Your cart is currently empty!
Quick Facts | Top Experiences | Best time to Visit | Guides
Capitol Reef National Park in south-central Utah is a geological wonderland, best known for the magnificent Waterpocket Fold, a nearly 100-mile-long wrinkle in the Earth’s crust. Beyond this defining feature, you’ll find a park with vibrant canyons, towering domes, dramatic cliffs, and the historic, lush orchards of the Fruita district.
Capitol Reef Quick Facts
Native Lands: Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute), Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute), and Timpanogos (Native Land Digital)
Founded:Â December 18, 1971
Annual Visitors:Â 1,422,490 visitors in 2024
Size:Â 241,904 acres
Location: Utah
Entrance Fee:Â $20 per vehicle, valid for 7 days
Top Experiences in Capitol Reef
- Hike the popular Hickman Bridge Trail.
- Drive the Scenic Drive and Spur Roads.
- Explore the Fruita District and Enjoy Homemade Pie.
- Watch the Sunset from Sunset Point.
- Journey into the northern Cathedral Valley to see the Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon.
Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef
The best time to visit Capitol Reef National Park is generally during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to October). During these shoulder seasons, the weather is pleasantly mild for hiking and exploring, and while popular, crowds are typically more manageable than in the peak summer months. Summers, from July to September, can be very hot with a risk of monsoons, while winters offer solitude but limited services.
Capitol Reef National Park Guides
Capitol Reef Videos
Watch us explore Capitol Reef National Park on YouTube!