Capitol Reef National Park is one of Utah’s “Mighty Five” National Parks. Located near Torrey, Utah, this National Park sits between Bryce Canyon and Canyonlands National Parks. Known for its rock formations, hiking trails, slot canyons, and petroglyphs, this National Park is not to be missed! (…and don’t forget the pie!)
Here is everything a Savvy Sojourner needs to know about visiting Capitol Reef National Park!
Capitol Reef is one of Utah’s “Mighty Five” National Parks along with Zion, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, and Arches. This park is about 60 miles long and only about 6 miles wide, which makes seeing the entire park a bit of a challenge. The Visitor Center is located near the town of Torrey in Southern Utah. Capitol Reef features amazing rock formations, slots canyons, and some interesting Native American and Mormon history.
Do the Junior Ranger Program! (Everyone, not just the kids!)
Don’t let the name fool you, Junior Ranger programs are for visitors of ALL AGES! Junior Ranger is one of my favorite activities to do at any National Park Service site. Junior Ranger books have different activities to complete during your visit which usually include attending a Ranger Program. You learn so much more from these programs than you would visiting the park on your own. As an added bonus the Junior Ranger badge you earn is a free souvenir! I challenge you to see how many Junior Ranger badges you can earn!
Visitor Center and Ranger Programs
Capitol Reef is famous for its geology and history! I strongly suggest getting the most out of your visit by planning to attend at least one Ranger Program and stopping at the Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is located off of UT-24 between the towns of Torrey and Caineville in the Fruita Historic District. The Ranger Programs cover a variety of topics such as geology, archeology, and even astronomy!
For more information about Ranger Programs click here!
Navigating Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is about 60 miles long and only about 6 miles wide, which makes seeing the entire park a bit of a challenge. The park is divided into three different areas: The Cathedral District to the North, the popular Fruita area in the middle, and the large Waterpocket District to the South.
The Waterpocket District
The Waterpocket District is the southern section of Capitol Reef National Park. It is large, remote, and rugged. This means that there are fewer crowds in this section of the park. Best known for primitive camping, hiking, and the 124-mile Loop-the-Fold driving tour. Make sure to check weather conditions before visiting this section of the park, since roads and trails may be washed out due to flash flooding, snow melt, and rainstorms.
For more information about the Waterpocket District, click here!
The Cathedral District
The Cathedral District is the northern section of Capitol Reef and features beautiful landscapes and monoliths. The nearest town is Fremont, Utah on Highway 72. You can only access this district by dirt roads, and high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. There are several hiking trails, overlooks, and Cathedral Valley Campground (this is a primitive campground).
For more information about the Cathedral District, click here!
Fruita
Fruita is known for being the heart of Capitol Reef National Park. Just off Utah State Route 24 and near the town of Torrey, you can easily access the most popular sites from this location. The Visitor Center is also located in Fruita. Keep reading to discover my favorite things to do in Fruita!
For more information about Fruita, click here!
Fruita Favorites!
Fruita gives you a taste of Capitol Reef National Park in one concentrated area. You can hike to rock formations like Cassidy Arch, see remnants of the past in the form of petroglyphs and a pioneer register, eat homemade pies at Gifford House, or take a scenic drive to view the impressive landscape. Fruita has somehing for everyone!
Gifford House (PIES!)
This Gifford House needs to be your very first stop at Capitol Reef National Park. Check the hours of operation and plan to be there when they open, if not a little before. Why? They sell fresh, homemade fruit pies and cinnamon rolls. The individual pies and cinnamon rolls are locally made each day and are available until they run out. Each day features a different selection of pie options depending on what is in season. We had our choice of peach, strawberry rhubarb, cherry, or mixed berry. (Seriously, the best cheery pie I have ever eaten!) If you can’t get there in time for pies, there are other items available for purchase at Gifford House including jams, jellies, quilts, aprons, rugs, and other items made by local craftsmen and artisans.
Click here for everything you need to know about visiting Gifford House!
Cassidy Arch Hike (3.3 miles)
The trail to Cassidy Arch has a climb up the side of the canyon wall (rock stairs) before following a dirt and slickrock path around to reach the arch. It is listed as strenuous on the park’s website, but our family navigated the 600 ft total elevation gain without difficulty. The views along the trail are amazing and if you visit early in the summer you may see some beautiful wildflowers. Much of the trail is exposed to the sun, so make sure to bring lots of water and sun protection!
Click here for everything you need to know about hiking Cassidy Arch!
Capitol Gorge Trail (2.1 miles)
This trail was a highlight for my family. It features a slot canyon, petroglyphs, “tanks” and even a pioneer register. The trail is relatively flat a sandy trail (83 ft total elevation gain) that winds through a beautiful slot canyon. You will pass petroglyphs on the canyon walls as well as a large section of signatures left by the pioneers who traveled through this canyon. Around 0.7 miles there is a small trail to the left that takes you to the “tanks”, which are large potholes in the rocks. A shaded picnic area is located at the beginning of this canyon trail. Make sure to bring lots of water and sun protection with you on this trail!
Click here for everything you need to know about hiking Capitol Gorge Trail!
Fremont Petroglyphs
The Fremont Petroglyphs are located along Utah State Route 24 near the Fruita entrance. After parking in the designated lot, you will walk along two wooden boardwalks that follow the cliff wall to view the petroglyphs. You might want to bring binoculars to get the best views.
Click here for more information about the Fremont Petroglyphs!
Last Minute Advice…
When it comes to traveling my number one piece of advice is to stop and enjoy where you are! Travel is about the journey as much as it is about the destination. So make sure to look around, fall in love with the rock formations and history, and soak in your surroundings! Trust me, you won’t want to miss a minute of Capitol Reef National Park!
Want more travel planning tips?
Click here for 5 Steps to Planning a Successful Trip
Happy Sojourning!
Meghan
