Best trails in Capitol Reef National Park
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.
Top trails
Visitor info
Admits one private, non-commercial motorcycle and its riders.
Admits one individual with no car. Typically used for bicyclists and pedestrians.
An entrance fee is charged per vehicle.
Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle or motorcycle and all its occupants or riders.
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.
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
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.
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.
The Fruita Campground has 5 individual wheelchair accessible camping sites.
Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.
Guides
Trail reviews for Capitol Reef National Park
SPECTACULAR VIEWS 1 OF THE BEST TRAILHEADS in Capitol Reef Next would be Cassidy Arch, Hickman Bridge
Great way to explore capitol reef! We really enjoyed this hike! Just be sure to start early to avoid the heat
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.
Capitol reef is not that hot as arches. Hiked there just before going to sunset point for sunset. Beautiful 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.
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.
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Frequently asked questions
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Suitability
Points of interest
- Temple of the Moon
- Cathedral Mountain
- Morrell Cabin
- South Fruita Overlook
- Gypsum Sinkhole
- Arch
- Pioneer Register
- Fremont Gorge Overlook
- The Narrows
- Cedar Mesa Campground
- Cassidy Arch
- Upper South Desert Overlook
- Cheerios Double Arch
- North Fruita Overlook
- Mummy Cliff Lookout
- Mummy Cliff
- Navajo Knobs
- Above Temples Viewpoint
- Chimney Rock Overlook
- Upper Muley Twist Arch