National park · United States
Capitol Reef National Park
Give Capitol Reef one full day: drive the 8-mile Scenic Drive, walk Hickman Bridge (1.8 km, 1 h) and Cohab Canyon, and be at the Visitor Center gate before 8:00 in summer — it is the quiet park of the Utah circuit, so it rewards a night in Torrey rather than a drive-through.Give Capitol Reef one full day: drive the 8-mile Scenic Drive, walk Hickman Bridge (1.8 km, 1 h) and Cohab Canyon, and be at the Visitor Center gate before 8:00 AM in summer — it is the quiet park of the Utah circuit, so it rewards a night in Torrey rather than a drive-through.Give Capitol Reef one full day: drive the 8-mile Scenic Drive, walk Hickman Bridge (1.1 mi, 1 h) and Cohab Canyon, and be at the Visitor Center gate before 8:00 in summer — it is the quiet park of the Utah circuit, so it rewards a night in Torrey rather than a drive-through.Give Capitol Reef one full day: drive the 8-mile Scenic Drive, walk Hickman Bridge (1.1 mi, 1 h) and Cohab Canyon, and be at the Visitor Center gate before 8:00 AM in summer — it is the quiet park of the Utah circuit, so it rewards a night in Torrey rather than a drive-through.
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
979 km²378 sq mi
approximate
Established
1971
Best months
Apr–May, Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 979 km²378 sq mi
- 378 mi² (979 km²) of sandstone canyons, ridges, buttes and monoliths along the Waterpocket Fold (check).
- Established
- 1971
- Best months
- Apr–May, Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
Capitol Reef protects the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile (160 km) monocline where nearly 10,000 ft of sedimentary rock has been tilted up on the west side and eroded into domes, cliffs and slot canyons. It is the quiet park of the Utah circuit: no shuttle, no timed entry, and a historic Mormon orchard settlement, Fruita, sitting on the Fremont River where the Visitor Center and campground are. Most visitors see it as a half-day stop between Bryce and Moab; one full day on Highway 24 and the Scenic Drive is enough to justify the detour, and a night in Torrey makes it comfortable.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1971.
Size and age
979 km²378 sq mi · national park since 1971
378 mi² (979 km²) of sandstone canyons, ridges, buttes and monoliths along the Waterpocket Fold (check).
Why go
- The Waterpocket Fold: a 100-mile (160 km) monocline of tilted sandstone layers, the reason the park exists.The Waterpocket Fold: a 100-mile (99 mi) monocline of tilted sandstone layers, the reason the park exists.
- Fruita's historic orchards along the Fremont River — pick and eat ripe fruit in season.
- The Utah park circuit without the queues: no shuttle, no timed entry, far fewer people than Zion or Arches.
- Dark skies and a campground inside the orchards at Fruita.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebCaution
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunGo
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepGo
- OctBest
- NovGo
- DecCaution
- JanHighs under 10 °C; some roads icyHighs under 50 °F; some roads icy
- FebCold, clear; snow possible
- MarMild days; orchards start flowering
- AprWarm, dry; wildflowers and blossoms
- MayWarm days, cool nights; busiest spring month
- JunHot by midday; start hikes early
- JulUpper 30s °C and monsoon storms; flash-flood risk in slots
- AugMonsoon peak; hike canyons only when dry
- SepStorms taper; fruit harvest in the orchards
- OctDry, mild, clear — best all-round month
- NovCool and quiet; short days
- DecCold; light snow, Scenic Drive usually open
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mule deer in the Fruita orchards and picnic areaAll year · Common at dusk; keep 30 ft (9 m) away, especially from does with fawns. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Desert bighorn sheepMar–May, Sep–Nov · Reintroduced in the late 1990s; look on rocky slopes in the south district. | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no |
| Bats around Fruita at duskMay–Sep | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Cactus bloom and desert wildflowersMar–May | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Canyon wrens and other desert birdsApr–May, Sep–Oct | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
How to get there
From Torrey, Utah
Drive Utah Highway 24 east about 11 mi (18 km) to the Visitor Center.Drive Utah Highway 24 east about 11 mi (11 mi) to the Visitor Center.
15–20 min
From Salt Lake City
I-15 south, US-50 east at Scipio, then Utah 24 east through Sigurd and Loa.
3.5–4 h
Open the page →
From Moab / Arches
I-70 west, exit 149, then Utah 24 west for about 95 mi (153 km).I-70 west, exit 149, then Utah 24 west for about 95 mi (95 mi).
3–3.5 h
From Bryce Canyon
Utah 12 east through Boulder, then Utah 24 east; the Burr Trail is an unpaved alternative from Boulder.
2.5–3 h
From Canyon Country plan
How Capitol Reef fits a loop with Bryce, Arches and Canyonlands.
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Fruita and Highway 24 corridor | Visitor Center, Gifford Farmhouse, orchards, Fruita Campground and the trailheads for Hickman Bridge and Cohab Canyon. | Open with a ticket; the busiest 5 mi (8 km) of the park.Open with a ticket; the busiest 5 mi (5 mi) of the park. |
| Scenic Drive | An 8 mi (13 km) paved spur south from the Visitor Center between the cliffs, with two unpaved side roads (Grand Wash, Capitol Gorge).An 8 mi (8.1 mi) paved spur south from the Visitor Center between the cliffs, with two unpaved side roads (Grand Wash, Capitol Gorge). | Ticket required; side roads are graded dirt, fine for most cars when dry. |
| Cathedral Valley | The remote north end: monoliths, the Temples of the Sun and Moon, and the free Cathedral Campground. | High-clearance recommended; about 58 mi (93 km) of dirt loop from the Visitor Center.High-clearance recommended; about 58 mi (58 mi) of dirt loop from the Visitor Center. |
| Waterpocket District (south) | The Notom–Bullfrog Road and Burr Trail along the Fold's east side, down to Cedar Mesa Campground. | Unpaved; check conditions at the Visitor Center, impassable when wet. |
Sketch map
- 1Capitol Reef Visitor Center · Headquarters≈38.287, -111.262Map ↗
- 2Fruita Campground · Sleep≈38.279, -111.252Map ↗
- 3Hickman Bridge trailhead · Trail≈38.288, -111.229Map ↗
- 4Cohab Canyon trailhead (Highway 24) · Trail≈38.287, -111.237Map ↗
- 5Rim Overlook / Navajo Knobs trailhead · Viewpoint≈38.289, -111.225Map ↗
- 6Grand Wash · Trail≈38.260, -111.220Map ↗
- 7Capitol Gorge · Cave≈38.210, -111.170Map ↗
- 8Cathedral Campground · Sleep≈38.470, -111.340Map ↗
- 9Cedar Mesa Campground · Sleep≈38.030, -111.120Map ↗
- 10Torrey · Town≈38.299, -111.420Map ↗
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrance, private vehicle | US$20 | vehicle | Valid 7 days; 2026 estimate — confirm current rate with NPS. |
| Entrance, motorcycle | US$15 | motorcycle | 2026 estimate (check). |
| Entrance, per person on foot or bike | US$10 | person | 2026 estimate (check). |
| America the Beautiful annual pass | US$80 | pass | Covers entry to federal sites for a year; 2026 estimate. |
| Fruita Campground, per site per night | US$25 | site | 2026 estimate; reserve on Recreation.gov March–October (check). |
| Cathedral Valley and Cedar Mesa primitive sites | Free | site | Free, first-come; no water. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entrance permit or guide
Backcountry camping permit or guide
Canyoneering and slot canyons no permit
Park rules
- Biological soil crust
- Do not walk or drive on the dark crusted soil; it can take centuries to recover. Stay on trails, or walk in washes or on bare rock.
- Fires
- No open fires in the backcountry; cook on a portable stove. Fires only in provided rings at campgrounds.
- Biking
- Allowed only on established roads, not on trails, to protect the desert soil.
- Wildlife
- Do not feed or approach animals; deer in the orchards are wild and does may charge.
- Drones
- Launching or landing a drone is prohibited in the park (check current NPS rules).check
- Water
- Treat or filter all backcountry water; seasonal potholes are for wildlife and a last resort.
Where to stay
In the park
Fruita Campground
71 sites among the orchards, 1 mi (1.6 km) south of the Visitor Center; 58 reservable March–October, the rest first-come, open year-round.71 sites among the orchards, 1 mi (1 mi) south of the Visitor Center; 58 reservable March–October, the rest first-come, open year-round.
In the park
Cathedral Campground
Six free primitive sites on the Cathedral Valley loop, about 58 mi (93 km) from the Visitor Center; pit toilet, no water.Six free primitive sites on the Cathedral Valley loop, about 58 mi (58 mi) from the Visitor Center; pit toilet, no water.
In the park
Cedar Mesa Campground
Five free primitive sites on the Notom–Bullfrog Road, about 23 mi (37 km) south of Highway 24; pit toilet, no water.Five free primitive sites on the Notom–Bullfrog Road, about 23 mi (23 mi) south of Highway 24; pit toilet, no water.
Near the park
Torrey
The main base: motels, lodges, restaurants and fuel, 11 mi (18 km) west of the Visitor Center.The main base: motels, lodges, restaurants and fuel, 11 mi (11 mi) west of the Visitor Center.
Near the park
Hanksville and Caineville
Smaller, cheaper options east of the park on Highway 24.
Safety
Flash floods in slot canyons high
Heat and dehydration medium
Remoteness on dirt roads medium
Winter ice on trails and the Scenic Drive low
Accessibility
- The Visitor Center, Gifford Farmhouse, Fruita Campground and the paved Scenic Drive are reachable by car with little or no walking.
- Hickman Bridge and Grand Wash are uneven dirt and rock; not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
- No shuttle system in the park — a private vehicle is needed to reach every trailhead.
Visiting lightly
- Stay on trails and rock to protect biological soil crust.
- Carry out all rubbish; there is no backcountry disposal.
- Buy fruit you take home from the orchards — the money goes back into maintaining them.
- Refill water bottles at the Visitor Center instead of buying new ones.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Capitol Reef National Park?
A private vehicle pays about US$20 for 7 days, a motorcycle about US$15 and a walker or cyclist about US$10 (2026 estimate — confirm with NPS). The US$80 America the Beautiful annual pass covers this park and other federal sites for a year.
What are the best hikes in Capitol Reef National Park?
Hickman Bridge (1.2 mi / 1.9 km loop, easy) and Cohab Canyon (1.75 mi / 2.8 km one-way, moderate) are the two short classics. Grand Wash is a flat canyon walk off the Scenic Drive. For a bigger day, Rim Overlook is 4.6 mi (7.4 km) round trip, and Navajo Knobs extends it with more exposure.
When is the best time to visit Capitol Reef National Park?
April, May, September and October: mild days, dry trails and clear skies. July and August bring upper-30s °C heat and monsoon storms that make slot canyons dangerous. Winter is cold but quiet, and the Scenic Drive usually stays open.
Do I need a reservation or permit?
No timed entry or shuttle. You pay the entrance fee at the gate on Highway 24. A free permit is required only for backcountry camping, available at the Visitor Center.
Can I camp inside the park?
Yes. Fruita Campground has 71 sites among the orchards and is open year-round, with most sites reservable March–October. Cathedral Valley and Cedar Mesa are free primitive sites with no water; check road conditions first.
How long do I need at Capitol Reef?
One full day covers the Scenic Drive, Hickman Bridge and Cohab Canyon. Two days add Grand Wash, Capitol Gorge and the orchards at an easy pace, or a remote run into Cathedral Valley if you have a high-clearance vehicle.
Is Capitol Reef crowded?
Far less than Zion or Arches. Parking at Hickman Bridge and the Visitor Center fills by mid-morning in spring and autumn; arrive before 8:00 or come after 15:00. The south district and Cathedral Valley see very few people.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go