Capitol Reef National Park Parks and Outdoors Vacations

Capitol Reef National Park Parks and Outdoors Travel Guide

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Panoramic of Cathedral Valley in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Cathedral Valley, Capitol Reef National Park, Utah (Bob Stefko/Photodisc/Getty)

Capitol Reef National Park Parks and Outdoors Highlights

By Travel Expert: Kim Lipker

  • The park tends to attract hikers, rock climbers, mountain bikers, and equestrian explorers who prefer solitude to trendy social scenes. As the least visited of Utah's five national parks, this vast and wild frontier still offers a glimpse of America before it was settled by a civilization intent on paving the planet.
  • The only developed campground in Capitol Reef National Park is the Fruita Campground. It has 71 sites and is located south of the visitor center in the Fruita Historic District. The campground is surrounded by historic orchards and sits next to the Fremont River. Backcountry camping is also an option.
  • From the visitor center, head for the park’s 25-mile scenic drive. On this route, you will have many stops. The first begins with the Fruita Historic District, which shows the remnants of an 1880s Mormon frontier community. You will also see Cassidy Arch, Capitol Gorge, an abundance of Fremont Indian petroglyphs, the Hickman Bridge, and the Behunin Cabin, a tiny stone cabin that once housed a family of ten.
  • Explore Capitol Reef on horseback via the Old Wagon Trail, with access to Miners Mountain and good views of the famous Waterpocket Fold. Or try the South Draw, with access to Tantalus Flats and Boulder Mountain or return down Pleasant Creek.

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

from: $10 expert favorite hotel
Fruita Campground
Capitol Reef National Park, HC 70 Box 15
Torrey, UT 84775
Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Distance: 10.2 Miles
(from destination center)
Parks Expert Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Parks and Outdoors travel Active and Adventure travel
expert favorite hotel
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)
Parks Expert Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Parks and Outdoors travel Active and Adventure travel
expert favorite hotel
Aquarius Inn
240 West Main St.
Bicknell, UT 84715
Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Distance: 24.4 Miles
(from destination center)
Parks Expert Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Parks and Outdoors travel
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Attractions

Cathedral Canyon Loop
northern section of the park
Capitol Reef National Park, HC 70 Box 15
Torrey, Utah 84775
Distance: 11.1 Miles (from destination center)
Description: This loop in the park's far north will appeal to... Read More
Parks Expert Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Parks and Outdoors travel Active and Adventure travel
Anasazi State Park
Boulder, 28 miles northeast of Escalante
P.O. Box 1429
Boulder, Utah 84716-1429 Map
Distance: 22.4 Miles (from destination center)
Description: Exhibits and the ancient village site offer a... Read More
Parks Expert Rating
3.0 out of 5
3.0 out of 5
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Parks and Outdoors travel Active and Adventure travel
Golden Throne Trail
Capitol Gorge at the end of the Scenic Drive
Capitol Reef National Park, HC 70 Box 15
Torrey, Utah 84775
Distance: 4.8 Miles (from destination center)
Description: From the trailhead, turn up this... Read More
Parks Expert Rating
Not Yet Rated
Traveler Rating
Not Yet Rated
Recommended for:
Active and Adventure travel
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Feature Articles

More Capitol Reef National Park Parks and Outdoors Feature Articles (3)
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Capitol Reef National Park Parks and Outdoors Travel Guides

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