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
September 3, 2025 Capitol Reef National Park Utah’s Mighty 5 0.2 mi 30 ft elevation gain 8m
September 3, 2025 Capitol Reef National Park Utah’s Mighty 5 2.0 mi 430 ft elevation gain 55m
September 3, 2025 Capitol Reef National Park Utah’s Mighty 5 2.2 mi 335 fr elevation gain 48m
September 3, 2025 Capitol Reef National Park Utah’s Mighty 5 0.4 mi 30 ft elevation gain 10m
September 3, 2025 Capitol Reef National Park Utah’s Mighty 5 3.8 mi 804 ft elevation gain 1h 26m
Nice little jaunt through Capitol Reef :)
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Frequently asked questions
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Suitability
Points of interest
- Temple of the Moon
- Cathedral Mountain
- Halls Creek Overlook
- South Fruita Overlook
- Arch
- Pioneer Register
- Morrell Cabin
- 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
- Rim Overlook