Utah National Parks

Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park

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General Info & Web sites

Capitol Reef National Park Capitol Reef National Park is known for its Waterpocket Fold. The Fold is a 100-mile stretch of buckled earth characterized by red cliffs, unique spires, and large domes. Despite its unique beauty, Capitol Reef is the least visited of Utah's five national parks.

 

Maps / Mileage Chart
  • NPS Printable Map
    Printable map of Capitol Reef.
  • Google Map
    Browser based map of the park. Click and drag maps to view adjacent sections immediately. View satellite images of the park that you can zoom and pan.

 

Photos
    Photography in Capitol Reef
  • Utah Collections
    A collection of pictures, videos and documents related to the park.
  • Go-Utah.com
    Capitol Reef National Park, Utah Photo Gallery - Beautiful photos, pictures, images
  • nps.gov
    US National Park Service photo gallery of Capitol Reef.
  • OhRanger.com
    Photos of Capitol Reef National Park.

 

Sights to See
Average Temperatures
January 41°F 18°F
February 48°F 24°F
March 56°F 30°F
April 66°F 38°F
May 76°F 47°F
June 87°F 55°F
July 92°F 62°F
August 89°F 61°F
September 81°F 53°F
October 68°F 42°F
November 53°F 30°F
December 42°F 21°F
  • The Behunin Cabin - On scenic Highway 24 on the south side of the road is the Behunin Cabin. In 1882 Elijah Cutler Behunin and his family built the cabin and stayed a brief time until the rising river washed out their crops.
  • Capitol Dome - The white dome of Navajo sandstone resembles the U.S. Capitol building in Washington DC.
  • Capitol Gorge - a narrow steep-walled canyon that extends for several miles southwards, and a pleasant foot trail runs along its base and passes some ancient Indian petroglyphs.
  • Cathedral Valley - an area of monolithic formations of Entrada and Curtis sandstones, some of which are 500 feet high.
  • Chimney Rock - an impressive pinnacle of Moenkopi Shale that rises from the desert.
  • The Fruita Schoolhouse - a restored and refurbished historic structure located on Utah Highway 24, .8 miles east of the visitor center.
  • The Golden Throne - a dome covered in a gold-colored Navajo Sandstone, which is particularly special because normally the sandstone is creamy white.
  • The Goosenecks - the snakelike switchbacks of Sulphur Creek carved into the rock as the Waterpocket Fold slowly lifted
  • Hickman Bridge - A large natural stone bridge that spans 133 feet and has an opening of 125 feet high. It takes a short hike to get to, with ancient "Rock Art" and ruins along the way.
  • The Historic Gifford Homestead - 1 mile south on the Scenic Drive, is typical of rural Utah farm-houses of the early 1900s and is open during the summer season.
  • Scenic Drive - a 20-mile round-trip drive that will take you past the Ripple Rock Nature Center and many of the park's features.
  • Waterpocket Fold - the main feature of the park, is a 100-mile-long fold in the earth's surface.

 

Park Activities

Biking
  • Capitol Reef Country
    Mountain Biking In Capitol Reef Country.
  • Go-Utah.com
    Complete mountain biking information for Capitol Reef National Park, Utah with maps, photos, trail descriptions, biking guides and outfitters, and more.
  • nps.gov
    National Park Service information about biking in the park.
  • Trails.Com: Mountain Biking
    Capitol Reef National Park Area Mountain Biking - Search for Trails by Map.
  • Utah.Com
    Capitol Reef National Park; where to ride in the Capitol Reef area.
Camping
  • Go-Utah.com
    RV Park and Campground Information for Capitol Reef National Park, Utah.
  • nps.gov
    US National Park Service information about camping in Capitol Reef.
  • Recreation.gov
    Camping options and reservations for camping in Capitol Reef National Park
  • Utah.com
    Campgrounds and camping fees in Capitol Reef National Park.
Climbing
  • nps.gov
    US National Park Service information about climbing in Capitol Reef.
  • Rockclimbing.com
    Find climbing areas and routes in Capitol Reef National Park and discover photos, user reviews, and detailed route info like climbing type and grade.
  • US-Parks.com
    National Parks Travel Guide about Capitol Reef National Park including Climbing.
  • Utah.com
    Rock climbing in Capitol Reef National Park, including routes, reglations and closures.
Hiking / Backpacking
  • Go-Utah.com
    Complete hiking information for Capitol Reef National Park, Utah with maps, photos, trail descriptions, guides and outfitters, and more.
  • nps.gov
    US National Park Service information about hiking in Capitol Reef.
  • Trails.com
    Capitol Reef National Park Hiking - Search for Trails by Map.

  • Utah.com
    Guide to hiking trails in Capitol Reef National Park.

Horseback Riding
  • Go-Utah.com
    Horseback riding is offered in the Capitol Reef National Park area.
  • nps.gov
    Private Horse & Mule Riding at Capitol Reef
  • US-Parks.com
    National Parks Travel Guide about Capitol Reef National Park including Horseback Riding.
  • Utah.com
    Horseback trail rides in and around Capitol Reef National Park.
Scenic Drives
  • Go-Utah.com
    Complete scenic drive information for Capitol Reef National Park, Utah with maps, photos, route descriptions and more.
  • nps.gov
    Capitol Reef National Park - Road Tours
  • Utah.com
    A road called the Scenic Drive winds through the heart of Capitol Reef National Park, allowing visitors to see many of the park's famous formation.
  • Visit Utah
    Nonstop Knockout Scenery: Seeing the best of the Capitol Reef National Park area by car.