Overview
Capitol Reef National Park, situated in south-central Utah, is a hidden treasure among America’s national parks. Known for its unique geological features, including the stunning Waterpocket Fold, the park boasts colorful cliffs, domes, and canyons that create a breathtaking landscape. Rich in cultural and natural history, Capitol Reef offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of its past inhabitants, while providing numerous recreational opportunities for adventure-seekers and nature lovers alike.
Capitol Reef National Park Location
The park is located approximately 220 miles south of Salt Lake City and 350 miles north of Las Vegas. The nearest towns are Torrey, approximately 11 miles west of the park, and Hanksville, around 37 miles to the east. Access to the park is primarily via Utah State Route 24, which passes through the northern part of Capitol Reef.
Capitol Reef National Park Things to Do
Hiking
With over 150 miles of trails, Capitol Reef offers a variety of hiking experiences for visitors of all skill levels. From short, easy strolls to challenging backcountry routes, there is something for everyone. Popular hikes include the Capitol Gorge Trail, Grand Wash Trail, and the Hickman Bridge Trail.
Scenic Drives
The park’s main scenic drive, Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, is a 25-mile round trip journey that offers incredible views of the Waterpocket Fold, Grand Wash, and other striking geological formations. Visitors can also explore the park’s backcountry roads, such as the Burr Trail, Notom-Bullfrog Road, and Cathedral Valley Road, for more remote and rugged experiences.
Rock Climbing
Capitol Reef National Park offers several technical rock climbing routes on the Wingate sandstone cliffs. Climbers must obtain a free permit and adhere to park regulations to help preserve the park’s unique resources.
Stargazing
As an International Dark Sky Park, Capitol Reef offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. With limited light pollution, visitors can marvel at the night sky and enjoy astronomy programs hosted by park rangers during the summer months.
Capitol Reef National Park Itineraries
One-Day Itinerary
For visitors with limited time, start your day by stopping at the Capitol Reef Visitor Center to gather information and maps. Then, embark on the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, making sure to stop at the various viewpoints and trailheads along the way. Popular stops include Panorama Point, the Grand Wash Trail, and the Capitol Gorge Trail. End your day by watching the sunset at Sunset Point.
Two-Day Itinerary
On the second day, explore some of the park’s more remote areas, such as Cathedral Valley or the Waterpocket District. Consider taking a scenic drive on the Burr Trail or Notom-Bullfrog Road, and hike some of the lesser-traveled trails to experience the park’s solitude and natural beauty.
Three-Day Itinerary
For a three-day visit, spend your final day enjoying the park’s recreational activities, such as rock climbing or canyoneering. Alternatively, delve deeper into the park’s history with a visit to the Fruita Historic District, where you can learn about the early settlers and their orchards. Don’t forget to try some of the delicious fruit grown in the park’s historic orchards, which are available for visitors to pick and enjoy during harvest season.
Best Season to Visit Capitol Reef National Park
The best time to visit Capitol Reef National Park is during the spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) seasons when temperatures are mild, and the park experiences less crowding. During these times, visitors can enjoy pleasant daytime temperatures for outdoor activities, and the park’s foliage is at its most vibrant. Summer months can be hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F, while winter months can bring snow and cold temperatures, making some areas of the park inaccessible.
Capitol Reef National Park Weather
Capitol Reef National Park experiences a range of weather conditions throughout the year. Spring and fall typically see mild daytime temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F, with cooler nights. Summer temperatures can be quite hot, reaching over 100°F during the day and dropping to 60°F-70°F at night. Winters are cold, with daytime highs averaging around 40°F and nighttime lows often dipping below freezing. Snowfall is common in the winter months, which can cause some road closures and trail access limitations.
Capitol Reef National Park Hotels and Camping
Hotels
There are no hotels within Capitol Reef National Park, but several lodging options are available in the nearby towns of Torrey, Teasdale, and Bicknell. These accommodations range from motels and bed and breakfasts to cabins and vacation rentals.
Camping
Capitol Reef National Park has one developed campground, the Fruita Campground, which offers 71 sites with picnic tables, fire pits, and restrooms. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and can fill up quickly during peak seasons. For a more remote camping experience, the park also offers several backcountry camping areas, which require a free permit and adherence to Leave No Trace principles.
Capitol Reef National Park Restaurants
While there are no restaurants within the park boundaries, the nearby Gifford House, a historic homestead, offers freshly baked pies, cinnamon rolls, and other treats during the summer months. For more dining options, visitors can find restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores in the nearby towns of Torrey, Bicknell, and Loa.
Capitol Reef National Park Wildlife and Plants
Capitol Reef National Park is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species. Over 900 species of plants, including pinyon and juniper forests, cottonwood groves, and desert shrubs, provide habitat for the park’s wildlife. Mule deer, elk, and pronghorn antelope are common large mammals, while smaller mammals such as black-tailed jackrabbits, desert cottontails, and chipmunks can also be found. The park’s cliffs and canyons are home to several bird species, including golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and canyon wrens. Reptiles, such as the Great Basin rattlesnake and the desert spiny lizard, can be encountered throughout the park.
Capitol Reef National Park History
Capitol Reef National Park has a long and varied history, with evidence of human occupation dating back over 12,000 years. The Fremont Culture inhabited the area from around 500 to 1300 CE, leaving behind petroglyphs and pictographs that can still be seen today on the park’s cliffs and canyon walls. Later, the Ute and Paiute tribes lived in the region, followed by the arrival of European settlers in the late 1800s.
The early settlers, primarily of Mormon descent, established the small community of Fruita along the Fremont River. They planted orchards, built homes, schools, and established a self-sufficient lifestyle in the shadow of the park’s stunning geological formations. The remnants of their historic orchards and some buildings can still be visited today in the Fruita Historic District.
In 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated the area as Capitol Reef National Monument to protect its unique geological and cultural resources. It wasn’t until 1971 that the monument was redesignated as a national park, further expanding its boundaries and increasing its protection.
Capitol Reef National Park Geology
The defining geological feature of Capitol Reef National Park is the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the Earth’s crust, formed approximately 65 million years ago. The Fold is characterized by layers of rock that have been uplifted, folded, and eroded over millions of years, creating the park’s stunning cliffs, domes, and canyons.
The park’s geology consists primarily of sedimentary rock layers, including sandstone, shale, and limestone, which were deposited over a period of 200 million years. These layers reveal the region’s ancient history, as it transitioned from shallow seas to vast deserts and lush swamps. The erosive forces of wind and water continue to shape the park’s landscape today, carving intricate patterns and exposing the vibrant colors of the rock layers.
Some of the park’s most famous geological features include the striking Navajo sandstone domes, such as Capitol Dome, which inspired the park’s name due to its resemblance to the United States Capitol building. Other notable features include the park’s many natural arches and bridges, such as Hickman Bridge and Cassidy Arch, formed by the slow erosion of softer rock layers beneath more resistant layers.
Conclusion
Capitol Reef National Park is a true gem, offering visitors a wide array of recreational opportunities, captivating geological formations, and a rich cultural history. Whether you have a single day or an entire week to explore, the park’s breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife will leave you with unforgettable memories. So pack your hiking boots, camera, and sense of adventure, and embark on a journey through this remarkable national park.
