Capitol Reef National Park Active and Adventure Vacations

Capitol Reef National Park Active and Adventure Travel Guide

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Active and Adventure Destinations Near Capitol Reef National Park

Mountain West Active and Adventure States/Provinces

Active and Adventure Travel Destinations
Cathedral Valley in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Cathedral Valley rises over Capitol Reef National Park, Utah (Bob Stefko/Photodisc/Getty)

Capitol Reef National Park Active and Adventure Highlights

By Travel Expert: Bill Weir

  • The Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile-long wrinkle in the earth's crust, extends from nearby Thousand Lakes Mountain to the Colorado River (now Lake Powell). The park was established to protect this grand and colorful geologic feature, as well as the area around it.
  • Fifteen day-hiking trails begin within a short drive of the visitor center.
  • You can ascend 1,600 feet for a spectacular panorama of Capitol Reef and southeastern Utah by combining the Hickman Natural Bridge, Rim Overlook, and Navajo Knob Trails in about nine miles roundtrip.
  • Experienced canyon-country hikers can explore the narrow slot canyons of Burro Wash, Cottonwood Wash, and Sheets Gulch off the Notom-Bullfrog Road.

Capitol Reef National Park Overview

We're reluctant to write this section. Capitol Reef National Park is one of those little-known gems, drawing far fewer visitors than its more famous neighbors, Bryce Canyon and Zion, and to be honest, we'd like to be selfish and keep this jewel of a park to ourselves. Read More

Hotels

expert favorite hotel
Lodge at Red River Ranch
2900 West Highway 24, P.O. Box 22
Teasdale, UT 84773
Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Distance: 14.4 Miles
(from destination center)
Active Expert Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Active and Adventure travel
SkyRidge Inn
P.O. Box 750220, 950 E. Hwy 24
Torrey, UT 84775
Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Distance: 16.4 Miles
(from destination center)
Active Expert Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Active and Adventure travel Parks and Outdoors travel
expert favorite hotel
Boulder Mountain Lodge
PO Box 1397, Highway 12
Boulder, UT 84716
Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Distance: 22.0 Miles
(from destination center)
Active Expert Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Active and Adventure travel
All Capitol Reef National Park Hotels
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Attractions

expert favorite attraction
Hickman Natural Bridge, Rim Overlook, and Navajo Knobs Trails
2 miles east of the visitor center on the north side of UT 24
Capitol Reef National Park, HC 70 Box 15
Torrey, Utah 84775 Map
Distance: 10.2 Miles (from destination center)
Description:

This "three-in-one" trail has a choice of... Read More

Active Expert Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Active and Adventure travel
expert favorite attraction
Chimney Rock Trail
3 miles west of the visitor center on the north side of UT 24
Capitol Reef National Park, HC 70 Box 15
Torrey, Utah 84775 Map
Distance: 13.3 Miles (from destination center)
Description: On this 3.5-mile loop trail, you'll have a fine... Read More
Active Expert Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Active and Adventure travel
expert favorite attraction
Calf Creek Falls Trail
Calf Creek Recreation Area, 15.5 miles east of Escalante on UT 12
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, 755 W. Main
Escalante, Utah 84726 Map
Distance: 26.2 Miles (from destination center)
Description: Calf Creek Falls drops 126 feet into a pool,... Read More
Active Expert Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Active and Adventure travel
All Capitol Reef National Park Attractions

Feature Articles

More Capitol Reef National Park Active and Adventure Feature Articles (26)
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GORPTravel Trips

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Capitol Reef National Park Active and Adventure Travel Guides

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