Top Things to do in Capitol Reef National Park
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The 10 Best Outdoor Activities in Capitol Reef National Park, Capitol Reef National Park
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. Halls Creek Narrows
3. Cathedral Valley Loop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
60-mile Strenuous Biking Trail.
Reviewed By lcpearce
The Cathedral Valley Loop is a 60 mile, rugged back-country drive through BLM land, requiring one river ford and several wash crossings. The road, though washboarded and rocky, can be slowly negotiated by high-clearance passenger cars such as an SUV provided it hasn't rained recently. We opted to take a guided tour and felt that it was well worth the money to not have to worry about negotiating the rocks, gullies and river. Our guide picked us up in Torrey at 5:00 am so that we could arrive at the Temples of the Sun and Moon in time for sunrise photography. The temples are two large, isolated orange fins jutting up out of the desert landscape, and surrounded in the background by a half-moon of cliff faces. It was spectacular to see the fins as the rising sun illuminated them with red and oranges colors. Further on, make a stop at the Cathedral Valley overlook (picnic tables, outhouses) for a panoramic view of the valley studded with sculpted monoliths, towers and cliffs. Short side trips to Glass Mountain and The Gypsum Sinkhole are possible if you have the time. Take food and water and have a full tank of gas. A tow-out if you get stuck is $1250!
4. Wildcat Guard Station
5. Notom Road Scenic Backway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By gleasonl - Cottonwood, United States
This drive is OUTSTANDING! The road is paved for the first 10 miles or so, and then turns to a graded, well maintained, two-lane dirt road. There are numerous sites, hikes, and attractions listed on the self-guided tour pamphlets available at the Visitors Center. If you so desire you can complete the entire loop in one day which would include the Notom Road (heading South), Burr Trail (dirt and paved road heading West), Boulder Utah, Hwy 12 Scenic Drive North to Torrey, UT., and then back (East) to Capital Reef National Park. The full adventure will take most of the day. So plan a picnic, bring your camera, and plenty of water. Enjoy this ADVENTURE.
6. Fremont Gorge Overlook
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By tinaindenver - Moab, United States
I agree with the previous reviewer. This is a wonderful hike and the solitude was welcome, since the park was surprisingly crowded when we were there. I almost hate to tell anyone about it. It is longer than some of the other trails, but the quiet and lack of other people make it so worthwhile and the views, especially at the top, but along the way also, are wonderful. It is marked strenuous and possibly that keeps the hordes away. At 8:30 am, our car was the only one in the parking lot. We are in our early 70's and didn't find it all that strenuous, but people who are not used to 1/2 days hikes might think it is.
7. Navajo Knobs Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By riverlovers
ABSOLUTELY STUNNING! Rim overlook is gorgeous. Steady, gradual uphill to the knobs. Follow the cairns which are well placed and easy to follow. Would be very hot in summer, exposed sandstone for quite a ways. Keep a look out for big horn sheep. View from knobs is amazing , on a clear day,, u cdn see forever...but u don't have to scramble to top of knobs for great view. We did, at this time, rocks were very sturdy and fairly easy to climb. Perhaps not for the faint of heart! If one was short on time, rim overlook is fabulous on its own.
8. Sulphur Creek
9. Scenic Drive
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By BruinDan - Fullerton, United States
A major highlight of any visit to Capitol Reef National Park is the Scenic Drive. It is a 7.9 mi/12.7 km paved road that winds through the heart of Capitol Reef, allowing visitors to see many of the park’s famous formations. Along the route are two dirt spur roads (Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge) that provide access to several popular trailheads. NOTE that while the spur roads are normally suitable for regular passenger vehicles, you should check with the Visitor Center for road conditions, especially during or after periods of inclement weather. One unique element of Capitol Reef National Park is you can see much of it free of charge, as a public highway (Utah State Route 24) runs through a portion of the park. The Scenic Drive, however, does require an entrance fee or a National Park Pass. The drive begins near the Visitor Center, where you can pick up a guide to sights along the route. You have to be careful if you are the driver along the Scenic Drive, because you will be distracted. Views ranging from interesting to spectacular can be seen in every direction. You’ll see sheer sandstone cliffs and exposed layers of rocks and shale that have been carved by natural forces into remarkable shapes. Use the many turnouts to linger and take photos. NOTE that the road is not a loop; when you get to the end (Capitol Gorge) turn around and come back the way you came. Is the entrance fee to the Scenic Drive worth it? Absolutely, because the drive demonstrates the essence of what makes Capitol Reef National Park so special.
10. 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!
