Capitol Reef National Park

A national park in Utah featuring a unique Waterpocket Fold, red rock formations, cliffs, canyons, and early Mormon pioneer history.

(435) 425-3791
http://www.nps.gov/care/index.htm

Tips from the community

Just 2 hours west of Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, Capitol Reef offers a rugged oasis of red rock arches, sheer cliffs, and unbelievable bridges all along a geologic wonder called the Waterpocket Fold. This 100-mile wrinkle in the earth is some 7,000 feet higher to the west than to the east and is the defining feature of Capitol Reef, best viewed on the park’s classic Scenic Highway 24 down to the uniquely golden Navajo Sandstone mountain aptly known as the “Golden Throne.” For visitors looking for a low-key drive through canyon country, Capitol Reef’s scenic highway may be the best way to check out Utah’s grandeur. But the route is just about the only paved section of the park. More adventurous hikers won’t be disappointed by the park’s trail offerings, like Burr Trail, which crosses the Waterpocket Fold and intersects with the popular trail loop along the scenic highways and Notom-Bullfrog Road. At any given point along the hike, trekkers are likely to happen upon slot canyons and backcountry trails. Three of the most popular slot canyons that can be accessed from Notom-Bullfrog Road are Burro Wash, Cottonwood Wash, and Sheets Gulch. Capitol Reef will make modern-day hikers feel like real explorers. The park is full of unique pioneer history that’s still accessible to this day. Visitors can visit Fruita Campground to find (and freely pick from) a whole lush orchard area of fruit trees planted by 19th-century pioneers, purchase goods made with that same fresh fruit at a little country store on site, or settle in to watch the sunset along banks of the Fremont River. Whatever you do, you’ll find a beautiful scenery of red cliffs. While Capitol Reef rings in last on this list, it’s surely not the least and shouldn’t be missed.

savannah.whitmer 3 years ago

Stretching across the heart of the Beehive State in a 60-mile spread of Western-worthy outback is Utah’s Capitol Reef National Park. It’s named for the peaked domes of Navajo sandstone that loom like the tops of US capitol buildings throughout the preserve. Capitol Reef National Park is a treasure trove of geological wonders that dates back over 65 million years. The park is home to a unique collection of geological formations, including domes, cliffs, canyons, and arches. The park’s most iconic feature is the Waterpocket Fold, a massive geological formation that stretches for 100 miles and rises up to 7000 feet above sea level. The Waterpocket Fold is a unique feature, as it is a monocline, meaning that it has a single slope that forms a steep incline.

jrfrancis 8 months ago

If you're feeling extra adventurous, I certainly recommend a day trip to Capitol Reef National Park! This is the closest National Park to Salt Lake City, but the drive is still three hours each way. The entry fee is $20, but honestly, the number of scenic highways and overlooks you'll encounter along the way, makes it worth every penny. Plus, crossing another National Park off the bucket list? Yes, please! ✈ To stretch your legs from the long drive, I recommend the Hickman Bridge Trail. In under two miles, you'll feel as if you were transported to another planet!

paige 1 year ago

A favorite — hiking, birding, historic Fruita tour, biking

lwithrow 3 years ago

Capitol Reef National Park Guides

Top Day Trips from Salt Lake City, Utah
paige (Paige Mesicek)
The state of Utah certainly has no shortage of scenic views, charming mountain towns, and epic must-do's. Luckily, most of the dreamy destinations of Utah are only a day's trip away from Salt Lake City! While travelling, I made a point to search for all of the hidden gems, historical wonders, and backcountry secrets while staying true to the nature of the state. As I share these must-see locations, it is important to be mindful of nature – practice safe driving, leave no trace, and plan ahead of time! Even though these destinations require some drive time, it's important to remember that the adventure is in the journey and not just the destination! Turn up the radio, roll down the windows, and enjoy your travels to and from Salt Lake City!
National Parks I've Been To
nicolejordan (Nicole Jordan)
Utah Bucket List
bill.dailey (Billy Dailey)
Visit the mighty five national parks
Utah Road Trip
nicolejordan (Nicole Jordan)
Utah's Natural Treasures
katie (Katie Camille)
It's hard to believe that these places were formed by mother nature, mothers really are rockstars huh? Hop in your car and head over to these national parks but remember to always be respectful of nature and clean up after yourself! Happy explorin'
National Parks Visited
lwithrow (Lindsay Withrow)
50 and counting!
Favorite things to do in Capitol Reef National Park
amieemaxwell (Amiee Maxwell)

Capitol Reef National Park Articles

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