Planning a trip to Capitol Reef National Park and want to know what the best activities are? This article shares 15 of my favorite things to do in Capitol Reef National Park, including some of the best hikes, scenic drives, and unique activities this underrated park has to offer.
Capitol Reef National Park is located in south-central Utah, between the small towns of Torrey and Hanksville. The park is divided into 3 districts – the Fruita District, the Waterpocket Fold District, and the Cathedral Valley District. Most things to do in Capitol Reef are located in the Fruita District along or near Highway 24. This guide includes activities in every district, so you can plan a comprehensive trip to Capitol Reef.
Table of Contents: 15 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Capitol Reef National Park
- Hike to Cassidy Arch
- Drive the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
- Hike Through a Canyon
- Watch the Sunrise or Sunset from Sunset Point
- See Petroglyphs & Learn About the Indigenous History of the Area
- Hike to Hickman Bridge
- Grab Pie from the Gifford Homestead
- See the Orchards
- Hike the Chimney Rock Trail
- Drive to Cathedral Valley
- Photograph the Temples of the Sun & Moon
- Go Camping in the Park
- Hike in the Waterpocket Fold District
- Drive the Burr Trail Switchbacks
- Stargaze at Night
Recreating Responsibly in Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park has seen an increasing number of visitors in recent years and currently sees over a million visitors per year. While it’s easy to understand why so many outdoor adventurers are flocking to Capitol Reef (the desert landscape is STUNNING!) it’s important that everyone who visits does their part to help keep the park clean and pristine.
Is Capitol Reef Dog-Friendly?
Dogs are NOT allowed on most trails in Capitol Reef National Park, with the exception of a couple of paved trails near the Fruita Campground. Dogs are also allowed in the Chestnut and Doc Inglesby picnic areas, in campgrounds, and in unfenced or unlocked orchards. Be sure to pack out all pet waste and keep your dog leashed while in the park.
Leave No Trace
Following the 7 Leave No Trace principles is the best way to recreate responsibly in Capitol Reef National Park. This means:
- Plan ahead & prepare. Hiking in the desert comes with unique considerations, so make sure you research hikes and pack appropriately.
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces. Stay on trails or other durable surfaces like slickrock and washes.
- Dispose of waste properly. Pack out all waste and trash, including food scraps.
- Leave what you find. Don’t carve into, take, or stack rocks or other natural resources. It’s illegal to take any natural or cultural resources from a national park in the U.S.
- Minimize campfire impacts. Check for fire bans and practice campfire safety. This means creating your campfire in an existing fire ring; making sure the fire is attended and doesn’t get out of control; and making sure the fire is out completely (stir the ashes until they are cool to the touch).
- Respect wildlife. Never feed or touch wildlife, and make sure to maintain a safe distance. There are mountain lions in Capitol Reef, but it’s extremely unlikely that you’ll see one.
- Be considerate of others. Wear headphones instead of blasting music over a bluetooth speaker. Remember uphill hikers have the right of way on the trail.
The member-driven Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics teaches people how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. This copyrighted information has been reprinted with permission from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.
Respect Archaeological Sites
There are petroglyphs and other archaeological and historic sites located within Capitol Reef National Park. These sites are protected by federal laws, including, but not limited to, the Archaeological Resources Protection Act and the National Historic Preservation Act. Damaging, defacing, or destroying archaeological sites is a federal crime. Please treat the land and any archaeological sites with respect when visiting Capitol Reef National Park.
Here are some best practices when visiting an archaeological site:
- Never sit, touch, lean, or stand on walls of archaeological sites.
- Don’t touch petroglyphs and pictographs (the oils from your fingers can break them down faster).
- Leave all artifacts where you find them.
- Don’t allow small children in archaeological sites.
Don’t bust the crust!
A lot of the landscape in Capitol Reef is covered in biological soil crust, otherwise known as cryptobiotic soil. Cryptobiotic soil plays a critical role in the desert ecosystem and is extremely delicate. It can take years to decades to recover from damage, so it’s important to stay on developed trails, or travel on durable surfaces like dry washes or slickrock, to avoid disrupting the cryptobiotic soil.
Stay Slot Canyon Safe
Before you head out on a canyon hike, it’s incredibly important to be prepared and know the risks around flash floods. Always check the weather before hiking through a slot canyon (or any canyon hike in Capitol Reef). If rain is even remotely in the forecast, reconsider your hike.
Flash floods can be triggered from rain MILES away from where you’re hiking. Even if there are blue skies above you, if you see storm clouds in the distance you should avoid entering a slot canyon. Flash floods are usually most common during monsoon season in the summer, but can happen anytime of year.
15 of the Best Things to Do in Capitol Reef National Park
1. Hike to Cassidy Arch
If you’re only going to do one hike in Capitol Reef, I would recommend hiking to Cassidy Arch. There are two different routes you can take to get there. The first is a short, moderate climb up from Grand Wash. There’s a parking lot near the beginning of the trail that requires driving a mile down an unpaved road off the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive. You can find trail stats and a map HERE. *NOTE: This route is currently closed while the Scenic Drive is under constuction.
If you’re up for a longer hike I highly recommend hiking to Cassidy Arch via Cohab Canyon and the Frying Pan Trail. This is not only one of the best hikes in Capitol Reef, it’s one of the best hikes in southern Utah. This is a difficult hike that takes you along a few trails on your way to Cassidy Arch, which gives you a taste of the diverse desert landscapes in Capitol Reef.
Trail Stats for Cassidy Arch via The Frying Pan Trail
Location: Capitol Reef National Park, Fruita District
Trailhead Location: Google maps
Bathrooms?: There’s a pit toilet at the trailhead.
Trailhead Parking Difficulty: Easy. There’s a large parking lot at the trailhead, along with other parking lots nearby.
Distance: 8.3 miles (out-and-back)
Elevation Gain: 2,400 ft.
Difficulty: Difficult (7.5-8.5/10)
Estimated Hike Time: 4 ½-5 ½ hours
2. Drive the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
*NOTE: The Capitol Reef Scenic Drive is undergoing construction, so it’s currently closed. The National Park Service expects the road to reopen in December 2024.
Distance: 7.9 miles
Drive Time: 60-90 minutes
The Capitol Reef Scenic Drive is one of the best scenic drives in southern Utah and a can’t-miss activity when visiting the park. The scenic drive begins at the Visitor Center and continues deep into the canyons of Capitol Reef with plenty of places to stop for photos along the way.
The first 7.9 miles of the Scenic Drive are paved and suitable for any passenger vehicle. There’s a parking lot and picnic area at the end of the paved road. From there you can continue driving along the Capitol Gorge spur road. This road is unpaved, but should be navigable for passenger cars. You can also take the Grand Wash spur road off of the Scenic Drive, which ends at the trailhead for Cassidy Arch.
Be aware, you should not drive the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive if rain is in the forecast due to flash flood risks. The spur roads may become unnavigable for passenger vehicles when muddy.
3. Hike Through a Canyon
A trip to Capitol Reef wouldn’t be complete without going for a hike through a canyon. From narrow slot canyons, to wide washes, there are SO many canyon hikes to choose from in Capitol Reef, which is why I condensed this recommendation down to one activity in Capitol Reef.
If you’re planning on hiking through a canyon make sure to check the forecast before you go. If rain is expected in the area, rethink your hiking plans due to flash flood risks. A lot of the canyon hikes in Capitol Reef are fairly remote, so make sure to pack the 10 essentials, including a map.
Canyon hikes in Capitol Reef National Park include:
4. Watch the Sunrise or Sunset from Sunset Point
For the best sunrise and sunset spot in Capitol Reef National Park head to the aptly named Sunset Point. This is a short hike that packs in sweeping views of the Goosenecks, which overlooks the Fremont River, the red rock canyons of Capitol Reef, and the Henry Mountains in the distance.
The road up to the trailhead parking lot is located right off of Highway 24. It’s paved and suitable for all vehicles. The entire trail is roughly 2 ½ miles with limited elevation gain, which makes it a great easy hike to watch the sunrise or sunset.
5. See Petroglyphs & Learn About the Indigenous History of the Area
Present day Capitol Reef National Park is the ancestral homeland of numerous Indigenous groups. The Fremont People occupied the area for over 1,000 years, farming the land. For hundreds of years other tribes, including the Ute, Paiute, and Navajo also lived in the area seasonally. You can learn about the Indigenous history of the park at the Visitor Center and at various interpretative sites around the park.
There is a petroglyph panel created by the Fremont People right along Highway 24 as you drive through the park. The parking lot is signed as you approach the area. There’s a wooden path and fence that take you to a couple of petroglyph panels up on the canyon wall. Remember to stay on the path and behind the fence to view the petroglyphs responsibly from a distance.
6. Hike to Hickman Bridge
The trail to Hickman Bridge is short and located right along the highway, which makes it a very popular hike in Capitol Reef. The entire hike is just under 2 miles and packs roughly 425 ft. of elevation gain. It’s suitable for hikers of all ages and experience levels, but be prepared for rocky steps and terrain.
The star of the hike is, of course, Hickman Bridge. Clocking in at 133 ft. long, this natural bridge is one of the park’s most awe-striking geologic features. The majority of the hike follows an out-and-back trail, but there’s a small lollipop loop at the top.
As you approach the bridge you’ll see a sign suggesting to head right to hike the loop. This gives you a better view of Hickman Bridge. From there, loop under the bridge and hike around back to the main trail, making a pit stop at an overlook area on your way.
Trail Stats for Hickman Bridge
Trailhead Location: Google maps
Bathrooms?: There’s a pit toilet at the trailhead.
Trailhead Parking Difficulty: Easy-moderate. There’s a large parking lot at the trailhead, along with overflow parking along the highway, but parking can get crowded during peak seasons since it’s right along the highway.
Distance: 1.8 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 425 ft.
Difficulty: Easy (3-4/10)
Estimated Hike Time: ~1 hour
7. Grab Pie from Gifford Homestead
One of the most unique things to do in Capitol Reef National Park is grab pie made from locally grown fruit at the historic Gifford Homestead. The Gifford Homestead is a historic Mormon homestead with a barn and a bakery.
If you’re not a pie person (no judgment, neither am I), you can also find fresh cinnamon rolls at the Gifford Homestead. Be sure to arrive early because they often sell out of their pies and other treats. In addition to grabbing a sweet treat you can also pick up some souvenirs and learn more about the Mormon history of the area.
Location: Google maps
8. See the Park’s Orchards
Capitol Reef National Park’s famed orchards are a must-see stop when visiting the park. The orchards were planted by Mormon pioneers in the 19th century and continue to be managed using traditional practices by the National Park Service today. You can find orchards near the Visitor Center and along Utah Highway 24.
9. Hike the Chimney Rock Trail
*NOTE: The parking lot for the Chimney Rock Trail is under construction, so the trail is currently closed.*
If you want a quick hike that packs in epic views, then check out the Chimney Rock Trail. With roughly 800 ft. of elevation gain over 3.3 miles this is a great short trail if you’re short on time, but want to get your blood pumping.
The views of Capitol Reef from the top of the Chimney Rock Loop Trail are breathtaking, which makes it one of the best hikes in southern Utah, in my opinion. There are a few viewpoints that are great for photos. Be aware, the hike is currently closed while construction is underway at the trailhead, but I will update this post when it reopens.
Trail Stats for Chimney Rock Loop Trail
Trailhead Location: Google maps
Bathrooms?: There is a pit toilet at the trailhead.
Trailhead Parking Difficulty: *NOTE: The parking lot for the Chimney Rock Trail is under construction, so the trail is currently closed.* Normally moderate-difficult. The trailhead serves multiple hikes, and since the parking lot is fairly small and right next to the highway, it often fills up quickly.
Distance: 3.3 miles (lollipop loop)
Elevation Gain: 800 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate-difficult (6.5-7.5/10)
Estimated Hike Time: 1 ½-2 hours
Best Time of Year to Hike: Fall, winter, and spring.
10. Drive to Cathedral Valley
If you’re up for a long drive through the desert, and you have the right vehicle, then make your way out to the Cathedral Valley District of the park. This is the most rugged and remote district in Capitol Reef National Park, but it’s worth the drive to see this unique area.
The entire Cathedral Valley loop is 56 miles if you take both Hartnet Road and Caineville Wash Road. Hartnet Road requires fording the Fremont River shortly after turning off the highway, so you need a high-clearance vehicle to drive this route. Having a 4×4 vehicle is recommended, especially if roads are muddy.
In addition to having the right vehicle, make sure you’re prepared for a rugged backcountry adventure. Fill up your gas tank in Hanksville, carry snacks and water, and have supplies like a shovel and emergency gear in case you run into trouble.
11. Photograph the Temples of the Sun & Moon
This Capitol Reef activity goes hand in hand with the last. The Temple of the Sun & Temple of the Moon are two of the most otherworldly rock formations in Capitol Reef and can be found in the Cathedral Valley District of the park. These monoliths are made from Entrada sandstone which gives them their rich orangey-pink color.
Be aware, drones are not permitted within the boundaries of Capitol Reef National Park, but there are plenty of places to take photos of these scenic geologic features.
12. Go Camping in the Park
If you want to make the most of your trip to Capitol Reef then you need to go camping in the park. The main campground in Capitol Reef is the Fruita Campground. Located near the Visitor Center, this campground offers 71 campsites that cost $25/night. You can make reservations for the Fruita Campground HERE.
There is a small campground located along Notom Road on the way out the the Waterpocket Fold District called the Cedar Mesa Campground. This campground only has 5 sites with picnic tables and fire rings. None of the spots are very large, so this campground is best for tent campers or van lifers. My husband and I once spent the night here after Notom Road became muddy from rain, and getting our Hiker Trailer back to the campground was very challenging (fortunately we had the campground to ourselves!).
Cathedral Valley is home to a primitive campground with 6 sites available. There’s a pit toilet at the campground, along with picnic tables and fire rings at the sites. If the campground is full you can also find dispersed camping on BLM land nearby.
13. Hike in the Waterpocket Fold District
There are two hikes in the Waterpocket Fold District that I absolutely love – Upper Muley Twist and Lower Muley Twist. These are both difficult hikes that require basic route-finding and navigation skills, so I only recommend them if you’re an experienced hiker. Make sure to carry the 10 essentials on these trails, including a map and compass.
Upper Muley Twist
Upper Muley Twist is a challenging hike that packs in a variety of unique features along a roughly 10-mile lollipop loop trail. Along the way you’ll pass arches, seasonal waterfalls, and colorful rock formations, as you hike through a canyon and on top of the Waterpocket Fold. There are also epic views of the Henry Mountains. While this a very remote trail, it’s definitely worth the trek if you’re looking for an epic, off-the-beaten-path hike.
Trail Stats for Upper Muley Twist
Trailhead Location: Google maps
Bathrooms?: There are no bathrooms at the trailhead.
Trailhead Parking Difficulty: Moderate-difficult. You need a high-clearance vehicle to drive up the wash to the trailhead. There are places for low-clearance vehicles to park near Burr Trail Road, but this will add additional miles to the hike. Do not attempt to drive to the trailhead if rain is in the forecast due to flash flood risks!
Distance: 10 miles (lollipop loop)
Elevation Gain: 1,350 ft.
Difficulty: Difficult (8-9/10)
Estimated Hike Time: 5-6 hours
Best Time of Year to Hike: Fall and spring.
Lower Muley Twist
The trail for Lower Muley Twist begins either at the Post Trailhead or at the top of the Burr Trail Switchbacks (see below). I recommend parking at the Post Trailhead and hiking into canyon via the cutoff trail, and then doing an out-and-back in the canyon.
The cutoff trail leaves the Post Trailhead and traverses across the desert before climbing up and over the Waterpocket Fold and dropping down into the canyon. Pay attention to the cairns to help you navigate across the sandstone terrain (don’t build any new ones!), and prepare for a fun and adventurous hike with fantastic views. Once you’re in Lower Muley Canyon you can continue the hike as an out-and-back, or create a long loop hiking back out through Grand Gulch.
Trail Stats for Lower Muley Twist
Trailhead Location: Google maps
Bathrooms?: There is a pit toilet at the trailhead.
Trailhead Parking Difficulty: Moderate. There’s plenty of parking available at the Post Trailhead. It’s easier to drive to the trailhead from Lake Powell along Bullfrog Rd. than it is to access it via Notom Road.
Distance: 9+ miles depending on how far you hike in the canyon
Elevation Gain: ~1,000 ft.
Difficulty: Difficult (8-9/10)
Estimated Hike Time: 4-6 hours
Best Time of Year to Hike: Fall and spring.
14. Drive the Burr Trail Switchbacks
The Burr Trail Switchbacks can be found in the Waterpocket Fold District of Capitol Reef National Park. To get there turn off of Highway 24 onto Notom Road. The first few miles of Notom Road are paved and easy to navigate. The last time I drove the road there were a lot of ruts in the unpaved portion of the road, which would be difficult for a low-clearance vehicle to navigate. Notom Road can become impassable to vehicles when wet.
The Burr Trail Road begins at an intersection with the Bullfrog-Notom Road near the trailhead for Lower Muley TwistYou can typically drive the Burr Trail Switchbacks driven with a passenger car, but the road can become muddy and impassable to vehicles when wet. Check the conditions with park rangers before heading out.
The entire stretch of the Burr Trail Road within Capitol Reef National Park, including the switchbacks, is unpaved, but as soon as you’re outside of the park boundaries the road is paved. The entire road is 67 miles long and takes you through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument to Boulder, Utah. This is by far one of the prettiest drives in southern Utah, and provides access to endless recreation opportunities, from hiking and camping, to canyoneering and off-road driving.
15. Stargaze in this International Dark Sky Park
Capitol Reef is a designated International Dark Sky Park, which means it’s the perfect location for stargazing. While you’ll find dark skies throughout the park, the best places to stargaze will be in the Cathedral Valley district and Waterpocket Fold district because they’re the farthest from nearby towns.
The Milky Way is most visible between March-November, which is also when camping in Capitol Reef is the most pleasant (winter can bring snow and closed roads).
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