Top Things to do in Capitol Reef National Park
What to do and see in Capitol Reef National Park, Capitol Reef National Park: The Best Free Things to do
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. Cathedral Valley Loop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
60-mile Strenuous Biking Trail.
Reviewed By lcpearce
The Cathedral Valley Loop is a 60 mile, rugged back-country drive through BLM land, requiring one river ford and several wash crossings. The road, though washboarded and rocky, can be slowly negotiated by high-clearance passenger cars such as an SUV provided it hasn't rained recently. We opted to take a guided tour and felt that it was well worth the money to not have to worry about negotiating the rocks, gullies and river. Our guide picked us up in Torrey at 5:00 am so that we could arrive at the Temples of the Sun and Moon in time for sunrise photography. The temples are two large, isolated orange fins jutting up out of the desert landscape, and surrounded in the background by a half-moon of cliff faces. It was spectacular to see the fins as the rising sun illuminated them with red and oranges colors. Further on, make a stop at the Cathedral Valley overlook (picnic tables, outhouses) for a panoramic view of the valley studded with sculpted monoliths, towers and cliffs. Short side trips to Glass Mountain and The Gypsum Sinkhole are possible if you have the time. Take food and water and have a full tank of gas. A tow-out if you get stuck is $1250!
4. 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.
5. Notom Road Scenic Backway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By gleasonl - Cottonwood, United States
This drive is OUTSTANDING! The road is paved for the first 10 miles or so, and then turns to a graded, well maintained, two-lane dirt road. There are numerous sites, hikes, and attractions listed on the self-guided tour pamphlets available at the Visitors Center. If you so desire you can complete the entire loop in one day which would include the Notom Road (heading South), Burr Trail (dirt and paved road heading West), Boulder Utah, Hwy 12 Scenic Drive North to Torrey, UT., and then back (East) to Capital Reef National Park. The full adventure will take most of the day. So plan a picnic, bring your camera, and plenty of water. Enjoy this ADVENTURE.
6. Navajo Knobs Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By riverlovers
ABSOLUTELY STUNNING! Rim overlook is gorgeous. Steady, gradual uphill to the knobs. Follow the cairns which are well placed and easy to follow. Would be very hot in summer, exposed sandstone for quite a ways. Keep a look out for big horn sheep. View from knobs is amazing , on a clear day,, u cdn see forever...but u don't have to scramble to top of knobs for great view. We did, at this time, rocks were very sturdy and fairly easy to climb. Perhaps not for the faint of heart! If one was short on time, rim overlook is fabulous on its own.
7. Waterpocket Fold
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
100-mile Scenic Area Of Geological Ridges And Waves.
Reviewed By Travelbugsforlife
We were told when in Capitol reef we must see the Waterpocket fold so when we arrived at the visitor center and asked where to see it, she basically told us the entire side of the highway was it. You can't not see it when in town.
8. Cathedral Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Scenic area accessible by dirt road vehicles or hikers.
Reviewed By 351richardc - Phoenix, United States
If you just want to go to the two temples do the loop counter clockwise. You depart highway 24 at the West 490 sign. At the time of this writing that sign is down so if you’re coming from the west you’ll be making a left hand turn about a mile after the 97 mileage marker on to Caineville Wash Road. It’s about 26 miles to the Temples from there. I got there at dawn on the advice of two local guides. I don’t think you have to be there quite that early but if you do you should have the place to yourself. If it’s dry you don’t need four wheels but high clearance is necessary. I would stop at the Park visitor center and ask for a detailed map of the loop which they keep under the counter.
9. 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!
10. Goosenecks Overlook
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 222 reviews
A short hike with geological viewpoints and photo opportunities.
Reviewed By paulsY5534PS
If you are treading east from Torrey on hwy 24 as we were, you enter the park by the Twin Rocks (not as impressive as the twin rocks in Blanding UT) and the orientation pullout. Just up the road is chimney rock to the north and the paved parking lot fro Panarama Point, To get to the Goosenecks, keep left at the parking lot and follow the dirt road a mile up to the parking lot. I think the park service purposely leaves the vey first part rough washboards to discourage people from going up the road. It really is in dencet shape after the first 100 yards or so and easily passable by the lowest passenger car. Watch children as it is just a short walk up to the rim where the world drops away dramatically to Sulphur Creek about 1000 feet below. Compared to the crowds at the visitor center area and in the Grand Wash, we had the Goosenecks all to ourselves. The geologic term for this formation is entrenched meander. Other examples may be seen at Horsehoe Bend (Page, AZ) and Goosenecks State Park (Mexican Hat, UT). Another park trail starts here as well. The only drawback is the trail is dirt with rocks and roots so is not accessible and a hill blocks the view from the lot. I know park budgets never have enough, but it would be nice if they would make ithe trail graded and mutisurface so everyone could enjoy the view.
