Page Updated: March 06, 2024
Capitol Reef National Park
He’s Lee - I'm V. He's quiet, funny, and intelligent. I’m impatient, determined and super awkward. He’s the yang to my yin and my best friend in life. If I’m taking the leap, there’s no one else I’d rather have by my side.
Panorama Point - Capitol Reef National Park UT
With Zion and Bryce Canyon to the southwest, and Arches and Canyonlands to the northeast, Capitol Reef National Park sits at the center of Utah’s Mighty 5 and features one of Utah’s most impressive geological features - the Waterpocket Fold. This warp in the Earth’s crust has lifted layers west of the fault 7000’+ higher than layers on the east creating a diverse landscape across the Park and some of the most incredible vistas in the country.
Nestled within the border of the Park are the remains of the the historic settlement of Fruita; an isolated self-sustaining community that began in a little oasis on the banks of the Freemont River. Few structures remain, but the orchards planted by the pioneers along the river still thrive. The Gifford House offers local baked fruit pies, jams, jellies, and homemade ice cream - typically from Pi Day (March 14) into November. If you’re planning on stopping for a pie on your visit; arrive early - we found the pies go quick!
Capitol Reef shifted from a National Monument to a National Park in 1971
You can pick your own fruit from assorted fruit trees during appropriate harvesting seasons. Cherries in June, apricots in July, peaches in August.
The Waterpocket Fold - Capitol Reef’s major geological feature - runs for nearly 100 miles.
Capitol Reef National Park was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2015 for its exceptionally clear nights and starry skies.
Scenic Drive
Visitors looking to enjoy Capitol Reef from the comfort of their car are treated to mind boggling geological features unlike any other National Park. The 16mile round trip paved distance can be extended by detouring onto dirt roads leading to the Grand Wash or Capitol Gorge - or both.
*For safety, travel on dirt spurs are discouraged in inclement weather.
Hiking
The Park is riddled with trails for people who wish to explore the park’s wonders with their own two feet. The variety of day hikes range from a quarter to 10 miles, are rated from easy to difficult, and offer a variety of highlight goals - river strolling, mesa tops, panoramic views, etc. Lengthy backcountry routes for remote areas (permit required) include gorges and slot canyons.
Camping
Capitol Reef has a single developed campground operating year round and encompassing 71 sites. The Fruita Campground shifts to 100% reservations from March 1 - October 31 and accepts reservations up to 6 months ahead of time.
Two primitive, no-fee campgrounds offer a total of 11 sites in more remote areas of the park. Cathedral Valley Campground (6 sites) and Cedar Mesa Campground (5 sites) are both first-come, first served.
Backcountry camping requires permit. Permit links and camping guidelines can be found here.
For current info, news, and updates on all things Capitol Reef - including fees, permits, and closures - visit Capitol Reef National Park at nps.gov
2021 JUN
Before we traveled into Utah for the first time, we’d never heard of Capitol Reef National Park. When we saw it referenced on paraphernalia in Zion and Bryce gift shops, we decided not to skip the sole Utah National Park missing on our list! Check out our 2021 visit!
