Although Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks overshadow them, Capitol Reef National Park has great landscapes and outdoor activities. It is in Utah, USA, and you can have an unforgettable experience away from the crowds.
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Covering over 241,904 acres and founded in 1971, this park is famous for unique geological formations such as beautiful canyons and a 100-mile elongated fold in the Earth’s crust called the Waterpocket Fold.
If you love the outdoors, have an appreciation for history, or just love nature, you will find plenty to enjoy here. If you are considering a visit, here are ten activities you will not want to miss.
Scenic Drives and Overlooks
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The Scenic Drive is a great way to start your adventure in Capitol Reef. You will see fantastic views of the area and you will have the chance to get out at multiple overlooks and pullouts to take photos of the beautiful scenery.
The Scenic Drive is just under 8 miles in length and is paved for the ease of travel for standard passenger vehicles. In addition to Scenic Drive, your vehicle and most RVs are able to access two dirt spur roads, Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge.
As you drive, you will see the Moenkopi Formation, the old Oyler Uranium Mine, and ancient petroglyphs. Give yourself an hour and a half to fully experience the sights along the roads.
Hiking Trails for All Levels
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Capitol Reef has many hiking options for all experience levels. If you are just starting, try the Hickman Bridge Trail or the Grand Wash Trail. They will give you a moderate workout and you will see some interesting rock formations.
Cassidy Arch Trail and Rim Overlook Trail are great options for more experienced hikers.
Capitol Reef Wilderness is open for serious backpackers looking for overnight or multi-day expeditions into the backcountry. A chance to see Upper and Lower Muley Twist Canyons is a great option for an overnight hiking trip, and an adventurous multi-day challenge of Hall Creek Narrows will keep you occupied for 3-4 days.
Remember, the park sits at 5,500 feet. If you live at a lower elevation, even “easy” trails could be a bit harder for you.
Capitol Reef Visitor Center
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The first stop before exploring the rugged terrain of Capitol Reef should be the Visitor Center. The Center will help you to learn the essentials of the park’s geology and wildlife as well as its cultural history. You can obtain maps and documents, view exhibits, and get help from the park rangers on how to plan your visit.
Visitors can use the NPS Audio Description Tours app to take a narrated tour of the exhibits at the Visitor Center.
Historic Fruita District
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Take a step back in time and visit the Historic Fruita District, an oasis of historic buildings, orchards, and picnic areas.
During harvest season, visitors can enjoy picking their own fresh fruits. They can also enjoy tasty pies from the Gifford Homestead.
You can learn about the history of the park and soak in the peaceful surroundings.
Petroglyphs and Pictographs
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To see a piece of history, visit the petroglyph panels by the Capitol Reef Visitor Center. These detailed carvings in rock show aspects of life of the area’s first inhabitants.
The pictographs along the Fremont River and Horseshoe Canyon are another way to connect to history.
Goosenecks Overlook
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At the southern end of the park, Goosenecks Overlook shows the winding path of Sulphur Creek. The incredibly views from this lookout is especially stunning at sunrise and sunset. It paints the land in vivid colors and shadows.
Cathedral Valley
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Cathedral Valley is waiting for you if you want both adventure and stunning beauty! It is possible to get to the valley with a vehicle equipped to handle dirt roads. Once you arrive, the true Cathedral Valley starts, revealing great stone columns and sandstone formations, as well as the famous rocks known as the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon.
The remoteness and beauty of Cathedral Valley create a one-of-a-kind adventure. However, to navigate this wild area, a bit of preparation is needed. Washouts can occur from rain or snow, and it is suggested to check road and weather conditions at the visitor center before venturing out.
Travelers to the Cathedral Valley area should also bring food, water, gas, and even a shovel.
You can drive the Cathedral Valley Driving Loop Tour to see Cathedral Valley. It takes about 6-8 hours to complete, but you can take breaks and hike during the tour.
Canyoneering Adventures
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The sandstone canyons in the park create an amazing canyoneering playground. To enjoy this exciting activity, you can travel through secret canyons, rappel down waterfalls, and find hidden oases.
If you are new to canyoneering, it is important to hire a guide, as safety is important in these rough areas.
Camping and Backcountry Explorations
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You can enjoy a good range of camping options at Capitol Reef. The options range from backcountry sites to full-blown developed campsites. The beautiful scenery and camping options will give you a night to remember.
The campground at Fruita is the only one in Capitol Reef National Park. It is an oasis in the desert and surrounded by historic orchards. There are a total of 71 campsites. Each site has a picnic table or fire pit.
The park has two primitive campgrounds, Cedar Mesa Campground and Cathedral Valley Campground. Each individual site has a picnic table, and fire grate. Campers will find a pit toilet, but no running water, at the site.
If backcountry explorers want to camp outside of the established campgrounds, they can do so. Camping outside of designated campgrounds does require a permit, which can be obtained at the visitor’s center. This permit is free of charge.
Photography Opportunities
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Capture stunning beauty and endless opportunities as a photographer in the park. The landscape focuses a new look as the light changes from softer colors to deeper ones. Over the course of the day from sunrise to sunset, light will change your focus. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, there are subjects to discover at Capitol Reef such as wildflowers and cliffs.
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Your national park summer trip will be amazing and with your guidance, it doesn’t have to be filled with people. This article will guide you on how to avoid congested national parks and instead shows you 6 less popular parks that will still leave you with amazing memories and oppurtunities to witness nature. From the North Cascades National Park, where you will be able to enjoy rugged peeks and lakes, to the Capitol Reef National Park, where you will be able to witness the layers of a parks geological history, there is something here for every adventurer to enjoy a wild summer.
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