This park is a hidden gem filled with cliffs, canyons, domes, bridges and more in the Waterfold Pocket -- a geologic Monocline that extends almost 100 miles. This park is located in the heart of red rock country in South Central Utah. Love it.
Current Park Alerts
Live from the National Park Service · Official park site →
Plan Your Visit
Hours & Season
Capitol Reef is a 24 hour park, open all day, every day. The visitor center is open daily, except for some major holidays. Visitor center hours vary, call 435-425-3791 and follow the prompts for current visitor center information.
Entrance Fees
- $20 – Entrance - Private Vehicle
- $15 – Entrance - Motorcycle
- $10 – Entrance - Per Person
Weather
Weather is posted daily; check at the park visitor center for weather updates. Do not enter into narrow canyons if there is a threat of rain or if rain has been falling in the area. Rain and snow may also make dirt roads impassable to vehicles.
Things to Do
Bicycle Touring
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.
Watch the Sunset
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.
Visit the Petroglyph Panel
From 600 to 1300 C.E., native people of the Fremont Culture made their home at Capitol Reef. Petroglyphs carved into the Wingate sandstone remind us of their time.
Scenic Drive Tour
Take Capitol Reef's Scenic Drive, and experience colorful cliffs and deep narrow canyons from the comfort of your vehicle.
Hike in the South (Waterpocket) District
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.
Getting There
Address: 52 West Headquarters Drive Torrey UT 84775
From I-70: Take exit 149, then take UT-24 west toward Hanksville; continue for 43.8 miles (70.5 km). Turn right to continue on UT-24 west and continue for 37.3 miles (60 km). From I-15: take exit 188 then US-50 east toward Scipio. Left on UT-50; continuing 0.7 miles (1.1 km). Turn right onto US-50 east; continue for 24.4 miles (39.3 km). Turn right onto UT-260 south and continue 4.2 miles (6.8 km), then right on UT-24 for 71.3 miles. UT-12: North on highway 12 to Torrey, UT. Right onto UT-24.
Get driving directions → Official NPS directions →Where to Stay – Campgrounds
Backcountry Camping
A free backcountry permit, available at the visitor center, is required for camping outside of campgrounds. Capitol Reef offers many hiking options for serious…
Fruita Campground
71 sites · $25/night
The 71 site Fruita campground is the only developed campground in the park, offering picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, water and a dump station. A $25 nigh…
Group Campsite
1 sites · $125/night
The Group Campsite is a secluded site located near the Fruita Campground and can accommodate a maximum of 40 people. It may be reserved through www.recreation.…
Primitive campsites at Cathedral Campground
6 sites · Free
It is located approximately halfway on the Cathedral Valley Loop Road. About 36 miles (57.9 km) from the visitor center, this primitive, no-fee campground has …
Primitive campsites at Cedar Mesa Campground
5 sites · Free
It is located approximately 23 miles (37.0 km) south of Utah State Highway 24 on the Notom-Bullfrog Road and is at 5,500 feet (1,676 m) in elevation. This prim…
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Capitol Reef National Park?
The entrance fee for Capitol Reef National Park is $20. See Plan Your Visit above for vehicle, per-person, and annual-pass rates.
Do I need a reservation or permit to visit Capitol Reef National Park?
Some entry windows or activities at Capitol Reef National Park require a reservation or permit. Check the Current Park Alerts and Things to Do sections above, and confirm on the official NPS site before you go.
When is Capitol Reef National Park open?
Capitol Reef is a 24 hour park, open all day, every day. The visitor center is open daily, except for some major holidays. Visitor center hours vary, call 435-425-3791 and follow the prompts for current visitor center information.
What are the best things to do in Capitol Reef National Park?
Popular things to do in Capitol Reef National Park include Stargaze, Bicycle Touring, Watch the Sunset, Visit the Petroglyph Panel. See Things to Do above for photos and details.
Are there campgrounds in Capitol Reef National Park?
Yes — Capitol Reef National Park has 5 campgrounds, including Backcountry Camping, Fruita Campground, Group Campsite. See Campgrounds above for site counts, fees, and booking links.