Top Things to do in Capitol Reef National Park
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10 Things to do in Capitol Reef National Park That You Shouldn't Miss
Petroglyphs are easily viewed from your car in this park in Utah.
1. Burr Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 238 reviews
Old cattle trail which is accessible by 4WD vehicles.
Reviewed By 931dianeh - Topeka, United States
This was an amazing ride, ending at the park boundary for Capital Reef, with the Waterpocket Fold viewed off in the distance. Go slow, then go slow again on the return, because it looks so different seeing it in reverse. So much to see, massive red rock walls, slot canyons, cottonwood groves, wildlife, echo chambers, meadows. This was a late afternoon ride for us, departing from Canyons of Escalante RV Park. At the tiny town of Boulder, look for the tiny sign indicating the start of the Burr Trail Road.
2. Cathedral Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Scenic area accessible by dirt road vehicles or hikers.
Reviewed By 351richardc - Phoenix, United States
If you just want to go to the two temples do the loop counter clockwise. You depart highway 24 at the West 490 sign. At the time of this writing that sign is down so if you’re coming from the west you’ll be making a left hand turn about a mile after the 97 mileage marker on to Caineville Wash Road. It’s about 26 miles to the Temples from there. I got there at dawn on the advice of two local guides. I don’t think you have to be there quite that early but if you do you should have the place to yourself. If it’s dry you don’t need four wheels but high clearance is necessary. I would stop at the Park visitor center and ask for a detailed map of the loop which they keep under the counter.
3. The Hickman Bridge Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 392 reviews
A two-mile hike roundtrip leading to an arch.
Reviewed By TheGambianRPCV - Reynoldsburg, United States
This was one of the first hikes we accomplished with our eleven year old. There are some steep inclines, so proper footwear is a must. In addition, take too much water. If you think you have enough, take more. It gets hot but the end result is stunning and beautiful. We shared the site with a total of one other family. Fabulous. Great hike to get you going!
4. Goosenecks Overlook
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 222 reviews
A short hike with geological viewpoints and photo opportunities.
Reviewed By paulsY5534PS
If you are treading east from Torrey on hwy 24 as we were, you enter the park by the Twin Rocks (not as impressive as the twin rocks in Blanding UT) and the orientation pullout. Just up the road is chimney rock to the north and the paved parking lot fro Panarama Point, To get to the Goosenecks, keep left at the parking lot and follow the dirt road a mile up to the parking lot. I think the park service purposely leaves the vey first part rough washboards to discourage people from going up the road. It really is in dencet shape after the first 100 yards or so and easily passable by the lowest passenger car. Watch children as it is just a short walk up to the rim where the world drops away dramatically to Sulphur Creek about 1000 feet below. Compared to the crowds at the visitor center area and in the Grand Wash, we had the Goosenecks all to ourselves. The geologic term for this formation is entrenched meander. Other examples may be seen at Horsehoe Bend (Page, AZ) and Goosenecks State Park (Mexican Hat, UT). Another park trail starts here as well. The only drawback is the trail is dirt with rocks and roots so is not accessible and a hill blocks the view from the lot. I know park budgets never have enough, but it would be nice if they would make ithe trail graded and mutisurface so everyone could enjoy the view.
5. Gifford Homestead
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 232 reviews
The National Park Service has renovated and refurnished the Gifford farmhouse as a cultural demonstration site to interpret the early Mormon settlement of the Fruita valley. The house depicts the typical spartan nature of rural Utah farm homes of the early 1900's. In addition to the farmhouse, the Gifford homestead includes a barn, smokehouse, garden, pasture, and rock walls.
Reviewed By MicheleTheOT - Wylie, United States
The mixed berry and strawberry rhubarb pies were excellent! You will not be disappointed by this tasty treat! The only thing that would have made it better would be if they also sold coffee or hot chocolate or some kind of beverage to go along with the pie! We drove back to a nearby convenience store to get a coffee but had we known, would have gotten the coffee on the way to Gifford Homestead.
6. Capitol Reef National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,633 reviews
Reviewed By BruinDan - Fullerton, United States
Of the famous Utah “Mighty Five” national parks, Capitol Reef is probably the most remote and by far the least-known and least-visited of the Five. That’s a shame because Capitol Reef has a unique beauty and attraction all its own. It is one of the few places in this country where if you stand in one spot within the park, you can see the bright blue Utah sky, white and red sandstone cliffs, lush green riverbanks, and the colorful spots of vegetation along a desert floor. Although it is in a remote part of Utah, Capitol Reef NP is actually easy to find once you get on Utah state highway 24, as this road goes right through the park. You can actually visit much of the park free of charge; you’ll need to pay an entrance fee (or show your National Park Pass) if you wish to take the Scenic Drive (which you should absolutely do). Capitol Reef is also the kind of national park that can be enjoyed no matter how much time you have. If you have a half day, you can take the 8 mi/13 km Scenic Drive and then explore the historic Fruita district, where you can pick fruit from their orchards during harvest season. When in Fruita you should definitely stop at the Gifford Homestead for their delicious pie. If you have a full day, you can visit their ancient petroglyphs and take one of the popular hikes near Fruita, like Hickman Bridge. If you have more than one day, you can add some hikes in the Capitol Gorge and Grand Wash areas (like Cassidy Arch), and perhaps take one of unpaved roads to explore the back country. However you visit Capitol Reef National Park, you will no doubt enjoy the natural beauty and smaller crowds at this underrated Utah gem. Highly recommended!
7. Capitol Gorge Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 192 reviews
Reviewed By workhardplayhard27 - Mantorville, United States
This was one of my favorite parts of Capitol Ref National Park. This trail is at the far end of the scenic drive. I saw a number of cars turning around and heading back. They missed out on a terrific experience. The drive through the gorge is amazing with sheer cliffs and beautiful rock formations. You will definitely want to hike up to the Tanks from the trailhead. It is a fairly steep hike, but well worth your time.
8. Fruita
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 200 reviews
Reviewed By G7071LWsusanr - New York, United States
Visit the homestead, they have the hose set up as a gift shop with the old stove and artifacts from family who lived there in the past. DO drive down the scenic drive, it is awe-inspiring and leads to some great hiking trails (Butch Cassidy Arch, Great Wash)
9. Fremont Petroglyphs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 295 reviews
Reviewed By workhardplayhard27 - Mantorville, United States
Just a quick stop off of the highway to see a bit of Native American history/culture. It is a very short walk on a boardwalk. If you have binoculars, bring them for looking higher on the cliff. This well worth a quick stop.
10. Cassidy Arch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 134 reviews
Reviewed By KirkB543 - West Point, United States
Was glad to finally check this off the bucket list. Excellent views. Recommend you do this in early morning or a time of year when temperatures are lower. A lot of elevation gain to get up to the arch.
