Capitol Reef National Park
Overview
Rising out of the arid desert of southern Utah, Capitol Reef National Park is sure to capture the imagination. Formed through millions of years of geologic processes, the park highlights spectacular sandstone formations, living cryptobiotic soils, and a textbook example of a massive monocline. The Waterpocket Fold is now home to specialized desert plant and animal species in addition to the desert landscapes that are protected within the park. Skyscraping spires, winding canyons, colorful cliffs, and massive domes and arches all make Capitol Reef a one of a kind destination.
To learn more about Capitol Reef, visit www.nps.gov.
Local Info
The Main Visitor Center is open 8 am to 4:30 pm daily, and is closed on some major holidays. Extended hours exist from the spring through the fall, and more information about seasonal operations can be found here.
Visiting Tips
Fees & Passes:
To learn more about park fees, click here.
Camping & Lodging
- Fruita Campground: Open year round. Potable water is available.
- Cathedral Valley Campground: Open year round. No potable water available.
- Cedar Mesa Campground: Open year round. No potable water available.
Backcountry camping is also available. A permit must be obtained from the visitor center during normal business hours. More information on camping in the park, can be found here.
Food & Drink
Other Activities
Maps & Guidebooks
Gems in Capitol Reef National Park - 8
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Recommended Routes in Capitol Reef National Park - 9
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Cassidy Arch
3.2 mi 5.1 km • 734' Up 223.63 m Up • 732' Down 223.21 m Down
Navajo Knobs Out and Back
9.2 mi 14.9 km • 1,892' Up 576.78 m Up • 1,892' Down 576.77 m Down
Capital Reef Extravaganza
26.8 mi 43.1 km • 6,105' Up 1860.75 m Up • 6,105' Down 1860.94 m Down
Capitol Gorge Trail
4.7 mi 7.5 km • 222' Up 67.65 m Up • 222' Down 67.56 m Down
Strike Valley Overlook and Upper Muley Twist Canyon
15.8 mi 25.4 km • 1,344' Up 409.68 m Up • 1,344' Down 409.61 m Down
Lower Muley Twist Canyon Loop
15.4 mi 24.9 km • 1,051' Up 320.29 m Up • 1,051' Down 320.33 m Down
Capitol Reef National Park Running
- 115 Miles 186 Kilometers of Trail
- 9 Recommended Routes
- 8 Gems
- 6 Easy Trails
- 37 Intermediate Trails
- 10 Difficult Trails
Areas Within Capitol Reef National Park
Weather Averages
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Trails in Capitol Reef National Park - 44
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1.0
mi
1.6
km
#1Hickman Bridge
Loa, UT
|
Loa, UT | 53 | ||
5.8
mi
9.3
km
#2Sulphur Creek
Loa, UT
|
Loa, UT | 18 | ||
1.4
mi
2.2
km
#3Cassidy Arch Trail
Loa, UT
|
Loa, UT | 16 | ||
2.4
mi
3.8
km
#4Grand Wash Trail
Loa, UT
|
Loa, UT | 30 | ||
1.9
mi
3.1
km
#5Rim Overlook Trail
Loa, UT
|
Loa, UT | 10 | ||
0.5
mi
0.7
km
#6Strike Valley Overlook Trail
Loa, UT
|
Loa, UT | 6 | ||
3.1
mi
4.9
km
#7Chimney Rock Trail
Loa, UT
|
Loa, UT | 19 | ||
2.8
mi
4.5
km
#8Frying Pan Trail
Loa, UT
|
Loa, UT | 16 | ||
1.4
mi
2.2
km
#9Fremont River Trail
Loa, UT
|
Loa, UT | 14 | ||
1.8
mi
3.0
km
#10Golden Throne Trail
Loa, UT
|
Loa, UT | 10 |
Photos of Capitol Reef National Park - 325
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