Capitol Reef

Overview

Capitol Reef National Park protects the Waterpocket Fold, a nearly 100-mile wrinkle in the Earth's crust where colorful rock layers have been tilted, folded, and exposed by erosion into a stunning cross-section of 270 million years of geologic history. The park stretches long and narrow along this fold, with layered cliffs of red Wingate sandstone, white Navajo domes (which early settlers thought resembled Capitol building rotundas), and deep slot canyons cutting through the uplift. The historic Fruita district, centered around a pioneer settlement along the Fremont River, is the park's heart. Visitors can pick cherries, apricots, and peaches from heritage orchards planted by Mormon settlers in the 1880s — one of the only national parks where fruit picking is encouraged. The Scenic Drive south of Fruita passes Capitol Dome and the Golden Throne before dead-ending at a trailhead for Capitol Gorge, where narrow canyon walls bear 1,000-year-old Fremont petroglyphs. Capitol Reef is often called the quiet park in Utah's Mighty Five. While Zion and Arches draw millions, Capitol Reef offers similar red rock grandeur with a fraction of the visitors, no entrance reservation requirements, and a laid-back atmosphere. The Cathedral Valley district in the park's north end, accessible only by high-clearance road, contains monolithic sandstone formations rising from an empty desert floor.

Things to Do

• Pick fruit in the Fruita heritage orchards
• Hike Capitol Gorge to the pioneer register
• Drive the scenic road past Capitol Dome
• Explore Cathedral Valley by 4WD
• Hike to Hickman Bridge natural arch
• Photograph the Waterpocket Fold from Strike Valley Overlook
• Backpack through slot canyons after dry weather

Wildlife

Keep an eye out for these animals during your visit:

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Hot summers with highs around 90-100°F, comfortable spring and fall in the 60-80°F range, and cold winters. Flash flood danger in narrow canyons during monsoon season (July-September).