Parks / Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park
National Park · UT
Located in south-central Utah in the heart of red rock country, Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden treasure filled with cliffs, canyons, domes, and bridges in the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline (a wrinkle on the earth) extending almost 100 miles.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (5)
Elevated E. Coli levels - Fremont River and Sulphur Creek
Recent water quality testing shows elevated E. coli levels in the Fremont River and Sulphur Creek. A warning advisory has been issued by the Utah DEQ. Use caution if entering the water. Do not get water in your mouth, do not swim. Wash hands with soap and water.
Special Event: September 19 & 26, 2026 - Temporary Closures of Scenic Drive
Reef Ride Bike Days: For this special event in honor of National Public Lands Day, the Scenic Drive will be closed to motor vehicles for part of the day on Saturday, September 19 and Saturday, September 26, 2026. The road will be closed to vehicles from sunrise to 3 pm to allow for bicycles and pedestrians to enjoy the road at a more leisurely pace. The main road through the park (UT highway 24) - will remain open and unaffected by this closure.
Monsoon Season & Flash Floods
Heavy rains can cause sudden flooding, especially in canyons and washes. Do not drive or hike through flood waters. Get to high ground and wait for floods to subside. Some roads may close temporarily; closures are posted at the visitor center.
Stage II Fire Restrictions
Stage II fire restrictions are in effect until further notice. Campfires including charcoal are not permitted, even in established fire rings. Smoking is only permitted within an enclosed vehicle. Gas or liquid fueled portable camp stoves are still permitted.
Annual/Seasonal Canyoneering Closures
The following are closed to entry through 8/31/2026 to protect sensitive resources: the heads of Fivemile Wash & Burro Wash descending east 2 miles; Shinob Canyon + all routes descending into Shinob (including Na-gah, Nighthawk, & Timpie); and Arch Nemesis Canyon, including the route exiting at Capitol Gorge + all direct tributary canyons.
Entrance Fees
An entrance fee is charged for Capitol Reef National Park. The fee depends on how a visitor arrives at the park, and whether they are part of a commercial or guided tour.
The Capitol Reef National Park Annual pass costs $35.00. Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle, including motorcycles, and all its occupants.
Campgrounds (5)
Backcountry Camping
A free backcountry permit, available at the visitor center, is required for camping outside of campgrounds. Capitol Reef offers many hiking options for serious backpackers and those who enjoy exploring remote areas. For more information on possible backpacking routes, route descriptions and maps are available on our hiking and backpacking page.
Fruita Campground
The 71 site Fruita campground is the only developed campground in the park, offering picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, water and a dump station. A $25 nightly fee is charged. It is open year-round. Campsites are reservable year-round; visit www.recreation.gov to make a reservation. Reservations are accepted 6 months ahead of time. The busy season is mid March through October when the campground is typically fully booked. In the winter, there is less demand and it is easy to secure a campsite.
Details →Group Campsite
The Group Campsite is a secluded site located near the Fruita Campground and can accommodate a maximum of 40 people. It may be reserved through www.recreation.gov up to one year in advance. The Fruita Group Campsite is open from mid-April to mid-October. It is closed every Tuesday and Wednesday nights for maintenance. The nightly rate is $125.
Primitive campsites at Cathedral Campground
It is located approximately halfway on the Cathedral Valley Loop Road. About 36 miles (57.9 km) from the visitor center, this primitive, no-fee campground has 6 sites, each with a picnic table and fire grate. There is a pit toilet, but no water available. The campground is open year-round; however, visitors should check road conditions with the Capitol Reef Visitor Center prior to planning an overnight stay. The campground is at ~7,000 feet (2,133 m) in elevation, No reservations; first-come, first-served.
Details →Primitive campsites at Cedar Mesa Campground
It is located approximately 23 miles (37.0 km) south of Utah State Highway 24 on the Notom-Bullfrog Road and is at 5,500 feet (1,676 m) in elevation. This primitive, no-fee campground has five sites, each with a picnic table and fire grate. There is also a pit toilet, but no water is available. The campground is open year-round, but visitors should check with the Capitol Reef Visitor Center for road conditions prior to planning an overnight stay. No reservations; first-come, first-served.
Details →Upcoming Events
Telescope Viewing
Sep 2, 2026 · Meet at the Gifford House lawn. The Gifford House is located one mile (1.6 km) south of the visitor center on the Scenic Drive.
Telescope Viewing
Sep 3, 2026 · Meet at the Gifford House lawn. The Gifford House is located one mile (1.6 km) south of the visitor center on the Scenic Drive.
Telescope Viewing
Sep 4, 2026 · Meet at the Gifford House lawn. The Gifford House is located one mile (1.6 km) south of the visitor center on the Scenic Drive.
Special Kids Program
Sep 5, 2026 · The Ripple Rock Nature Center is located ~3/4 mile down the Scenic Drive from the visitor center.
Evening Program
Sep 5, 2026 · The Fruita campground amphitheater is located near Loop C of the Fruita campground. The campground is two miles (3.2 km) south of the visitor center on the Scenic Drive.
Special Kids Program
Sep 5, 2026 · The Ripple Rock Nature Center is located ~3/4 mile down the Scenic Drive from the visitor center.
Special Kids Program
Sep 6, 2026 · The Ripple Rock Nature Center is located ~3/4 mile down the Scenic Drive from the visitor center.
Special Kids Program
Sep 6, 2026 · The Ripple Rock Nature Center is located ~3/4 mile down the Scenic Drive from the visitor center.
Star Talk
Sep 9, 2026 · The Campground Amphitheater is located approximately 1.2 miles (1.9 km) south of the Capitol Reef Visitor Center, along the Scenic Drive.
Evening Program - Nocturnal Animals
Sep 9, 2026 · The Fruita campground amphitheater is located near Loop C of the Fruita campground. The campground is two miles (3.2 km) south of the visitor center on the Scenic Drive.
Star Talk
Sep 10, 2026 · The Campground Amphitheater is located approximately 1.2 miles (1.9 km) south of the Capitol Reef Visitor Center, along the Scenic Drive.
Astronomy Evening Program
Sep 10, 2026 · The Fruita campground amphitheater is located near Loop C of the Fruita campground. The campground is 1.2 miles (1.9 km) south of the visitor center on the Scenic Drive.
Heritage Starfest 2026
Sep 11, 2026
Reef Ride Bike Days 2026
Sep 19, 2026 · Bike ride is along the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, starting just past the Fruita Campground.
Reef Ride Bike Days 2026
Sep 26, 2026 · Bike ride is along the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, starting just past the Fruita Campground.
Things to Do
Bicycle Touring
Bicycling touring in Capitol Reef offers opportunities to explore paved and unpaved roads throughout the park. Explore colorful canyons, beautiful vistas of red rock country, and the verdant Fruita Historic District by bicycle.
Driving the Burr Trail
Drive the scenic Burr Trail from Glen Canyon's Bullfrog district, along the bottom of Capitol Reef, through Grand Staircase, to Boulder, UT. Distance: 67 miles (108 km) one-way Mix of paved and dirt roads, impassable when wet Four-wheel drive sometimes required. No RVs.
Hike an Easy or Moderate Trail
Hike an easy or moderate trail to see panoramic views or to experience a deep sandstone canyon.
Hike a Strenuous Trail
Hike a strenuous trail to view dramatic geologic formations and spectacular vistas.
Hike Cathedral Valley
Explore Cathedral Valley by foot. These hikes are accessible only by rough unpaved roads. A high clearance vehicle is necessary and four-wheel drive is recommended at times.
Hike in the South (Waterpocket) District
Get to know the South (Waterpocket) District on foot by hiking an easy trail or strenuous backcountry route. Many of these hikes are accessible only by unpaved roads.
Picnic
Enjoy a picnic in Capitol Reef National Park! In the Fruita Historic District, look for the Doc Inglesby and Chesnut picnic areas, as well as tables and a water fountain near the Gifford House. At the end of Capitol Gorge Road, off the Scenic Drive, there are covered picnic tables as well as a pit toilet.
Scenic Drive Tour
Take Capitol Reef's Scenic Drive, and experience colorful cliffs and deep narrow canyons from the comfort of your vehicle.
Stargaze
Capitol Reef protects extremely dark night skies, and is a wonderful place to stargaze.
Visit the Petroglyph Panel
From 600 to 1300 C.E., native people of the Fremont Culture made their home at Capitol Reef. Petroglyphs carved into the Wingate sandstone remind us of their time.
Watch the Sunset
Watch the sunset from various scenic points in Capitol Reef. Take an easy stroll or a strenuous hike as the sun goes down. Don't forget to bring a headlamp.
Visitor Centers
- Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center
Source: National Park Service.