National Park
Capitol Reef National Park
- Southwest
- 9 hikes
- 21 places to see
- 2 current alerts
Current alerts
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Caution
Elevated E. Coli levels - Fremont River and Sulphur Creek
Recent water quality testing shows elevated E. coli levels in the Fremont River and Sulphur Creek. A warning advisory has been issued by the Utah DEQ. Use caution if entering the water. Do not get water in your mouth, do not swim. Wash hands with soap and water.
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Caution
Heavy rains can cause sudden flooding, especially in canyons and washes. Do not drive or hike through flood waters. Get to high ground and wait for floods to subside. Some roads may close temporarily; closures are posted at the visitor center.
From the National Park Service, as of October 31, 2026, 5:14 pm. Check nps.gov before you go.
About Capitol Reef
Located in south-central Utah in the heart of red rock country, Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden treasure filled with cliffs, canyons, domes, and bridges in the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline (a wrinkle on the earth) extending almost 100 miles.
From the National Park Service.
- Region
- Southwest
- State
- Utah
- Designation
- National Park
- Entrance fee
- $20, private vehicle
- Hikes on this page
- 9
- Places to see
- 21
- Articles
- 1
Know before you go
Fees, hours, weather and getting to Capitol Reef.
Entrance fees
- $20 Private Vehicle An entrance fee is charged per vehicle.
- $15 Motorcycle
- $10 Per Person
Passes
- $35 Annual Entrance - Park
Hours
Open 24 hours a day, every day.
Capitol Reef is a 24 hour park, open all day, every day. The visitor center is open daily, except for some major holidays. Visitor center hours vary, call 435-425-3791 and follow the prompts for current visitor center information.
Weather and when to go
Weather is posted daily; check at the park visitor center for weather updates. Do not enter into narrow canyons if there is a threat of rain or if rain has been falling in the area. Rain and snow may also make dirt roads impassable to vehicles.
Getting there
From I-70: Take exit 149, then take UT-24 west toward Hanksville; continue for 43.8 miles (70.5 km). Turn right to continue on UT-24 west and continue for 37.3 miles (60 km). From I-15: take exit 188 then US-50 east toward Scipio. Left on UT-50; continuing 0.7 miles (1.1 km). Turn right onto US-50 east; continue for 24.4 miles (39.3 km). Turn right onto UT-260 south and continue 4.2 miles (6.8 km), then right on UT-24 for 71.3 miles. UT-12: North on highway 12 to Torrey, UT. Right onto UT-24.
- Gateway towns
- Torrey, UT · Loa, UT
- Nearest airports
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) · Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT)
Contact the park
- Address
- 52 West Headquarters Drive, Torrey, UT 84775
- Phone
- (435) 425-3791
- Official site
- nps.gov/care
From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.
Trip planner
A day-by-day plan for Capitol Reef
Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.
The trails and places you save below go into your plan as must-sees.
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Where to stay for Capitol Reef
The gateway towns, closest first. Add your dates in the planner to search for your own nights.
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Torrey, UT Closest
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Loa, UT
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Guided tours and trips
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Things to do in Capitol Reef
The park service's own list, with how long each takes.
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Stargaze
Capitol Reef protects extremely dark night skies, and is a wonderful place to stargaze.
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Bicycle Touring
Bicycling touring in Capitol Reef offers opportunities to explore paved and unpaved roads throughout the park. Explore colorful canyons, beautiful vistas of red rock country, and…
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Watch the Sunset
Watch the sunset from various scenic points in Capitol Reef. Take an easy stroll or a strenuous hike as the sun goes down. Don't forget to bring a headlamp.
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Visit the Petroglyph Panel
From 600 to 1300 C.E., native people of the Fremont Culture made their home at Capitol Reef. Petroglyphs carved into the Wingate sandstone remind us of their time.
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Scenic Drive Tour
Take Capitol Reef's Scenic Drive, and experience colorful cliffs and deep narrow canyons from the comfort of your vehicle.
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Hike in the South (Waterpocket) District
Get to know the South (Waterpocket) District on foot by hiking an easy trail or strenuous backcountry route. Many of these hikes are accessible only by unpaved roads.
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Picnic
Enjoy a picnic in Capitol Reef National Park! In the Fruita Historic District, look for the Doc Inglesby and Chesnut picnic areas, as well as tables and a water fountain near the…
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Hike Cathedral Valley
Explore Cathedral Valley by foot. These hikes are accessible only by rough unpaved roads. A high clearance vehicle is necessary and four-wheel drive is recommended at times.
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Hike an Easy or Moderate Trail
Hike an easy or moderate trail to see panoramic views or to experience a deep sandstone canyon.
Places to see
Viewpoints
Natural features
History & culture
Campgrounds in Capitol Reef
Run by the park service. Reservable sites book on Recreation.gov; first-come sites do not.
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Primitive campsites at Cathedral Campground
It is located approximately halfway on the Cathedral Valley Loop Road. About 36 miles (57.9 km) from the visitor center, this primitive, no-fee campground has…
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Primitive campsites at Cedar Mesa Campground
It is located approximately 23 miles (37.0 km) south of Utah State Highway 24 on the Notom-Bullfrog Road and is at 5,500 feet (1,676 m) in elevation. This prim…
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Group Campsite
The Group Campsite is a secluded site located near the Fruita Campground and can accommodate a maximum of 40 people. It may be reserved through www.recreation.…
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Fruita Campground
The 71 site Fruita campground is the only developed campground in the park, offering picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, water and a dump station. A $25 nigh…
Reading about Capitol Reef
What to pack for Capitol Reef
Gear & Essentials
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The basics
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For this trip
Traveling with kids
Bringing a pet
RVing
Backcountry
Winter conditions
On the water
Photography
Accessibility
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