Have you heard of Capitol Reef National Park? Here’s everything you must do and see to have an amazing one-day trip to this south-central Utah park.
Capitol Reef National Park is located in south-central Utah and located about halfway between Arches National Park and Zion National Park. It is filled with cliffs, canyons, domes, and bridges in the Waterpocket Fold (like a wrinkle on the earth). The national park is large with lots to explore especially in the backcountry area/along 4-wheel drive roadways. However, the Fruita area of the park offers a variety of things to see and do and the scenic drive is accessible for all vehicles.
Capitol Reef National Park Must-Do/See
In the historic Fruita district, you can view the orchards with about 2,000 different fruit trees including cherry, apricot, peach, pear, apple, plum, mulberry, almond, and walnut. The fruit is also available to pick when signs are posted indicating so.
Visit the historic Gifford House and purchase some of their famous pies. Next door is a barn where you can sometimes spot a couple of horses.
Drive the scenic drive which is a 7.9-mile paved road that will take you about an hour and a half to drive round trip.
Hike Hickman Bridge which is an easy/moderate 1.8 mile (roundtrip) trail that gains only 80 feet. You will see a 133-foot natural bridge and canyon views on this hike.
Spot the Petroglyph Panel along Route 24 in the Fruita area.
Drive to the Goosenecks Overlook and climb the .1 mile trail for dramatic canyon views.
Walk along Sulpher Creek at the picnic area after the Ripple Rock Nature Center.
Complete the Junior Ranger program. You can pick up the booklets at the visitor center.
Where to Stay near Capitol Reef National Park
I recommend staying at Capitol Reef Resort in Torrey. The resort is right outside the national park and they offer a variety of accommodations from hotel rooms to cabins to Conestoga wagons to teepees. The staff was friendly, the views from the resort were amazing and there is a restaurant onsite (convenient and delicious).
Tips
- If visiting in the spring/summer, check when the historic orchard trees will be blooming.
- When fruit in the historic orchard is ripe and the orchards are posted as “open,” visitors may pick fruit.
- Trailhead parking lots will fill up in the summer, so plan to arrive early or plan to hike later in the day. If possible plan your visit for during the week.
- Parking at the Gifford House is limited to 30 minutes from March 1 to November 30.
Have you visited Capitol Reef National Park?
