Capitol Reef National Park, often referred to as the “Pass through Park” among Utah’s National Parks, offers an unexpected delight. Upon first arrival, the layout may appear somewhat disorganized—with a single side road leading to one area and a scenic byway traversing other sections. However, this initial impression is misleading.
The hiking trails within the park are remarkable, rich in history, adorned with petroglyph panels, and undeniably worthy of exploration.
Park History
Humans have inhabited Capitol Reef for generations. The petroglyphs carved into the rocks narrate the region’s history, complemented by the orchards found in the Fruita section of the park—an unexpected feature for a National Park.
Established as a national monument by Franklin Roosevelt in 1937, the park was aimed at preserving its prehistoric landscape characterized by monoliths and vibrant canyons, opening to the public in 1950.
General Park Information
Location
52 West Headquarters Drive, Torrey, UT 84775
Hours of Operation
Capitol Reef National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day, although some facilities operate on set schedules.
Visitor Center: 8 AM – 4:30 PM
Park Accessibility
A substantial portion of the park can be viewed from your vehicle, especially along the scenic drive, Cathedral Valley loop, Notom-Bullfrog Road, and Burr Trail. Key amenities such as the visitor center, picnicking areas, and certain campsites are wheelchair accessible, and service animals are permitted. For more detailed information, visit the National Park Service website .
Optimal Visiting Period
This park is accessible throughout the year, with peak visitation during spring and summer. For a quieter experience, consider visiting in late fall—specifically, mid to late October—when the crowds diminish, allowing for a more personal exploration of the trails.
Passes and Entrance Fees
Entrance fees depend on the duration of your visit:
- Private vehicle: $20
- No vehicle (per person; bicycle or pedestrian): $10
For those intending to explore multiple parks, consider the America the Beautiful pass , which provides access to various sites for a flat fee of $80.
Getting to Capitol Reef National Park
Located just over two hours west of Moab, access to Capitol Reef is convenient. If flying, Grand Junction, Colorado (under three hours away), or Salt Lake City (about three and a half hours) are the nearest airports. For an enriching journey, a road trip encompassing all five of Utah’s National Parks, beginning in Las Vegas, is highly recommended.
Accommodation Options
Hotels
For comfortable accommodations at reasonable rates, consider staying in Panguitch or Green River. Many visitors secure beneficial deals through online booking platforms such as Booking.com or Hotels.com.
For a more premium experience, explore the Capitol Reef Resort located at the park’s entrance, offering unique lodging options including guest rooms, cabins, teepees, and covered wagons. Prices for cabins start at around $250+ per night, while teepees and covered wagons range from $260 to $278, respectively (prices as of August).
Camping in Capitol Reef National Park
The park features a 71-site campground in Fruita that requires advance reservations. Additionally, two free primitive camping sites are available without reservation.
For those interested in backpacking, a free permit is necessary for multi-day hikes. Capitol Reef boasts several backpacking trails that are worth exploring.
Dining Options
Capitol Reef National Park does not host any restaurants, so plan to bring a packed lunch, or dine at one of the nearby establishments. If you’re starting from Green River, Tamarisk Restaurant is highly recommended for its quality and value, conveniently located adjacent to a Super 8.
Highlighted Hikes in Capitol Reef National Park
The hiking experiences in Capitol Reef are impressive and exceeded my expectations significantly.
Easy to Moderate Hikes
Grand Wash Trail
This straightforward 4.5-mile round-trip hike meanders through a riverbed flanked by towering canyon walls, leading to Highway 24. Access the trail from either the scenic drive or Highway 24; the route allows for an enjoyable back-and-forth experience.
Difficult Hikes
Cassidy Arch Trail
This trail forks off from the Grand Wash Trail and involves a climb of over 600 feet in elevation to reach Cassidy Arch. While the hike is more rigorous at 3.5 miles round trip (there and back), the journey features stunning views of the canyon as well as the arch itself.
Cohab Canyon Trail
Cohab Canyon stands out as a favored trail. Starting at the Fruita campground parking lot, the path ascends via switchbacks until reaching a slot canyon. The initial views include the campground, fruit trees, and picnic areas, but once you enter the slot, a mesmerizing landscape unfolds.
Throughout the canyon walls are small crevices and side trails that offer stunning viewpoints, providing a sense of exploration akin to visiting another planet. This 3.5-mile round-trip hike rewards with captivating rock formations and weathered surfaces that resemble Swiss cheese, complete with holes of varying sizes where visitors can peek through. Exercise caution and consult weather forecasts before venturing into slot canyons, as flash floods can occur and pose risks.
Concluding Thoughts
While the aforementioned hikes do not encapsulate all the park offers, they present a fulfilling day at Capitol Reef National Park. For those considering a longer adventure, be sure to investigate the previously mentioned backpacking trails. Do not overlook Capitol Reef when planning your excursions through Utah’s National Parks; its understated beauty and unique atmosphere are sure to amaze.
