Should you solely have at some point in Capitol Reef Nationwide Park, what must you do?
There are a number of other ways which you can spend at some point in Capitol Reef. For some individuals, “at some point” would possibly imply a really fast go to, as you tour Capitol Reef whereas driving between two totally different areas in Utah. Or, you might need extra time, with one or two in a single day stays close to the park.
On this publish, I cowl each of these eventualities.
When you have plans to spend a while in Capitol Reef whereas driving by way of Utah (for instance, on the drive between Moab and Bryce Canyon), I’ll let one of the best ways to spend your time within the park. And when you’ve got a full day in Capitol Reef, from dawn to sundown, I’ve an itinerary for that, too.
Capitol Reef is among the least visited nationwide parks in Utah, however don’t let its “unpopularity” idiot you. There’s a ton to do on this park and this at some point go to could merely be an introduction to what an exquisite place that is. In case you are like us, you’ll be dreaming of a visit again to Capitol Reef sooner or later.
Fast Details about Capitol Reef Nationwide Park
Capitol Reef is among the 5 nationwide parks that make up Utah’s Mighty 5. That is the fourth most visited park, getting 1.2 million guests per 12 months. Should you plan to go to Zion and Bryce Canyon on this street journey, Capitol Reef will really feel delightfully uncrowded in comparison with these two nationwide parks (Zion will get 4.5 million guests per 12 months!).
Freeway 24 is the primary street that cuts throughout the park. There are a number of nice issues to do alongside this street and also you would not have to pay the park price in case you follow the sights alongside this street. Nevertheless, a few of the finest issues to do in Capitol Reef are positioned alongside Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, a beautiful drive that winds alongside a part of the waterpocket fold.
The waterpocket fold is a 100-mile lengthy wrinkle within the Earth’s crust. Principally, it’s an extended line of mountains which might be slowly being eroded, revealing canyons, arches, and large domes of rock. Capitol Reef preserves a portion of this waterpocket fold.
Trying east alongside Freeway 24, between Torrey and the Capitol Reef Customer Heart.
One Day in Capitol Reef: Finest Issues to Do
With at some point in Capitol Reef, listed here are one of the best issues to see and do:
- Drive Freeway 24 by way of the park
- Take within the view from Panorama Level
- Go to Sundown Level
- See the petroglyphs
- Drive Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
- Hike to Hickman Bridge and/or Cassidy Arch
- Stroll by way of the Grand Wash
- Have pie on the Gifford Homestead
For a full checklist of issues to do in case you solely have at some point in Capitol Reef, learn our article Capitol Reef: Finest Issues to Do with Restricted Time
One Day in Capitol Reef Nationwide Park Itinerary
Listed below are three other ways to plan out your time in Capitol Reef Nationwide Park. The itinerary you select depends upon your beginning and ending level for the day.
Driving Route #1: Moab to Bryce Canyon
Driving Route #2: Bryce Canyon to Moab
Driving Route #3: Begin and Finish in Torrey
Map of Capitol Reef Nationwide Park
Under is a map of Capitol Reef Nationwide Park. On this map, I labeled one of the best issues to do when you’ve got at some point in Capitol Reef. There are two driving routes. The primary route (Driving Route #1) covers issues to do and driving instructions if you’re touring from Moab to Bryce Canyon. The second route (Driving Route #2) covers issues to do and driving instructions if you’re touring from Bryce Canyon to Moab.
The way to Use This Map: Click on the tab within the prime left hand nook of the map to view the layers (locations to go and the driving routes). You’ll be able to click on the examine marks to cover or present layers. Should you click on the icons on the map, you will get extra details about every focal point.
Should you click on the star subsequent to the title of the map, this map will likely be added to your Google Maps account. To view it in your telephone or pc, open Google Maps, click on the menu button, go to “Your Locations,” click on Maps, and you will note this map in your checklist.
One Day in Capitol Reef: Moab to Bryce Canyon
Should you plan to go to Capitol Reef on the drive between Moab and Bryce Canyon (or Grand Staircase-Escalante Nationwide Monument), that is how I like to recommend that you just plan your time. The sooner you get began, the extra time you should have within the park.
For this itinerary, observe Driving Route #1 on our map of Capitol Reef.
Under is a pattern itinerary. The instances listed are tips for the way lengthy you’ll spend at every location. You may transfer sooner or slower than that what I checklist right here.
8 am: Drive to Capitol Reef Nationwide Park
10:15 am: Arrive in Capitol Reef Nationwide Park
10:30 am: Hike to Hickman Bridge
12:30 pm: Petroglyphs
12:45 pm: Pie on the Gifford Homestead
1:30 pm: Cassidy Arch & Grand Wash
5:00 pm: Panorama and Sundown Factors
5:45 pm: Dinner in Torrey
6:45 pm: Drive to Your Subsequent Vacation spot
As you possibly can see, it is a lengthy, busy day. The sooner you hike, the sooner your day will finish. For this itinerary, I used the longer time estimates for each hikes. However in case you transfer quick, you may be driving to your subsequent vacation spot as early as 5:30 pm.
If you wish to shorten this itinerary, hike Hickman Bridge OR Cassidy Arch. Eliminating one among these hikes saves you 2 to three hours.
Additionally, I extremely suggest packing a picnic lunch. The one “restaurant” within the park is the Gifford Home, which simply serves pie. Positive, you possibly can have pie for lunch, and you may be right here noon, so the timing works properly, however in order for you sandwiches or one thing more healthy than pie, ensure you deliver that with you.
The Gifford Homestead is open from 8 am to 4:30 pm every day from March 14 to October 31. Hours can fluctuate by season so get updates earlier than you go on the nationwide park service web site.
Morning: Drive from Moab to Capitol Reef
Driving Distance and Time: 140 miles, 2 hours and quarter-hour
It takes simply over two hours to get to the east entrance of Capitol Reef Nationwide Park. Alongside the best way, you’ll cross Goblin Valley State Park and Little Wild Horse Canyon. You gained’t have time for them at this time, however I’m mentioning them as a result of they’re nice spots to go to on a future go to to Utah.
The east entrance of Capitol Reef Nationwide Park is marked with this signal. On Google, this spot is labeled as “Orientation Pullout.”
Capitol Reef in December
The drive alongside Freeway 24 is gorgeous. The street weaves between large slabs of pink and white sandstone rock, following alongside the Fremont River. It’s a lovely introduction to the park.
Mid-Morning: Hike to Hickman Bridge
The hike to Hickman Bridge is a basic hike if that is your first go to to Capitol Reef Nationwide Park. It’s slightly below 2 miles spherical journey and takes 1 to 2 hours. Alongside the hike, you should have nice views of Freeway 24. The hike ends in the back of a canyon, the place you get to see Hickman Bridge.
Notice: On this itinerary, additionally, you will Cassidy Arch later within the day. Should you solely have the time and power for one hike, I like to recommend Cassidy Arch. It’s a bit longer nevertheless it’s a really distinctive expertise, since you possibly can have your photograph taken on prime of the arch.
The parking space for Hickman Bridge is positioned on Freeway 24, 7 miles west of the east entrance park signal. There are restrooms right here.
Noon: Petroglyphs
As soon as you’re completed the hike, hop again in your automobile and proceed down Freeway 24. It’s lower than a mile to the following car parking zone to see the petroglyph panel.
Noon: Pie on the Gifford Homestead
From Freeway 24, flip onto Camp Floor Highway. You at the moment are within the historic Fruita district. The Gifford Home is among the final remaining historic buildings. Cease in for a slice of regionally baked pie.
Historic Fruita
Early-Afternoon: Cassidy Arch & Grand Wash
From Fruita, drive south on Scenic Drive. Simply south of Fruita there will likely be a price station. Cease right here to pay your park entrance price ($20). When you have an America the Lovely Cross you would not have to cease right here.
Driving alongside Scenic Drive is among the finest issues to do in Capitol Reef Nationwide Park. This paved street is 8 miles lengthy (one-way) and it’s stunning all the means.
Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
Flip onto Grand Wash Highway (will probably be your first left flip) and take this to the top. This places you on the trailhead for Cassidy Arch and the Grand Wash.
Essential Notice: When you have no plans to hike Cassidy Arch or Grand Wash, skip the drive the drive down Grand Wash Highway. As an alternative, proceed to the top of Scenic Drive and switch onto Capitol Gorge Highway, a gravel street that winds by way of a canyon. Then, return to Fruita.
Cassidy Arch
The hike to Cassidy Arch is among the most thrilling in Capitol Reef. As you hike by way of Grand Wash and up into the sandstone hills, you should have beautiful views. The path ends at Cassidy Arch, top-of-the-line photograph spots within the park. This hike is 3.4 miles spherical journey, reasonably troublesome, and takes 2 to three hours.
Climbing by way of Grand Wash to get to the Cassidy Arch trailhead
Cassidy Arch
Grand Wash
You can too add on the Grand Wash. You hike a small portion of the Grand Wash to get to the Cassidy Arch path, however in case you go a bit additional, it’s a very cool expertise, because the canyon partitions shut in round you. In some methods, it’s like mountain climbing the Zion Narrows, however it’s a dry wash so you’ll not get moist.
Relying on how far you stroll down the Grand Wash, your whole mountain climbing distance with Cassidy Arch will vary from 4 to six miles.
Get the total particulars on mountain climbing Cassidy Arch and Grand Wash: Cassidy Arch, An Important Hike in Capitol Reef
“The Narrows” in Grand Wash
Late Afternoon: Panorama and Sundown Factors
Drive again to Freeway 24 and switch left, so you’re heading in the direction of Torrey.
Flip left on the signal marking Panorama Level and Sundown Level.
Panorama Level is a really fast go to…simply come out of your automobile and take within the view.
Panorama Level
Proceed to the top of the street and park. There are two trails that result in two totally different viewpoints. To get to Sundown Level it’s a 0.8 mile spherical journey stroll to a shocking overlook. From the identical car parking zone, you too can stroll the 0.2 mile round-trip path to the Goosenecks Overlook.
Sundown Level
Goosenecks Overlook
Night: Dinner in Torrey
Proceed the drive west on Freeway 24. Get dinner in Torrey earlier than driving south to your subsequent vacation spot. Our favourite spot for dinner is the Pioneer Kitchen, which is positioned inside the Capitol Reef Resort. The Rim Rock Restaurant, Purple Cliff, and the Rim Rock Patio additionally get good critiques.
As soon as completed dinner, proceed the drive to your subsequent vacation spot. In case you are headed to Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park, it’s a 2 hour drive.
One Day in Capitol Reef: Bryce Canyon to Moab
Should you plan to go to Capitol Reef on the drive between Bryce Canyon (or Grand Staircase-Escalante Nationwide Monument) and Moab, that is how I like to recommend that you just plan your time. This itinerary is simply the reverse of the one above (so consult with that one for images and full particulars about every cease alongside the best way).
For this itinerary, observe Driving Route #2 on our map of Capitol Reef.
8 am: Drive to Capitol Reef Nationwide Park
10:15 am: Arrive in Capitol Reef Nationwide Park
10:45 am: Cassidy Arch & Grand Wash
1:45 pm: Pie on the Gifford Homestead
2:30 pm: Petroglyphs
2:45 pm: Hike to Hickman Bridge
4:45 pm: Panorama and Sundown Factors
5:30 pm: Dinner in Torrey
6:30 pm: Drive to Moab
Morning: Drive to Capitol Reef
Driving Distance and Time: 111 miles, 2 hours and quarter-hour
From the city of Bryce, which sits simply outdoors of Bryce Canyon, it takes 2 hours to drive to the west entrance of Capitol Reef Nationwide Park. Take an image on the park signal and proceed on Freeway 24.
Mid-Morning: Scenic Drive and Cassidy Arch
Make your solution to Fruita after which proceed south on Capitol Reef Scenic Drive. Hike to Cassidy Arch and, if you wish to go farther, add on a part of Grand Wash to your hike.
Early Afternoon: Pie on the Gifford Homestead
Return to Fruita and have pie on the Gifford Homestead.
Mid-Afternoon: Petroglyphs
See the petroglyph panel that’s positioned on Freeway 24.
Mid-Afternoon: Hickman Bridge
Hike to Hickman Bridge. This hike is slightly below 2 miles spherical journey and takes 1 to 2 hours.
Late Afternoon: Panorama and Sundown Factors
Make the short cease at Panorama and Sundown Factors to for a few of the finest views of the day. Relying on the time of 12 months that you’re doing this, your timing might be good for sundown.
Night: Dinner
Torrey is the one place within the space the place you will get dinner. So, you’ll have to backtrack a little bit bit to get meals. There’s nothing between Capitol Reef and Moab, until you need gasoline station meals. You’ll be able to both seize meals to go in Torrey or sit right down to dinner.
Then, drive to Moab. From Torrey, it’s a 156 mile drive that takes simply over 2 and a half hours.
One Day in Capitol Reef: Begin & Finish in Torrey
In case you are staying in Torrey, or in a location close to Capitol Reef Nationwide Park, you’ll save your self quite a lot of driving (no less than at this time). Within the itineraries above, there’s roughly 5 hours of driving to get to and from Capitol Reef. By staying in Torrey, you should utilize that further time to both do extra within the park or you possibly can transfer at a extra leisurely tempo.
In case you are a hiker, you have got the time to hike one of many longer trails within the park. If you’d like massive views over Capitol Reef, I like to recommend the Cohab Canyon Path (3.4 miles spherical journey, strenuous) or Rim Overlook (4.6 miles, reasonable). The hike to Navajo Knobs is a giant day hike (9.5 miles, strenuous) and gained’t depart you with a lot time or power for the rest at this time, nevertheless it makes a pleasant possibility for individuals who wish to hike a path with a few of the finest views within the park.
For a full checklist of hikes, learn 16 Epic Day Hikes in Capitol Reef Nationwide Park
The view from the Cohab Canyon Path
8 am: Arrive in Capitol Reef Nationwide Park
8:30 am: Go Climbing
12:30 pm: Scenic Drive
1:00 pm: Capitol Gorge Highway & the Pioneer Register
2:30 pm: Pie on the Gifford Homestead
3:15 pm: Petroglyphs
3:30 pm: Hike to Hickman Bridge
5:30 pm: Panorama and Sundown Factors
6:30 pm: Dinner in Torrey
For this itinerary, observe driving route #3 on our map. This driving route begins in Fruita, after your morning hike.
Morning: Hike Your Favourite Path
Begin off the day by mountain climbing one of many trails in Capitol Reef. This may be Hickman Bridge or Cassidy Arch, as talked about on the above itineraries, but when one other hike on our mountain climbing checklist caught your eye, you are able to do that one as a substitute. Simply be sure it’s a hike that’s positioned alongside Freeway 24 and Scenic Drive. There are fabulous hikes to do within the backcountry, however with solely at some point in Capitol Reef, I like to recommend saving the backcountry experiences for an extended go to.
Rim Overlook
Noon: Scenic Drive and Fruita
Spend the center a part of the day driving Scenic Drive. Take it to the top after which drive Capitol Gorge Highway. It is a 2.3 mile gravel street that twists and turns by way of a canyon and you’ve got nice views all the means. It’s appropriate for automobiles underneath 27 ft in size. This street ends at Capitol Gorge, the place you possibly can stroll 1.5 miles spherical journey to see the Pioneer Register.
Capitol Gorge Highway
When Mormon settlers handed by way of this space within the late 18th century and early nineteenth century, they scrawled their names on the canyon partitions. This assortment of names known as the Pioneer Register. Principally, it’s historic graffiti. On this identical canyon, you too can see American Indian petroglyphs.
Pioneer Register
Return to Fruita and have pie on the Gifford Home.
Afternoon: Sights alongside Freeway 24
End your day with the sights alongside Freeway 24. See the petroglyph panel, and in case you nonetheless have power, hike to Hickman Bridge. Finish with sundown or late-afternoon views from Panorama and Sundown Factors. Have dinner in Torrey.
Issues to Know Earlier than You Go
The one restaurant inside Capitol Reef Nationwide Park is the Gifford Home. They solely serve pie and some different treats, so plan on packing a picnic lunch.
Bathrooms are positioned on the busiest trailheads: Hickman Bridge, Cassidy Arch, and Capitol Gorge. You can too use the lavatory on the customer heart, which is positioned in Fruita.
Be aware of sundown instances earlier than you do that itinerary. Should you plan to go to Utah within the winter months, the solar units between 5 and 6 pm. You’ll have to alter what you achieve this that you just end within the daylight. Probably, this implies both beginning earlier or solely doing one of many hikes that we checklist in these itineraries. You’ll be able to examine dawn and sundown instances right here.
Whereas in Capitol Reef Nationwide Park, please apply the seven ideas of Go away No Hint: plan forward, keep on the paths, pack out what you deliver to the mountain climbing trails, correctly get rid of waste, depart areas as you discovered them, decrease campfire impacts, be thoughtful of different hikers, and don’t method or feed wildlife.
When to Go
The spring and fall months are one of the best instances to go to Capitol Reef Nationwide Park. Climate situations are nice and you may keep away from the bigger crowds that arrive in the summertime.
In the course of the summer time months, count on hovering temperatures and huge crowds (though Capitol Reef doesn’t get the legendary crowds like Bryce Canyon, Arches, and Zion).
In the course of the winter months, the park is much less crowded, however temperatures get beneath freezing and snow is probably going. Snow can shut the roads and make mountain climbing harder.
We have now been right here in November and December. Many of the images on this article are from our go to in early November.
Capitol Reef in November. This photograph was taken on the path to Hickman Bridge and Navajo Knobs.
The place to Keep
Capitol Reef Resort. That is essentially the most luxurious (and essentially the most fascinating) place on this checklist. Positioned in Torrey, very near the west entrance of Capitol Reef, this property presents all kinds of fantastically embellished rooms. You’ll be able to even sleep in a teepee or a Conestoga Wagon. We spent 5 nights right here and had an excellent expertise. The rooms have been clear and quiet. The handy onsite restaurant, The Pioneer Kitchen, serves nice meals and employees are very pleasant.
Cougar Ridge Lodge. This property is positioned in Torrey and will get distinctive critiques. Keep in a two-bedroom villa that may accommodate as much as seven individuals, good if you’re touring as a household. Every villa has its personal patio with beautiful views of the encompassing mountains.
Sunlit Oasis. Positioned in Notom (simply quarter-hour from the park), this ranch-style home presents clear, quiet rooms. It’s positioned in a rural space, so in order for you a quiet spot within the nation, that is the place for you.
The Noor Resort. It is a good possibility if you’re in search of a funds lodging. Positioned in Torrey, this lodge presents rooms that may accommodate as much as 4 individuals.
Canyon Nation Lodge. This extremely rated property presents giant rooms that may accommodate as much as 4 individuals. This lodge is positioned in Escalante, so this property works properly if you’re in search of a spot to remain on the drive between Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon or Grand Staircase-Escalante.
Sensible Info
Capitol Reef Nationwide Park is open 24 hours a day, twelve months per 12 months.
The doorway price is $20 and is legitimate for 7 days. You solely must pay the doorway price in case you go to the sights alongside Capitol Reef Scenic Drive.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: Verify for path closures, street closures, and get necessary updates earlier than your go to on the official Nationwide Park web site.
Extra Details about Capitol Reef and Utah
- BEST OF CAPITOL REEF: 14 Superb Issues to Do in Capitol Reef
- HIKES IN CAPITOL REEF: 16 Epic Day Hikes in Capitol Reef
- GUIDE TO CAPITOL REEF: The Full Information to Capitol Reef Nationwide Park
- CAPITOL REEF WITH LIMITED TIME: Finest Issues to do in Capitol Reef with Restricted Time
- CAPITOL REEF ITINERARY: Finest Method to Spend 1 to five Days in Capitol Reef
- CASSIDY ARCH: Cassidy Arch: An Important Hike in Capitol Reef
- CATHEDRAL VALLEY: The Full Information to Cathedral Valley
- ROAD TRIP IDEA: Arches, Canyonlands & Capitol Reef Nationwide Parks: 10 Day Highway Journey Itinerary
- ROAD TRIP IDEA: The Final Utah Nationwide Parks Highway Journey Itinerary
- BRYCE CANYON: One Excellent Day in Bryce Canyon
- ZION: The Full Information to Zion Nationwide Park
- ARCHES: 15 Finest Issues to Do in Arches Nationwide Park
