Top Things to do in Capitol Reef National Park
10 Sights & Landmarks in Capitol Reef National Park That You Shouldn't Miss
Petroglyphs are easily viewed from your car in this park in Utah.
1. Mesa Farm Market
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
We are farmers. We grow the food we sell. We serve fresh organic vegetables and salads. We bake artisan bread each day in our wood fired stone oven. We make fresh cheese from the milk our goats give us. We also serve a darn good cup of coffee. Stop and sit on our porch and enjoy some good food.
2. Scenic Drive
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By BruinDan - Fullerton, United States
A major highlight of any visit to Capitol Reef National Park is the Scenic Drive. It is a 7.9 mi/12.7 km paved road that winds through the heart of Capitol Reef, allowing visitors to see many of the park’s famous formations. Along the route are two dirt spur roads (Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge) that provide access to several popular trailheads. NOTE that while the spur roads are normally suitable for regular passenger vehicles, you should check with the Visitor Center for road conditions, especially during or after periods of inclement weather. One unique element of Capitol Reef National Park is you can see much of it free of charge, as a public highway (Utah State Route 24) runs through a portion of the park. The Scenic Drive, however, does require an entrance fee or a National Park Pass. The drive begins near the Visitor Center, where you can pick up a guide to sights along the route. You have to be careful if you are the driver along the Scenic Drive, because you will be distracted. Views ranging from interesting to spectacular can be seen in every direction. You’ll see sheer sandstone cliffs and exposed layers of rocks and shale that have been carved by natural forces into remarkable shapes. Use the many turnouts to linger and take photos. NOTE that the road is not a loop; when you get to the end (Capitol Gorge) turn around and come back the way you came. Is the entrance fee to the Scenic Drive worth it? Absolutely, because the drive demonstrates the essence of what makes Capitol Reef National Park so special.
3. Grand Wash Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By KendianaJones
I had no idea what there was to see in Capitol Reef NP until we got there and talked to a ranger. We read some history of the place, then drove down the scenic drive, all the way along Grand Wash Road to the end. We marveled at how a road had been made through the canyon, with steep walls on both sides. It was simply amazing. We didn't take the time to hike, but we ended up stopping several times to get out of the car and take pictures. We had an AWD vehicle, but saw several sedans there also. Do not attempt this drive when it is wet or might rain.
4. Gifford Homestead
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 232 reviews
The National Park Service has renovated and refurnished the Gifford farmhouse as a cultural demonstration site to interpret the early Mormon settlement of the Fruita valley. The house depicts the typical spartan nature of rural Utah farm homes of the early 1900's. In addition to the farmhouse, the Gifford homestead includes a barn, smokehouse, garden, pasture, and rock walls.
Reviewed By MicheleTheOT - Wylie, United States
The mixed berry and strawberry rhubarb pies were excellent! You will not be disappointed by this tasty treat! The only thing that would have made it better would be if they also sold coffee or hot chocolate or some kind of beverage to go along with the pie! We drove back to a nearby convenience store to get a coffee but had we known, would have gotten the coffee on the way to Gifford Homestead.
5. Fruita
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 200 reviews
Reviewed By G7071LWsusanr - New York, United States
Visit the homestead, they have the hose set up as a gift shop with the old stove and artifacts from family who lived there in the past. DO drive down the scenic drive, it is awe-inspiring and leads to some great hiking trails (Butch Cassidy Arch, Great Wash)
6. Fremont Petroglyphs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 295 reviews
Reviewed By workhardplayhard27 - Mantorville, United States
Just a quick stop off of the highway to see a bit of Native American history/culture. It is a very short walk on a boardwalk. If you have binoculars, bring them for looking higher on the cliff. This well worth a quick stop.
7. Behunin Cabin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By Beckenstein - San Marcos, United States
Can you imagine raising 13 kids in this? Ya, me neither. But this amazing Mormon pioneer family did just that. I was told at the Gifford House that in summer, the boys slept outside. Just the feat of building anything in this remote location gets all my respect. Pull over and get out and read about it. Pretty impressive what these trail-blazing people did.
8. Cassidy Arch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 134 reviews
Reviewed By KirkB543 - West Point, United States
Was glad to finally check this off the bucket list. Excellent views. Recommend you do this in early morning or a time of year when temperatures are lower. A lot of elevation gain to get up to the arch.
9. Larb Hollow Overlook
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
On our drive on scenic highway 12, we stopped at Larb Overlook to see the panoramic views The view is awesome I also liked seeing the cows in the area - this is free range area, so you will find the cows in many different unique areas.
10. Pioneer Register
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By txpackerfan10 - Arlington, United States
Stopped up here for the walk. Was fairly neat to see all the log ins. Couldn’t imagine that walk back in the day with a wagon
