Top Things to do in Capitol Reef National Park
The 10 Best Things to do Good for Couples in Capitol Reef National Park, Capitol Reef National Park
Petroglyphs are easily viewed from your car in this park in Utah.
1. Burr Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 238 reviews
Old cattle trail which is accessible by 4WD vehicles.
Reviewed By 931dianeh - Topeka, United States
This was an amazing ride, ending at the park boundary for Capital Reef, with the Waterpocket Fold viewed off in the distance. Go slow, then go slow again on the return, because it looks so different seeing it in reverse. So much to see, massive red rock walls, slot canyons, cottonwood groves, wildlife, echo chambers, meadows. This was a late afternoon ride for us, departing from Canyons of Escalante RV Park. At the tiny town of Boulder, look for the tiny sign indicating the start of the Burr Trail Road.
2. Strike Valley Overlook
3. The Hickman Bridge Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 392 reviews
A two-mile hike roundtrip leading to an arch.
Reviewed By TheGambianRPCV - Reynoldsburg, United States
This was one of the first hikes we accomplished with our eleven year old. There are some steep inclines, so proper footwear is a must. In addition, take too much water. If you think you have enough, take more. It gets hot but the end result is stunning and beautiful. We shared the site with a total of one other family. Fabulous. Great hike to get you going!
4. Sunset Point Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
A short trail with geological viewpoints and photo opportunities.
Reviewed By 949susannahw - Cleveland, United States
The red rocks at the top are amazing, especially to see how they are stacked together. They look like they could fall at any minute. The views from this overlook are breathtaking! Nice hike up from the parking lot...just .4 mile one way.
5. Grand Wash Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 140 reviews
Reviewed By TravelBoss79 - Salt Lake City, United States
If you stay in the Grand Wash, its an easy pretty flat hike. Great scenery, very similar to the Capitol Gorge area. If you head up the Cassidy Arch trail, it's much tougher!
6. Capitol Gorge Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 192 reviews
Reviewed By workhardplayhard27 - Mantorville, United States
This was one of my favorite parts of Capitol Ref National Park. This trail is at the far end of the scenic drive. I saw a number of cars turning around and heading back. They missed out on a terrific experience. The drive through the gorge is amazing with sheer cliffs and beautiful rock formations. You will definitely want to hike up to the Tanks from the trailhead. It is a fairly steep hike, but well worth your time.
7. Capitol Reef National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,633 reviews
Reviewed By BruinDan - Fullerton, United States
Of the famous Utah “Mighty Five” national parks, Capitol Reef is probably the most remote and by far the least-known and least-visited of the Five. That’s a shame because Capitol Reef has a unique beauty and attraction all its own. It is one of the few places in this country where if you stand in one spot within the park, you can see the bright blue Utah sky, white and red sandstone cliffs, lush green riverbanks, and the colorful spots of vegetation along a desert floor. Although it is in a remote part of Utah, Capitol Reef NP is actually easy to find once you get on Utah state highway 24, as this road goes right through the park. You can actually visit much of the park free of charge; you’ll need to pay an entrance fee (or show your National Park Pass) if you wish to take the Scenic Drive (which you should absolutely do). Capitol Reef is also the kind of national park that can be enjoyed no matter how much time you have. If you have a half day, you can take the 8 mi/13 km Scenic Drive and then explore the historic Fruita district, where you can pick fruit from their orchards during harvest season. When in Fruita you should definitely stop at the Gifford Homestead for their delicious pie. If you have a full day, you can visit their ancient petroglyphs and take one of the popular hikes near Fruita, like Hickman Bridge. If you have more than one day, you can add some hikes in the Capitol Gorge and Grand Wash areas (like Cassidy Arch), and perhaps take one of unpaved roads to explore the back country. However you visit Capitol Reef National Park, you will no doubt enjoy the natural beauty and smaller crowds at this underrated Utah gem. Highly recommended!
8. 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)
9. 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.
10. 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.
