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Best trails in Capitol Reef National Park

Best trails in Capitol Reef National Park

4.5(38,228 reviews)

·

United States
#19 of 60 national parks

Capitol Reef National Park is located in south-central Utah. Established in 1971, the park preserves 378 mi² (979 km²) and is open all year, although May through September are the most popular months. Capitol Reef National Park protects colorful canyons, ridges, buttes, and monoliths. Capitol Reef is the name of an especially rugged and spectacular part of the Waterpocket Fold near the Fremont River. These cliffs of Navajo Sandstone look somewhat like the United States Capitol building. These cliffs run from the Fremont River to Pleasant Creek on the Waterpocket Fold. The local word reef refers to rocky areas that are difficult to travel through.

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Visitor info

Hours & contact
Open 24 hours
Passes & fees
Starting at $10
Accessibility
General park hours
Every day • Open 24 hours
Phone
(435) 425-3791
Entrance pass
Motorcycle

Admits one private, non-commercial motorcycle and its riders.

$15
Per Person

Admits one individual with no car. Typically used for bicyclists and pedestrians.

$10
Private Vehicle

An entrance fee is charged per vehicle.

$20
Purchase pass
Annual pass
Park

Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle or motorcycle and all its occupants or riders.

$35
Purchase pass
All U.S. national parks

Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.

$80
Purchase pass
2025 Fee-free days

No entrance pass required on these days:

Monday, January 20 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 19 — First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day

Overview

The Interagency Access Pass is accepted here.

The Visitor Center is accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and has wheelchair accessible restrooms. Orientation films include closed captioning.

Audio descriptions and tactile exhibits are available.

Evening ranger-led programs at the Fruita Campground Amphitheater and talks at the visitor center, Ripple Rock Nature Center, Petroglyph Panel, or other overlooks are generally wheelchair accessible. However, ranger-led excursions usually travel along rugged terrain and are not wheelchair accessible.

Additional information about accessibility at Capitol Reef National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.

Facilities

The Visitor Center is accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and has wheelchair accessible restrooms. Orientation films include closed captioning.

The Scenic Drive Picnic Area is wheelchair accessible with packed, level paths and surfaces and accessible parking and restrooms.

Camping

The Fruita Campground has 5 individual wheelchair accessible camping sites.

Service animals

Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.

Trail reviews for Capitol Reef National Park

38,924 trailgoers Busiest in May
Aug 6, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

SPECTACULAR VIEWS 1 OF THE BEST TRAILHEADS in Capitol Reef Next would be Cassidy Arch, Hickman Bridge

Cohab to South Fruita Overlook
Jul 9, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

Great way to explore capitol reef! We really enjoyed this hike! Just be sure to start early to avoid the heat

Conditions: Dusty, Dry ground, Well maintained
Cohab Canyon Trail
Jun 30, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

This concluded our Mighty 5 and this was one of the best. Capitol Reef resort and the town are quite and so are the trails. This is what I really hoped for. The trail is extraordinary marked with natural stones piled here and there. No invasive commercialized dirt roads like in Bryce but real trails. We started hiking 6am and did it in 4.5h. We were almost the entire way up in the shade because the sun rises behind the big mountains. According to Garmin my estimated sweat loss was 2,972ml. I brought 2,700ml with me and it was perfect given the early start, otherwise you will need a lot more. The trail is very exposed to the sun after 8.30 am. Bringing salt is equally important. Many just rant about water but without salt you are equally screwed.

Navajo Knobs Trail
Jun 26, 2025
Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

Capitol reef is not that hot as arches. Hiked there just before going to sunset point for sunset. Beautiful views

Goosenecks Overlook Trail
Jun 13, 2025
Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

Best trail in Capitol Reef! Keep to the left. We went to the right and got off the trail for a bit. Best to download the map before hand.

Sunset Point Overlook Trail
Jun 10, 2025Hiking

WOW !! words just can't describe this trail. beyond gorgeous. fairly easy and flat after the initial climb on chimney Rock trail. we hiked to the slot which is approximately 4 miles in. however, there was quite a bit of water in the pools so we could only admire it from above. we also took a 1 mile- ish detour into a side canyon that was stunning. we returned to the chimney Rock trailhead. we hiked the entire day without seeing a soul except on the very beginning of the climb up Chimney Rock. this is my new favorite capitol reef trail.

Lower Spring Canyon Trail
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Capitol Reef National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Capitol Reef National Park is Hickman Bridge Trail, which has a 4.7 star rating from 8,681 reviews. This trail is 1.7 mi long with an elevation gain of 416 ft.

What is the longest trail in Capitol Reef National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Capitol Reef National Park is Halls Creek Canyon Trail. This trail is estimated to be 24.0 mi long.

How many trails are in Capitol Reef National Park?

There are 56 trails in Capitol Reef National Park. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 38,228 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Capitol Reef National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Capitol Reef National Park has you covered. Cathedral Valley Loop boasts the most elevation gain with 4,452 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Halls Creek Canyon Trail, which will get you 3,589 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Capitol Reef National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 8 camping trails in Capitol Reef National Park and the most popular is Fremont River Trail with an average 4.4 star rating from 528 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Capitol Reef National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 3 running trails in Capitol Reef National Park and the most popular is Hickman Bridge Trail with an average 4.7 star rating from 8,681 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Capitol Reef National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 3 biking trails in Capitol Reef National Park and the most popular is Fremont River Trail with an average 4.4 star rating from 528 community reviews.

What are the best summer hikes in Capitol Reef National Park?

What are the best fall hikes in Capitol Reef National Park?

Some popular fall hiking trails in Capitol Reef National Park are Hickman Bridge Trail, Grand Wash Trail via Northeast Trailhead, Cassidy Arch Trail, Chimney Rock Trail, and Navajo Knobs Trail.

What are the best winter hikes in Capitol Reef National Park?

What are the best spring hikes in Capitol Reef National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Capitol Reef National Park?

Yes, there are 9 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Capitol Reef National Park, including Hickman Bridge Trail, Rim Overlook Trail, Navajo Knobs Trail, Cohab Canyon Trail, and Frying Pan Trail and Grand Wash Trail.

Are there any trails with waterfalls in Capitol Reef National Park?

Yes, there are 2 trails with waterfalls in Capitol Reef National Park, including Sulphur Creek Waterfall Hike and Sulphur Creek Top-Down Route.

Are there any trails with ponds in Capitol Reef National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a pond in Capitol Reef National Park: Hamburger Rocks.

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Capitol Reef National Park?

Yes, there are 17 trails with scenic viewpoints in Capitol Reef National Park, including Chimney Rock Trail, Rim Overlook Trail, Navajo Knobs Trail, Cohab to South Fruita Overlook, and Sunset Point Overlook Trail.

Are there any trails with archaeological sites in Capitol Reef National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with an archaeological site in Capitol Reef National Park: Capitol Reef Petroglyph Trail.

Are there any trails with cliffs in Capitol Reef National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a cliff in Capitol Reef National Park: Chimney Rock Trail.

Are there any trails with gorges in Capitol Reef National Park?

Are there any trails with dams in Capitol Reef National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a dam in Capitol Reef National Park: Sulphur Creek Waterfall Hike.