Alert: Moderate E. Coli levels - Sulphur Creek and Fremont River

National Park

Capitol Reef

Wingate Sandstone cliffs behind historic barn and farmhouse
Windgate sandstone towers above historic Fruita farms and homes NPS Photo

Overview

Located in south-central Utah in the heart of red rock country, Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden treasure filled with cliffs, canyons, domes, and bridges in the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline (a wrinkle on the earth) extending almost 100 miles.

State: UT435-425-3791

Hours

  • Sunday: All Day
  • Monday: All Day
  • Tuesday: All Day
  • Wednesday: All Day
  • Thursday: All Day
  • Friday: All Day
  • Saturday: All Day

Fees & Passes

  • Entrance - Private Vehicle:  20.00

    An entrance fee is charged per vehicle.


  • Entrance - Motorcycle:  15.00

    Admits one private, non-commercial motorcycle and its riders.


  • Entrance - Per Person:  10.00

    Admits one individual with no car. Typically used for bicyclists and pedestrians.


  • Commercial Entrance - Sedan:  30.00

    This fee is based on the seating capacity of the vehicle. A Commercial Use Authorization permit may be required.


  • Commercial Entrance - Van:  40.00

    This fee is based on the seating capacity of the vehicle. A Commerical Use Authorization permit may be required.


  • Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus:  40.00

    This fee is based on the seating capacity of the vehicle. A Commerical Use Authorization permit may be required.


  • Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach:  100.00

    This fee is based on the seating capacity of the vehicle. A Commerical Use Authorization permit may be required.


Map

Things To Do

Category

6 Results
    Person on bicycle on paved road with cars approaching and colorful cliffs above, and blue sky.

    Bicycle Touring

    $

    Description

    Bicycling touring in Capitol Reef offers opportunities to explore paved and unpaved roads throughout the park. Explore colorful canyons, beautiful vistas of red rock country, and the verdant Fruita Historic District by bicycle.

    More info

    Fees

    The only fee area is along the Scenic Drive. Learn more about Capitol Reef's fees and passes. 

    Dirt road that curves around a large rock. Road sign indicating steep incline ahead.

    Driving the Burr Trail

    Free

    Description

    Drive the scenic Burr Trail from Glen Canyon's Bullfrog district, along the bottom of Capitol Reef, through Grand Staircase, to Boulder, UT. Distance: 67 miles (108 km) one-way Mix of paved and dirt roads, impassable when wet Four-wheel drive sometimes required. No RVs.

    More info
    Pet FriendlyTime:1-14 Days
    White lines representing circular star trails in dark blue sky, above colorful red cliffs.

    Stargaze

    Free

    Description

    Capitol Reef protects extremely dark night skies, and is a wonderful place to stargaze.

    More info
    Lush, green grassy lawn with trees and red cliffs; covered picnic tables at the head of red canyon.

    Picnic

    Free

    Description

    Enjoy a picnic in Capitol Reef National Park! In the Fruita Historic District, look for the Doc Inglesby and Chesnut picnic areas, as well as tables and a water fountain near the Gifford House. At the end of Capitol Gorge Road, off the Scenic Drive, there are covered picnic tables as well as a pit toilet.

    More info
    Pet Friendly
    Colorful red rocks, striped cliffs, mountains in the distance, and a pale blue moving to purple sky.

    Watch the Sunset

    Free

    Description

    Watch the sunset from various scenic points in Capitol Reef. Take an easy stroll or a strenuous hike as the sun goes down. Don't forget to bring a headlamp.

    More info
    A hiker stands on top of rock cliff viewing vast valley below.

    Hike in the South (Waterpocket) District

    Free

    Description

    Get to know the South (Waterpocket) District on foot by hiking an easy trail or strenuous backcountry route. Many of these hikes are accessible only by unpaved roads.

    More info

More Images

Wingate Sandstone cliffs behind historic barn and farmhouse
Wingate Sandstone cliffs behind historic barn and farmhouse
A hiker stands beside Hickman Bridge, a natural sandstone bridge
A hiker stands beside Hickman Bridge, a natural sandstone bridge
Exposed layers of rock in the Waterpocket fold
Exposed layers of rock in the Waterpocket fold
Cliffs known as "The Castle" tower above the Capitol Reef Visitor Center
Cliffs known as "The Castle" tower above the Capitol Reef Visitor Center
Fruit tree with peaches in front of red sandstone cliffs
Fruit tree with peaches in front of red sandstone cliffs