Explore USA 2019 - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you.
reviewed 
Astonishing rock formations
Captain’s Log 3/14/21: Our ship crashed into the outskirts of desert during a snowstorm of all things last night, so we hunkered down for the night before heading out to explore and get our bearings the next day. First Mate Jean Fish and I set out this morning to explore our surroundings, and were immediately struck with awe by the behemoth cliffs of red rock on one side and a landscape of snow covered red hills and canyons rising into the air until abruptly dropping off into more cliffs on the other. Smaller red monoliths jutted out of the snow covered desert at their feet. We found and followed a river winding its way along the base of the great cliffs. As we followed the river deeper into the canyons, we began to see signs of what looks like once verdant life. Perhaps there is hope here after all, and we are not doomed by this strange beauty.
Road closed.
Several Turnout and multiple trails along this drive.
Several Turnout and multiple trails along this drive.
Several Turnout and multiple trails along this drive.
Easy drive - my low Subaru Impreza only scraped once and it was partly my fault. Beautiful views.
Easy drive. Highly recommend going down the Capitol Gorge and the Grand Wash gravel roads. The Bookstore at the Visitor Center is being remodeled, so the $2 Driving Tour pamphlet is not available. It would be better to have the information so you know what you are looking at as you drive thru. There is some limited info on the NPS pamphlet and the paper map.
This was a really nice drive. Like other reviewers have mentioned, I would recommend driving down the Capitol Gorge section (unpaved, dirt road). Very scenic and beautiful.
The deeper we went into the park the more impressive it was! Head down to Capitol Gorge for a cool driving experience with towering walls on either side of you.
Wonderful geological features and a pleasant drive with very less people in your way.
Short drive but pretty!
Beautiful scenic drive - hugely worth it! Much shorter than the ranger said though - it took us around 30 min rather than 2 hours. Also recommend going off-road in the unpaved section at the end and doing the Capitol Gorge Trail. Really great morning spent!
Go beyond the paved roads for even more spectacular views!!! I did it in my lil Toyota Camry
The scenic drive was worth seeing. The interpretive guide (available at the visitor center book store) was very helpful in explaining the geology and history of Capitol Reef. The last two miles through Capitol Gorge are on a dirt road that follows an old pioneer trail.
Nice drive with pull outs. Great views.
Very nice!
Only had the afternoon to spend in Capitol Reef and this was the perfect way to see the area! Absolutely gorgeous views of the park, would definitely recommend. Will be back sometime in the future when the fruit orchards are open :)
Gorgeous scenic drive!
Most of this is a paved road for any car with some nice views. At the last paved parking area there is a dirt road that takes you to the gorge. There is a sign that states “vehicles 27’ and under” I would heed this. We were in a 24’ class C and made it with little issue, but once you commit with anything this big there is almost no turning back. That said this section of the drive is flipping amazing and not to be missed,
This is a pretty drive, but honestly I think the free drive on Highway 24 from east to west is even better. But you have to do this if you visit Capitol Reef, and it does take you to some good hikes.
Fantastic. Capitol gorge at the end of the scenic drive is really, really great if you have 4x4. Some tougher cars might be able to handle it. Grab some pie at Gifford House. Cinnamon rolls go quicker in the morning. They have a lunch break from 12-1.
