Capitol Reef National Park

Usual hours

• Mon–Sun 0:00–0:00

From 56 published days, 2026-10-24 to 2026-12-18; community-mapped.

About

Entrance / day-use fee applies.

This park's official page lists: Visitor center.

Located in south-central Utah in the heart of red rock country, Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden treasure filled with cliffs, canyons, domes, and bridges in the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline (a wrinkle on the earth) extending almost 100 miles.

Official facts

Public access: Open access.

Protected area: 244,115 acres (98,790 ha).

Designation: National Park. Listed as "Capitol Reef National Park" in the Protected Areas Database of the United States. Protection: managed for biodiversity (GAP 2). IUCN category II.

Established: 1971.

Managed by: NPS.

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Gap Analysis Project (GAP), 2025, Protected Areas Database of the United States (PAD-US) 4.1

At the park

• Visitor center exhibit
• Rock climbing activity
• Wildlife & bird watching scenic feature
• Backpacking trail
• Hiking trails trail

Events

• Ranger's Choice Talk
• Archeology Talk 10:00 AM–10:30 AM · Meet at the Petroglyph Panel boardwalk, located about one mile (1.6 km) east of the Capitol Reef visitor center along Utah Route 24.
• Telescope Viewing
• Star Talk
• Guided Walk
• Reef Ride Bike Days 2026
• Highway 24 Litter Cleanup
• Evening Program 07:00 PM–08:00 PM · The Fruita campground amphitheater is located near Loop C of the Fruita campground (approximately 1.5 miles/2.4km south of the visitor center on the Scenic Drive).
• Cohab Hike 01:30 PM–03:00 PM
• Junior Geologist 04:00 PM–04:30 PM · Ripple Rock Nature Center is located approximately 0.6 miles (1 km) down the Scenic Drive. Parking available at the Blacksmith Shed across the road.
• Orchard Stroll 01:30 PM–02:00 PM · Meet at the Johnson Orchard entrance (near the picnic area restrooms). Extra parking available at the picnic area.

Before you go

⚠ Caution: Monsoon Season & Flash Floods

Heavy rains can cause sudden flooding, especially in canyons and washes. Do not drive or hike through flood waters. Get to high ground and wait for floods to subside. Some roads may close temporarily; closures are posted at the visitor center.

⚠ Caution: Elevated E. Coli levels - Fremont River and Sulphur Creek

Recent water quality testing shows elevated E. coli levels in the Fremont River and Sulphur Creek. A warning advisory has been issued by the Utah DEQ. Use caution if entering the water. Do not get water in your mouth, do not swim. Wash hands with soap and water.

Getting there

From I-70: Take exit 149, then take UT-24 west toward Hanksville; continue for 43.8 miles (70.5 km). Turn right to continue on UT-24 west and continue for 37.3 miles (60 km). From I-15: take exit 188 then US-50 east toward Scipio. Left on UT-50; continuing 0.7 miles (1.1 km). Turn right onto US-50 east; continue for 24.4 miles (39.3 km). Turn right onto UT-260 south and continue 4.2 miles (6.8 km), then right on UT-24 for 71.3 miles. UT-12: North on highway 12 to Torrey, UT. Right onto UT-24.

Weather & when to go

Weather is posted daily; check at the park visitor center for weather updates. Do not enter into narrow canyons if there is a threat of rain or if rain has been falling in the area. Rain and snow may also make dirt roads impassable to vehicles.

Visitor center

Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center — Visitor Center is open daily with the exception of some major holidays. — From I-70: take exit 149 then travel UT-24 west toward Hanksville and continue for 43.8 miles (70.5 km). Continue right on UT-24 west for 37.3 miles (60 km). From I-15: Take exit 188, then US-50 east toward Scipio; turn left onto UT-50 and continue for 0.7 miles (1.1 km). Turn right onto US-50 east/ North State Street and continue for 24.4 miles (39.3 km). Turn right onto UT-260 south and…

Visitor center

Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center

Visitor center

Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center

Visitor center

Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center

Visitor center

Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center

Visitor center

Scenic Drive Stop 1

Facilities on the park map

1 bench, 5 picnic area, 9 restroom, 6 visitor information, 2 water fountain.

Where to stay

• Group Campsite The Group Campsite is a secluded site located near the Fruita Campground and can accommodate a maximum of 40 people. It may be reserved through www.recreation.gov up to one year in advance. The Fruita Group Campsite is open from mid-April to mid-October. It is closed every Tuesday and Wednesday nights for maintenance. The nightly rate is $125. · 1 campsite
• Fruita Campground The 71 site Fruita campground is the only developed campground in the park, offering picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, water and a dump station. A $25 nightly fee is charged. It is open year-round. Campsites are reservable year-round; visit www.recreation.gov to make a reservation. Reservations are accepted 6 months ahead of time. The busy season is mid March through October when the campgroun · 71 campsites · Accessibility: There are accessible sites and the restrooms are also accessible. The loops are paved. The paths to the restrooms are paved. The Fremont River trail adjacent…
• Primitive campsites at Cedar Mesa Campground It is located approximately 23 miles (37.0 km) south of Utah State Highway 24 on the Notom-Bullfrog Road and is at 5,500 feet (1,676 m) in elevation. This primitive, no-fee campground has five sites, each with a picnic table and fire grate. There is also a pit toilet, but no water is available. The campground is open year-round, but visitors should check with the Capitol Reef Visitor Center for ro · 5 campsites · Accessibility: No ADA campsites. No ADA facilities of any type.
• Primitive campsites at Cathedral Campground It is located approximately halfway on the Cathedral Valley Loop Road. About 36 miles (57.9 km) from the visitor center, this primitive, no-fee campground has 6 sites, each with a picnic table and fire grate. There is a pit toilet, but no water available. The campground is open year-round; however, visitors should check road conditions with the Capitol Reef Visitor Center prior to planning an over · 6 campsites · Accessibility: No ADA campsites. No accessible facilities of any type.
• Backcountry Camping A free backcountry permit, available at the visitor center, is required for camping outside of campgrounds. Capitol Reef offers many hiking options for serious backpackers and those who enjoy exploring remote areas. For more information on possible backpacking routes, route descriptions and maps are available on our hiking and backpacking page.