Visiting a national park is on everyone’s bucket list, and Capitol Reef National Park remains a favorite choice. National parks provide a unique experience to tourists and can be a great way to escape from the bustle of daily life.
Each national park is different and Capitol Reef National Park has its own set of attractions. Visitors can choose from scenic drives to camping to hiking. If you’re planning a visit, then it’s best to plan your activities beforehand.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the top things to do in Capitol Reef National Park.
Go Hiking
Hiking can be an excellent way to experience the natural beauty of Capitol Reef. There are numerous hikes that you can choose from as well.
Over 15 hiking trails can be accessed near Fruita, at the centre of the national park, alone. Further, several other hiking trails also exist in more remote areas. Most of these hiking trails are day hikes that won’t take more than a few hours to complete.
For example, the Cassidy Arch trail is a popular hike with moderate difficulty. Hikers get the chance to stand on the stunning Cassidy Arch which forms a bridge between two elevated formations. Other popular hiking trails include The Grand Wash Trail or the Cohab Canyon Trail.
Camping in Fruita
Fruita can be considered the heart of the national park. It is home to several historic buildings, a visitor center, and many camping grounds, as well as the start of numerous hiking trails. Many visitors to Capitol Reef choose to camp overnight on these grounds.
There are a total of 71 camping sites in the area. Unfortunately, or fortunately, there is no electricity, no water connection, and no sewer hookups. Restrooms are available but they’re not equipped for showering.
The area was first settled in the 1800s. While most of the old buildings and structures are long gone, tourists can still see a one-room schoolhouse in Fruita that can evoke a sense of history. This building called the Gifford House, now sells local delicacies as well as handmade items such as jams and dolls.
Take Insta-worthy Photos
If it’s not on the Gram, then it didn’t happen. Luckily, the Capitol Reef offers umpteen opportunities for tourists to click great photographs. In fact, there are dedicated spots that you can visit to capture the best this national park has to offer.
Panorama Point can be accessed just off Highway 24. It’s an elevated area that offers a spectacular view of the park. You can also look at Highway 24 as it makes its way through Capitol Reef.
If you walk a bit further from Panorama Point, you can reach Sunset Point. Sunset Point, true to its name, is the best spot to capture the sunset. You get a great view of the park as the sunlight slowly recedes and fades away.
Join a Ranger Program
Self-driven activities are great, but if you want a guided tour of Capitol Reef and gain more insight into its history and geology, then participating in a ranger program can be a good option. The staff at Capitol Reef offers a variety of programs that can change throughout the year. You can enquire at the Visitor Center, mentioned earlier, once you arrive at Fruita.
For example, there’s a program that takes you through the geology of the area for those who are interested in how Capitol Reef got its name and shape. Kids can participate in a junior ranger program that provides them with a list of tasks that can be completed to earn a badge.
Experience Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
The Capitol Reef Scenic Drive refers to a 7.9-mile stretch that provides a snapshot of the beauty the area has to offer. This road is suitable for all kinds of passenger vehicles including RVs and can be travelled throughout the year. However, the road may be closed due to weather conditions such as ice, snow, flash floods, and mud.
This road has two offshoots – the Grand Wash and the Capitol Gorge. These roads allow you to enter canyons and access various hiking trails while offering breathtaking views.
Planning a Visit to Capitol Reef National Park
When you visit Capitol Reef, ensure that you check with the Visitor Center. They will alert you about any flash floods that can be a real danger in the area. Further, you can be informed about road and trail conditions.
If you’re planning a trip, the Cougar Ridge resort can be a great place to stay while you explore the national park. We have a variety of elegant accommodation options that will suit your needs. You can enjoy a spa day or have fun at a rodeo or a BBQ.
Check out our list of on-site and off-site amenities, or head over to the registration page.