8 Incredible Things to do in Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef is often the most overlooked National Park in Utah, but it’s actually one of my favorite National Parks. The fact that this park is so frequently overlooked is part of the reason that it’s so special. Can you believe that many people are still unaware that this amazing national park even exists? Well, it’s true. And for now, that’s part of the reason that Capitol Reef is still the least crowded park in Utah.
So if you’re looking for a spot to escape the crowds in Utah, this place will certainly deliver. While more people are learning about Capitol Reef and it’s growth in popularity, for now the park remains a great respite from the hustle and bustle that you’ll find at Utah’s other National Parks.
Recently, I wrote a blog post ranking Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks from best to worst (you can find that link just below) and it was no surprise that Capitol Reef National Park placed in the #2 spot! We LOVED this national park and after you visit, I know you will too!
Is your trip to Capitol Reef a part of a larger trip to Utah? You may also be interested in these articles:
Utah’s Mighty 5 Ranked Best to Worst
How to Spend 36 Hours in Arches National Park
Everything You Need to Know about Bryce Canyon’s Fairyland Loop
Enjoy Zion National Park without the Hassle of the Shuttle System
Getting to Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is located pretty much in the middle of the state of Utah, right outside the small town of Torrey.
In you’re considering flying, the best airports to fly into are either Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) or McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas (LAS).
From Salt Lake City, the drive to Capitol Reef is about 3.5 hours while the drive from Las Vegas is about 5 hours but you’ll pass two other amazing Utah National Parks on your way: Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park.
Read Next:
How to Secure Zion Shuttle Tickets and What to do When You Can’t
Everything You Need to Know About Hiking Bryce Canyon’s Fairyland Loop
8 Incredible Things to do in Capitol Reef National Park
#1 – Take a Hike to Cassidy Arch
One of the most popular things to do in Capitol Reef National Park is hike to the impressive Cassidy Arch. The trail itself is 3.1 miles round trip and climbs over 600 feet. The first part of the trail is quite a climb but after the first 0.75 miles it levels out a little bit and then becomes a “find your own route” climb over sandstone rock before reaching the top of Cassidy Arch. This hike will definitely challenge those with a fear of heights but it’s so worth it!
This arch is also unique, compared to other arches in Utah, because you can safely walk out on top of the arch for a picture if you want!
The trail can become very busy in the middle of the day so make sure you go either early or late to avoid most of the crowds.
#2 – Explore the Grand Wash Trail
Actually my favorite trail in Capitol Reef National Park, Grand Wash is so unexpectantly beautiful. This hike is 2.1 miles one-way or 4.2 miles round trip through a wash that traverses through a canyon. As you hike, you’ll be able to admire the impressive red rock cliffs on either side of you.
If you hike this trail either in the morning or late afternoon (anytime the sun isn’t directly overhead), you’ll have plenty of shade and the canyon will actually be a nice respite from the desert heat. That’s part of what makes this trail so special.
The Grand Wash Trail is also very flat and perfect for all levels of hikers. You really must add this one to your list of things to do in Capitol Reef!
#3 – Or, Take the Grand Wash, Cassidy Arch, Frying Pan Loop
Combine the Grand Wash Trail, Cassidy Arch Trail, and Frying Pan Trail (and part of the road) to create an epic 10.4 mile loop trail.
When we first got to Capitol Reef National Park, we stopped at the visitor center and asked the park ranger for recommended trails. After telling her we had a full day to hike, she immediately suggested that we combine these three trails in addition to 2.5 miles on the road to create an epic loop past some of Capitol Reef’s most scenic areas. And it was such a great hike!
All About the Grand Wash, Cassidy Arch, and Frying Pan Loop
To hike this loop, start at the Grand Wash Trailhead off of Highway 24 a few miles from the Visitor Center. From here, you’ll hike 2.1 miles through a flat wash with stunning cliff walls on either side of you. You’ll really love this portion of the trail!
After the first couple of miles, look for the Cassidy Arch Trail sign. This is when the climbing will begin, you’ll climb over 600 feet to reach Cassidy Arch, about 1.2 mile before Cassidy Arch, you’ll see the split off for the Frying Pan Trail. But make sure you take the extra 1/2 mile to Cassidy Arch before starting the Frying Pan Trail- it’s worth it.
The Frying Pan Trail is 3.2 miles of ups and downs with incredible views of Capitol Reef National Park. There is very little protection from the sun on this portion of the trail so make sure that you bring LOTS OF WATER and put sunscreen on before your hike (trust me). After finishing the Frying Pan portion of the hike, you’ll reach Highway 24 again, but this time you’ll be 2.5 miles away from your car.
If you have a buddy, you can have them pick you up at this point, or walk the easy 2.5 miles back to your car. There’s plenty of room on the side of the road to walk & and step to the side when a car is coming, so if you’re being aware and careful – it’s perfectly safe to walk on the side of the road.
I cannot recommend this trail route through Capitol Reef National Park enough. You’ll get to see so much of what the park has to offer. Definitely make time for this on your trip to Capitol Reef National Park.
#3 – See Hickman Bridge
Hickman Bridge is another one of the most popular things to see in Capitol Reef National Park. I really wanted to do this hike while we were in Capitol Reef but it didn’t work out this time. The pictures that I see online look amazing!
The trailhead for this beautiful arch is located only a couple of miles from the visitor center and the parking lot fills up very quickly. Be prepared for difficulty locating a parking spot.
This trail is only 1.8 miles out-and-back and is rated as moderate. It’s a very popular hike for families so it’s safe to say that you can expect it to be crowded. But if you’ve got kids with you, this must be a great one to check out!
#5 – Camp Right By the Fruita Orchards
In the middle of the desert of Capitol Reef National Park, you’ll find an oasis in the Fruita District. The Freemont River flows through this area and brings life and growth to this valley surrounded by barren red rocks. This fruitful area was first settled by Mormon settlers who established a community, school, and orchards.
These orchards are still maintained by the National Park Service and fun fact, it’s free to sample when you’re enjoying the orchards. If you’re visiting during harvest season, that is. But if you want to leave the orchard with any fruit, you’re asked to pay for it.
Located adjacent to these orchards is the Fruita Campground. We stayed 2 nights in this campground and it was one of my favorite campgrounds we’ve ever stayed in. From your campsite, you can see the beautiful red rock cliffs, listen to the river flow nearby, watch horses graze, & pick and eat fresh fruit.
The campground is very well maintained and is the best place to stay if you want easy access to all of the wonderful things to do in Capitol Reef National Park. Did you know that Capitol Reef is also considered a dark sky park? Meaning that it’s one of the best places to stargazing and maybe see the Milky Way. Even more reason to spend a night in the park.
#6 – Eat PIE (or a Cinnamon Roll)
During your visit to Fruita, it is ESSENTIAL that you stop at the famous Gifford Homestead and pick up your own personal pie! Here you’ll find a selection of locally made pies for only $6 each. We picked up a mixed berry and an apple pie and they were both AMAZING! Be aware that they will sell out so make this one of your first stops in the park so you don’t miss out.
If you arrive early in the day, you may even be able to grab one of their delicious cinnamon rolls! They have a limited number of cinnamon rolls available each day. We tried going at 9 AM one day and they were already out of rolls. The next day, we tried again right when they opened at 8 AM and were able to get two rolls!
The Gifford Homestead is open from March 14 (Pi Day) to October 31 each year. Their hours are 8AM – 5PM most days.
#7 – Explore the Dirt Roads of Capitol Reef
If you’ve got a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle, I’m super jealous. Randy and I have been researching 4×4 vehicles in our free time, but who knows if we’ll ever bite the bullet. We’ve got two perfectly good 2-wheel drive vehicles right now, so doesn’t make a lot of sense to buy one right now… but maybe one day.
Anyway, if you’ve got a good set up for hitting the dirt roads, there’s so much more for you to see in Capitol Reef!
Trying checking out the Cathedral Valley area (technically accessible via high clearance 2-wheel drive – is that even a thing?). There’s a river crossing required. I REALLY wanted to see this incredible part of the park, but it wasn’t worth getting in a sticky or wet situation. Nothing will ruin a good time faster than needing to call a tow truck. So maybe next time!
#8 – Go for a Scenic Drive
Even if you can’t take a dirt road, there’s still so much to see while sticking to the pavement! The drive down Highway 24 as your heading to the Visitor Center from the town of Torrey is absolutely stunning! There are many places to pull off for a scenic view and you’ll find your jaw constantly dropping in awe.
In addition in Highway 24, Capitol Reef National Park also has a scenic drive that starts at the Visitor Center, goes through Fruita, and heads South through the park for 8 miles. After 8 miles, you have the option of continuing on a couple different dirt roads but even if this is your turn around point, it’s so worth it.
Pack These for a Trip to Capitol Reef National Park
1. Good Hiking Shoes
Utah is the land of beautiful red rocks. But it also makes for some pretty rocky trails.
When hiking around Utah, it’s super important to wear sturdy hiking shoes or sandals on the trails. I wear brands like Merrell Moab 2 Mid Ventilator, Teva Universal Trail (trail sandal), and Timberland Mt. Maddsen Mid Waterproof. My husband, who is very prone to ankle injuries, wears Salomon X Ultra Low GTX and swears by them.
I love being able to switch between a solid hiking boot and a trail sandal with excellent traction on the easier hike. I’m very prone to blisters and having different shoes to change into makes a world of difference.
2. Water Bottle & Hydration pack
Most of Utah is a desert, so it’s important to stay hydrated on hiking trails. Especially if you’re traveling during the hot summer season!
To keep your drink extra cold, go with a Hydroflask, which is vacuum-sealed and keeps your liquids cold for up to 24 hours. If you’re looking for something a bit more lightweight, go with the traditional Nalgene.
On longer hikes, fill up your Ospry Hydraulics Reservoir to keep your water easily accessible & hands free. My favorite day pack that accommodates a hydration bladder is the Osprey Mira 22 Hydration Pack.
3. Trail Snacks
A lot of the popular National Park trails in Utah are day-long hikes, so make sure you bring enough energy-boosting food to get you through the day.
Some of our favorite trail snacks are the traditional PB&J, grapes, trail mixes, Go Macro Bars, and RX Bars.
4. Sunscreen and Sun Protection
The sun in Utah is INTENSE. Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen. This Sun Bum sunscreen is so light and easy to fit in your pack. Also, it’s super protective against the sun. It’s also reef friendly, so save it for your next trip to the beach!
In addition to sunscreen, make sure you protect your face with a sun hat. I really enjoy wearing this Vintage Style Cap from Amazon. It has tons of colors to choose from, I’ve been loving the yellow.
Sunglasses are never a bad idea, either.
5. Lightweight & Moisture-Wicking Clothes
Make sure to choose moisture-wicking clothing (aka NOT cotton), to pull the sweat away from your body and stay cool and dry while hiking.
These Icebreaker T-Shirts have been a favorite of mine recently, they’re excellent at keeping you dry. And the best part is that they don’t stink even after a long sweaty day on the trail!
6. Lots of Layers
Depending on when you visit Utah, you may encounter cooler than expected temperatures. Especially during an early morning or late evening hike. Don’t forget to pack a jacket for your trip to Utah.
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