 2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Narrows, pioneer carvings ("The Tanks"), petroglyphs
4. Grand Wash Trail
Distance: 4.4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlights: Canyon walls that rise 500 feet above you, slot canyon feel without technical gear
5. Cohab Canyon Trail
Distance: 3.4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Overlooks of Fruita, hidden canyon views, good for sunrise/sunset
6. Chimney Rock Trail
Distance: 3.6 miles loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Panoramic views of Waterpocket Fold and Chimney Rock
Our favorite hike in Capitol Reef National Park?
If we had to choose ONE hike to do - we would choose Hickman Bridge to the Rim Overlook Trail! Combining these hikes brings you to the most insane views in the park. You will total around 6 miles and 1,300 feet of elevation gain.
Best Scenic Viewpoints
1. Panorama Point
Just off Hwy 24 with a short walk to amazing views of cliffs and mesas
2. Goosenecks Overlook
Overlooks deep canyons carved by Sulphur Creek—short hike with big views
3. Sunset Point
Great evening spot for photos; easy walk from the Goosenecks parking area
4. Cathedral Valley Overlook (4WD required)
Expansive views of iconic monoliths like Temple of the Sun and Moon
What to Wear in Capitol Reef National Park
The weather in Capitol Reef National Park can vary greatly depending on the time of year you visit. In the summer months, temperatures can reach 100 degrees or more and in the winter months, temperatures can drop below freezing.
If you visit in the winter, layers are key:
Waterproof rain shell (pro tip: wear a bright shell, pink or blue, to stand out in photos)
If you visit in the warmer months, sun protection is key:
Other hiking gear you may need includes:
Microspikes (if you visit in the winter)
Headlamp (for sunrise or sunset hikes)
Camping in and Around the Park
Fruita Campground (Inside the Park)
Open: Year-round
Sites: 71
Amenities: Flush toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, water
Notes: In the scenic Fruita Historic District near orchards and trailheads; fills up quickly, reservations recommended (via recreation.gov)
Cathedral Valley Campground
Primitive (no water, pit toilets)
4WD required to access
Dispersed/BLM Camping
Available on BLM land outside the park boundary, especially along Notom Road or near Torrey
Camping Pro Tip:
We use iOverlander to find free camping on BLM land. Utah is the absolute best state to find free camping so consider checking this out if you travel via van or RV.
Hotel & Lodging Recommendations
In Torrey (10 minutes from the park)
Capitol Reef Resort – Stunning views, yurts and teepees available
Red Sands Hotel – Clean, comfortable, and close to the park
SkyRidge Inn – Bed & breakfast with charming hospitality
Alternative Lodging
Austin’s Chuckwagon Motel – Mid-range with general store and bakery
The Noor Hotel – Simple, budget-friendly lodging with beautiful scenery
Dining Options
In the Park
Gifford Homestead - Known for their famous pies, this place is a must-stop!
Plan to pack a food if exploring the park for longer than a half day at a time.
In Torrey
Café Diablo – Eclectic Southwestern cuisine with patio dining
The Rim Rock Restaurant – Comfort food with a view
Capitol Burger – Delicious burgers and shakes in a food truck format
Red Cliff Restaurant – Inside Red Sands Hotel, convenient and tasty
Hunt & Gather – Modern dining with local ingredients (seasonal)
How many days are needed for this park?
2-3 days is ample time to explore the main areas of the park. If you want to visit the more remote sections, like Cathedral Valley, add on 2-3 more days to your trip.
Tips for Visiting Capitol Reef
Start Early: Beat the heat and the crowds, especially on popular trails like Hickman Bridge.
Check the Weather: Flash floods are possible in canyons - avoid hiking narrow washes when rain is forecasted.
Bring Water: Limited access to drinking water outside the Fruita District.
Explore Beyond Fruita: Consider Cathedral Valley and Burr Trail if you have a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle.
Pick Fruit: If visiting during harvest season(summer/fall), you can pick apples, peaches, and pears from the historic orchards!
Visitor Center: Stop here first for maps, current trail conditions, and ranger recommendations.
Bonus Adventures
Capitol Reef Scenic Drive: A 7.9-mile paved road (plus optional dirt spurs) through the heart of Capitol Reef’s red rock country. This drive is stunning and if you are unable to hike, this is a great way to see some beautiful parts of the park.
Cathedral Valley: The drive here is an epic adventure that showcases some of the park’s most remote and striking landscapes. The route requires crossing the Fremont River and navigating long stretches of dirt roads, making a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle strongly recommended. While challenging, the drive rewards visitors with towering monoliths, wide-open desert views, and a true off-the-beaten-path experience.
Burr Trail Scenic Backway: One of the most scenic drives in Utah, connects Capitol Reef to Escalante.
Petroglyph Panels: Located just off Hwy 24 near the visitor center, easily accessible and well preserved.
Cathedral Valley in Capitol Reef National Park
48-Hour Itinerary
Day 1: Scenic Drive and Short Hikes
Start with the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, stopping at Goosenecks Overlook and Sunset Point for panoramic views. Hike the Hickman Bridge Trail in the afternoon, then explore historic Fruita, where you can walk the orchards and enjoy golden-hour views of the Waterpocket Fold.
Day 2: Slot Canyons and Backcountry Views
Spend the morning hiking Cassidy Arch or Cohab Canyon for sweeping vistas over Fruita. In the afternoon, explore a slot canyon like Grand Wash or Capitol Gorge, ending your visit with quiet backcountry scenery and fewer crowds.
Nearby Adventures
If you have more time in the area, check out:
Factory Butte – A striking, otherworldly badlands area popular for photography and off-road exploration.
Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument – Vast wilderness with slot canyons, scenic hikes, and remote backcountry adventures.
Boulder Mountain Scenic Byway (Highway 12) – A breathtaking drive with alpine views, trailheads, and cooler temperatures in summer.
Lower Calf Creek Falls – A rewarding hike to a beautiful waterfall tucked within the Escalante region.
Goblin Valley State Park – A short drive away, known for its whimsical hoodoo formations and easy wandering trails.
Final Thoughts
Often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors, Capitol Reef is a gem full of natural beauty, solitude, and adventure. Its wide variety of trails, scenic drives, and cultural history make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Utah. Whether you have half a day or a week, you’ll find Capitol Reef endlessly rewarding.
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