In this Capitol Reef National Park travel guide I am sharing everything you need to know to make the most of your trip. Including the the 5 best Capitol Reef Hikes, where to stay, where to eat, and things to know before you visit.
Capitol Reef National Park is one of 5 Utah National Parks and is a hidden gem in my opinion. It is not visited as often as some of the other parks so you rarely deal with the big crowds, and many times, I will have the trail to myself!
While it may not be as popular, don’t take that to mean it’s not worth visiting. Capitol Reef has some of my favorite hikes and really incredible views. There is everything from slot canyons, to arches, to expansive views, to petroglyphs, and more. You really can experience so much in one park.
Today I am sharing the 5 best Capitol Reef hikes that are great to bring the whole family along. Make sure to be prepared before visiting and always check the weather the day you decide to hike.
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Best TIme to Visit Capitol Reef National Park
The best time to visit Capitol Reef National Park is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). During these seasons, temperatures are mild, ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, making it comfortable for hiking and exploring. Visiting in the spring or fall also helps avoid the peak tourist crowds, providing a more peaceful experience in the park.
Spring: The park comes alive with vibrant wildflowers and mild temperatures, making it ideal for hiking and exploring. However, occasional spring rains can lead to flash flooding in canyons.
Summer: Long daylight hours provide ample time for exploration, but temperatures often exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit, making midday hiking uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.
Fall: Cooler temperatures and stunning autumn foliage enhance the park’s beauty. This season offers fewer crowds, but shorter days mean less time for activities.
Winter: The park is quiet and less crowded, with the possibility of seeing the landscape dusted with snow, creating a unique and serene atmosphere. However, cold temperatures and occasional snow can limit access to some trails and roads.
Capitol Reef National Park Hours and Fees
Capitol Reef Hours
Capitol Reef is a 24 hour park, open all day, every day. The visitor center is open from 8:00 AM–4:30 PM Monday through Sunday except on major holidays.
Capitol Reef Fees
If you plan to travel the park’s Scenic Drive beyond Fruita Campground, you need to have a pass.
- Standard Pass: $10-$20.00 The Standard Pass is good for one day entrance.
- Individuals: $10.00 (for person with no car–runners, bicyclists)
- Private vehicle: $20.00 (one non-commercial vehicle and all occupants)
- Motorcycles: $15.00 (one non-commercial vehicle and its riders)
- Annual Pass: $35.00 The Annual Pass is a good idea to get if you plan to visit the park multiple times in a year
- America the Beautiful Pass: $85.00 The America the Beautiful Pass gets you into any National Park in the United States for one full year (as well as many other locations). We get one every year and it’s always worth it because we visit multiple National Parks a year.
a photo in front of Fern’s Nipple
Pets In Capitol Reef National Park
If you decide to bring your dog to Capitol Reef, make sure to double check the rules on where they are and aren’t allowed. Pets must be on leash at all times (6 feet or 1.8 meters or shorter).
According to the National Park Services, pets are only allowed in the following areas of the park:
- On the trail from the visitor center to the Fruita Campground
- On the Fremont River Trail from the campground to the south end of Hattie’s Field (where there is a gate)
- In unfenced and/or unlocked orchards
- In the Chesnut and Doc Inglesby picnic areas
- In campgrounds
- Within 50 feet of center line of roads (paved and dirt) open to public vehicle travel
- Parking areas open to public vehicle travel
Pets are not permitted on other hiking trails, in public buildings, or in the backcountry within the park.
Leave No Trace In Capitol Reef National Park
The desert is a fragile ecosystem that we should all do our best to leave as minimal of an impact as possible. Here are some things to remember when you are exploring the desert to keep it in it’s pristine condition.
Stay on the Trail and Don’t Bust the Crust
Staying on hiking trails in the desert is crucial to protect the fragile ecosystem, especially the cryptobiotic soil crust. Cryptobiotic soil is a living soil and is essential for preventing erosion, retaining moisture, and supporting plant life. Even a single footprint can destroy this living soil, taking decades to recover.
Staying on trails also reduces the risk of getting lost, minimizes harmful wildlife encounters, and helps preserve the natural beauty for future visitors.
Don’t Write on the Rocks
Capitol Reef is home to some incredible Petroglyphs. Please don’t ruin these by carving over them or carving your own pictures/name into any rocks or trees. This not only destroys history and ruins them for future visitors, but it is illegal considered vandalism.
Pack Out Your Trash
This is of course common sense, but there is still always trash found on hiking trails. Make sure to pick up and pack out any wrappers, food scraps, toilet paper, or anything you bring on the trail. Be a good fellow hiker and pack out any trash you come across, even if it’s not yours!
Going to the Bathroom in the Desert
If you have to go to bathroom and there are no facilities around, make sure to find an area 200 ft away from the trail and any water source to do your business. Bring a bag to pack out your toilet paper as it doesn’t break down well in the desert soil. Or better yet, you can use a Kula cloth or bandana to wipe.
If you have to go poop, human waste needs to be packed out as the desert soil can’t decompose it well. You can pack a wag bag to keep keep it sealed and sanitary to pack it out.
5 Best Capitol Reef Hikes
Capitol Reef National Park has so many incredible places to explore, but these are my personal top 5 best Capitol Reef hikes.
Hickman Bridge
The hike to Hickman Bridge is a must-do in Capitol Reef, leading you to a massive natural bridge. Along the way, you’ll see interesting rock formations, ancient Fremont Indian petroglyphs, and panoramic views of the surrounding area. It is very popular due to it being a relatively easy/moderate hike and it’s rewarding views.
The best time to hike is early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat. Bring plenty of water!
- Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
- Length: 1.8 miles (2.9 km) round trip
- Elevation Gain: 400 feet (122 meters)
- Pet Friendly: No
- Trailhead Facilities: Vault toilet
- Water Access: No
Sunset Point and Goosenecks Overlook
This is a great 2 for 1 hike. Goosenecks Overlook and Sunset Point are different trailheads that take off from the same parking lot. Goosenecks Overlook takes off from the south end of the parking lot and is just a quick walk up to the overlook of Sulpher Creek Canyon and the Goosenecks. There is a fence, but you can also wander down the trail and get a less obstructed view.
Sunset Point takes off off the east side of the parking lot and is a nice 0.8 mile trail. The view at the end is spectacular and it get’s its name for a reason.
The best time to hike this trail is at sunset. Watching the desert landscape turn purple and pink is magical. Don’t forget a jacket as it can get chilly once the sun goes down!
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 0.8-miles roundtrip
- Goosenecks Overlook (0.2-miles roundtrip) and Sunset Point (0.6-miles roundtrip)
- Elevation Gain: 544 feet
- Pet Friendly: No
- Trailhead Facilities: None
- Water Access: No
Cassidy Arch
This challenging hike takes you to the top of Cassidy Arch, named after the infamous outlaw Butch Cassidy. It is one of my favorite hikes in the park and has steep climbs, stunning views, and a unique perspective of the arch from above. You can also walk across the bridge if you feel so inclined!
The first 0.2 miles of this hike is a part of the Grand Wash Trail which is another popular hike. They are great to both do in the same day since you don’t have drive to a new trailhead!
The best time to hike is early morning to avoid the heat and crowds.
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Length: 3.4 miles (5.5 km) round trip
- Elevation Gain: 950 feet (290 meters)
- Pet Friendly: No
- Trailhead Facilities: Vault toilet
- Water Access: No
Grand Wash Trail
The Grand Wash Trail is a relatively flat trail through a narrow canyon with towering cliffs, providing a unique experience with the park’s geology. This hike is a great for families and those looking for an easier adventure. I have taken my kids to hike this multiple times and they love to climb into the sandstone holes in the walls and play in the soft sand.
The best time to hike is in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. Make sure to pack a jacket because the tall walls offer ample shade and it can be cooler in the slot canyon than expected.
REMINDER: Avoid doing this hike if there is rain in the forecast. As this is a slot canyon, flash floods can happen and occur quickly making it dangerous to hike.
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Length: 4.4 miles (7.1 km) round trip
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Pet Friendly: No
- Trailhead Facilities: None
- Water Access: No
Lion’s Head
The Lion’s Head hike is actually not in Capitol Reef National park, but next door in Teasdale. This is a great one because your dog can join in on the fun and it’s less crowded. There is a large formation of rocks as the end of the trail which are fun to explore and climb on.
The best time of day would be in the morning or evening to avoid direct sun. Make sure to download the map ahead of time as the trail is less maintained and can be tricky to follow.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 1.9 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 183 ft
- Pet Friendly: Yes
- Trailhead Facilities: None
- Water Access: No
Where to Eat
Gifford Homestead: Located within the park, this historic site offers freshly baked pies, homemade bread, and locally made jams. It’s a great place for a picnic or to grab a quick, delicious snack.
Wild Rabbit Café: Located in Torrey, it is known for its fresh, healthy, and locally sourced ingredients. They offer a variety of dishes including sandwiches, salads, smoothies, and baked goods, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.
Rock Reef Café: Located in Torrey, it is a popular spot for its hearty American and southwestern cuisine. They offer a variety of dishes including burgers, steaks, and Mexican-inspired options. Known for its casual and friendly atmosphere, the café provides a comfortable dining experience with generous portions and flavorful meals.
Cafe Diablo: Also in Torrey, it is known for its creative and gourmet southwestern cuisine, this restaurant is a favorite for those looking for a unique dining experience. Their beautifully presented dishes and outdoor seating make it a must-visit.
Where To Stay
The Cabins at Capitol Reef: I love the Cabins at Capitol Reef and have stayed there many times. There are 3 different A-Frame cabins and they are extremely cozy and very well taken care of. You get an incredible view of Capitol Reef National Park and everything you could need during your stay.
Fruita Campground: The only developed campground within the park, offering a serene setting with shaded sites, picnic tables, and fire pits. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Capitol Reef Resort: This resort offers a range of accommodations including luxury cabins, teepees, and Conestoga wagons, all with stunning views of the red rock cliffs. Amenities include a pool, hot tub, and on-site restaurant.
Austin’s Chuckwagon Motel: A charming motel with clean, comfortable rooms and an old-west ambiance. It also features an on-site bakery and grocery store.
Red Sands Hotel: A modern hotel with spacious rooms, an indoor pool, hot tub, and an on-site restaurant. It offers beautiful views and easy access to the park.
