Exploring Capitol Reef National Park: Best Tips + Activities

If you’re planning a Mighty Five road trip through Utah, exploring Capitol Reef National Park might seem like it’s not worth the extra drive. It sits right in the middle of the state, not quite part of the Zion and Bryce Canyon combo to the southwest, and not grouped with Arches and Canyonlands out east.

But that’s exactly what makes Capitol Reef so special. It’s quieter, a little more off the beaten path, and packed with the best features of Utah’s other parks.

Listen to the Full Podcast Episode:

Podcast Episode Overview

Get ready for a wild and informative journey to one of Utah’s hidden gems! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are spilling all the details on Capitol Reef National Park.

We’ll share our personal experiences, from navigating the park’s unique landscape to indulging in some seriously delicious pie. If you’re planning a Utah road trip or simply dreaming of stunning red rock scenery, this episode is your ticket to Capitol Reef!

Join us as we discuss…

Capitol Reef’s location in relation to Utah’s “Mighty Five”
Capitol Reef’s mind-bending tilted rock formations that look almost unreal
The Fruita Historic District, the park’s hub for history, orchards, and, of course, pie!
Must-hike trails, including Hickman Bridge and Cassidy Arch
Exploring Capitol Reef’s wild side: Unpaved roads and backcountry adventures
Why Capitol Reef deserves more than just a quick stop
Details about our new Capitol Reef itinerary

We hope you enjoyed exploring Capitol Reef with us! This park is an absolute must-visit – add it to your list!

If you want help planning your trip, head over to our newly released Capitol Reef National Park itinerary and use code REEF25 for 25% off until midnight June 16, 2025, MDT!

Your task for today: We want to know what you are most excited about for your trip to Capitol Reef! Are you captivated by Cathedral Valley? The Burr Trail? Or the unique Fruita area, where all the Utah national parks seem to converge? Head over to the Dirt In My Shoes Instagram or Facebook page and let us know!

Where You’ll Find Capitol Reef

Capitol Reef is in south-central Utah, and most people access it through the town of Torrey. Torrey is just minutes from the park entrance and has grown a lot recently, with more restaurants, cozy Airbnbs, and everything you need, all while keeping its small-town charm.

The park runs north to south in a long stretch, with Highway 24 cutting across the top. This road is where most first-time visitors spend their time, and although the paved section is small, it offers some incredible highlights.

Scenic Stops Along Highway 24

Driving east on Highway 24, you’ll pass a few can’t-miss viewpoints before reaching the Capitol Reef Visitor Center. Panorama Point, Goosenecks Overlook, and Sunset Point are some of the best spots to stop, especially during golden hour. This is also one of the best places in the park where you can get a fabulous view of the Waterpocket Fold without leaving the road.

The Chimney Rock Trail is found along Highway 24 as well. A little farther along, you’ll reach the Hickman Bridge Trail. It’s one of the most popular hikes in the park and takes you to a stunning arch. Along the way, you can see Capitol Dome, which helps explain part of the park’s name. The “reef” comes from the rugged fold that early settlers found nearly impossible to cross, like a barrier reef.

Nearby, you’ll also see the one-room schoolhouse, known as the Fruita Schoolhouse, the Behunin Cabin, and a boardwalk to view petroglyphs carved into the rock.

The Fruita Historic District

Turning off Highway 24 toward the visitor center brings you to the Fruita Historic District, the heart of the park. This area is packed with history and beauty. You’ll find the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, the main campground, the picnic area, and of course, the famous orchards.

Be sure to stop at the Gifford House Store. This is where you’ll find those incredible fruit pies that everyone posts about. Strawberry rhubarb, apple, mixed berry – there’s no wrong choice!

The orchards are part of the original Mormon settlers’ community from the 1800s. When they arrived, they planted a wide variety of fruit trees near the Fremont River. Today, you can walk through the orchards and, if they’re in season, snack on fruit straight from the trees. You’ll only pay if you want to take some with you.

A few hiking trails begin right here. Cohab Canyon climbs the cliffs and gives you sweeping views of Fruita and the Waterpocket Fold. The Fremont River Trail is a flat, scenic walk that winds through some of the lesser-known orchards and eventually climbs up for a big view at the end.

Planning a trip to Capitol Reef can be overwhelming.

How do you make a solid plan if you’ve never been to the park before? How do you keep everyone in your group excited and engaged?

You can spend hours on the internet searching for things to do, but you still won’t find the insider tips and first-hand knowledge that I’ve gained from working as a park ranger.

If you’re hoping to see the best sights without getting stuck in traffic, circling parking lots, or being surrounded by people, check out this Capitol Reef Itinerary.

You will see all of the can’t-miss spots, plus get lodging and dining guides, driving directions, and insider tips!

Heading Down the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive

Once you pass the Fruita Campground, you’ll reach the park’s main road through the scenic drive. This is the only paved section that requires an entrance fee. It’s absolutely worth it!

Cassidy Arch is one of the most adventurous hikes here. It starts off in the Grand Wash Trail and quickly climbs up switchbacks before leveling out over slickrock. You’ll follow cairns the rest of the way. The arch sneaks up on you. It’s big, bold, and a great place to take a photo, standing right on top. From here, you can also see Fern’s Nipple, a uniquely named rock formation that tends to get a few giggles.

At the end of the paved road, you can start driving the Capitol Gorge Road. It’s a well-maintained dirt road that’s passable in most weather conditions. Towering canyon walls line the way, and it feels like you’re driving through a giant slot canyon.

At the end, you can hike the Capitol Gorge Trail to the Pioneer Register or out to the Golden Throne. Be sure to check road conditions at the visitor center, especially during the summer months when flash floods are a risk.

Off the Pavement Adventures

If you can stay longer, two more areas offer some of the best things to do in Capitol Reef!

The Burr Trail is a great introduction to unpaved roads. Most of the route is smooth gravel road or pavement, and the scenery is jaw-dropping. The real highlight comes when you reach the Burr Trail Switchbacks. Here, you descend into the Waterpocket Fold, and everything around you feels tilted. The land, the rocks, and the views all appear to be at strange angles.

Just before the switchbacks along the Burr Trail, a rough dirt road leads to Strike Valley Overlook. You’ll need a high-clearance vehicle, but the view is unforgettable. This part of the park shows the full spine of the Waterpocket Fold from above and is one of the best places to get a sense of the park’s scale.

If you want a full day off-road adventure, Cathedral Valley is the way to go. You’ll start by fording the Fremont River. Be sure to check the weather forecast and conditions at the visitor center first. From there, drive through the colorful bentonite hills. These bluish-purple rock layers resemble something from another planet.

After the hills, you’ll reach the namesake Cathedral Valley District. The Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon are the highlights of this area. They rise from the desert floor like something sculpted by hand. Near them, you’ll also find the glistening Glass Mountain and the gypsum sinkhole, unique rock formations that are lesser known but just as stunning.

This remote area takes planning and time, but it rewards you with solitude and scenery.

Why Capitol Reef Is Worth Your Time

Most people pass through Capitol Reef on their way between other Utah parks. But if you give it a little more time, even just an extra day or two, you’ll find a place that’s full of surprises. You can hike, drive, eat pie, climb to arches, and explore slot canyons, all in one park. It’s one of the best places in Utah for scenic byways, longer hikes, and short walks alike.

We just released our brand-new Capitol Reef itinerary to help you plan an unforgettable trip! From must-do hikes to scenic drives, pie stops, and hidden gems, it’s your one-stop guide to exploring this incredible park. Until midnight MDT on June 16, 2025, you can grab it for 25% off with the code REEF25. Whether you have a single day or a whole week, our itinerary will help you see the best of Capitol Reef without missing a thing.

So come for the pie, stay for the adventure, and see for yourself what makes Capitol Reef National Park one of the most underrated national parks in the United States!

Links mentioned in this podcast episode:

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