Capitol Reef

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: December 18, 1971

Annual Visitors: 1,422,490 visitors in 2024

Size: 241,904 acres

Location: Utah

Entrance Fee: $20 per vehicle, valid for 7 days

Notable Fact: Capitol Reef’s Fruita district is a historic oasis where Mormon pioneers planted fruit orchards still maintained by the NPS to this day.

Top Experiences in Capitol Reef

Hike the popular Hickman Bridge Trail.
Drive the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive.
Explore the Fruita District, stopping at Gifford House for fresh pies.
Watch the Sunset from Sunset Point.
Visit the Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon in Cathedral Valley.

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 summer. Summers, from July to September, can be very hot with a risk of monsoons, while winters offer solitude but limited services.