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Best trails in Capitol Reef National Park

Best trails in Capitol Reef National Park

4.5(39,411 reviews)

·

United States
#19 of 60 national parks

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.

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Visitor info

Hours & contact
Open 24 hours
Passes & fees
Starting at $10
Accessibility
General park hours
Every day • Open 24 hours
Phone
(435) 425-3791
Entrance pass
Motorcycle

Admits one private, non-commercial motorcycle and its riders.

$15
Per Person

Admits one individual with no car. Typically used for bicyclists and pedestrians.

$10
Private Vehicle

An entrance fee is charged per vehicle.

$20
Purchase pass
Annual pass
Park

Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle or motorcycle and all its occupants or riders.

$35
Purchase pass
All U.S. national parks

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.

$80
Purchase pass
2025 Fee-free days

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

Overview

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.

Facilities

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.

Camping

The Fruita Campground has 5 individual wheelchair accessible camping sites.

Service animals

Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.

Trail reviews for Capitol Reef National Park

40,091 trailgoers Busiest in May
Sep 14, 2025

September 3, 2025 Capitol Reef National Park Utah’s Mighty 5 0.2 mi 30 ft elevation gain 8m

Goosenecks Overlook Trail
Sep 14, 2025

September 3, 2025 Capitol Reef National Park Utah’s Mighty 5 2.0 mi 430 ft elevation gain 55m

Hickman Bridge Trail
Sep 14, 2025

September 3, 2025 Capitol Reef National Park Utah’s Mighty 5 2.2 mi 335 fr elevation gain 48m

Capitol Gorge to Tanks Trail
Sep 14, 2025

September 3, 2025 Capitol Reef National Park Utah’s Mighty 5 0.4 mi 30 ft elevation gain 10m

Panorama Point
Sep 14, 2025

September 3, 2025 Capitol Reef National Park Utah’s Mighty 5 3.8 mi 804 ft elevation gain 1h 26m

Chimney Rock Trail
Sep 13, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkBathrooms available

Nice little jaunt through Capitol Reef :)

Conditions: Well maintained
Navajo Knobs Trail
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Capitol Reef National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Capitol Reef National Park is Hickman Bridge Trail, which has a 4.7 star rating from 8,857 reviews. This trail is 1.7 mi long with an elevation gain of 416 ft.

What is the longest trail in Capitol Reef National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Capitol Reef National Park is Halls Creek Canyon Trail. This trail is estimated to be 24.0 mi long.

How many trails are in Capitol Reef National Park?

There are 55 trails in Capitol Reef National Park. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 39,411 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Capitol Reef National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Capitol Reef National Park has you covered. Cathedral Valley Loop boasts the most elevation gain with 4,452 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Halls Creek Canyon Trail, which will get you 3,589 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Capitol Reef National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 8 camping trails in Capitol Reef National Park and the most popular is Fremont River Trail with an average 4.4 star rating from 548 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Capitol Reef National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 3 running trails in Capitol Reef National Park and the most popular is Hickman Bridge Trail with an average 4.7 star rating from 8,857 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Capitol Reef National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 3 biking trails in Capitol Reef National Park and the most popular is Fremont River Trail with an average 4.4 star rating from 548 community reviews.

What are the best summer hikes in Capitol Reef National Park?

What are the best fall hikes in Capitol Reef National Park?

Some popular fall hiking trails in Capitol Reef National Park are Hickman Bridge Trail, Grand Wash Trail via Northeast Trailhead, Cassidy Arch Trail, Chimney Rock Trail, and Navajo Knobs Trail.

What are the best winter hikes in Capitol Reef National Park?

What are the best spring hikes in Capitol Reef National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Capitol Reef National Park?

Yes, there are 5 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Capitol Reef National Park, including Cohab Canyon Trail, Frying Pan Trail and Grand Wash Trail, Frying Pan Trail, Cathedrals Trail, and Jailhouse Rock and Temple Rock Route.

Are there any trails with waterfalls in Capitol Reef National Park?

Yes, there are 2 trails with waterfalls in Capitol Reef National Park, including Sulphur Creek Waterfall Hike and Sulphur Creek Top-Down Route.

Are there any trails with ponds in Capitol Reef National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a pond in Capitol Reef National Park: Hamburger Rocks.

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Capitol Reef National Park?

Yes, there are 17 trails with scenic viewpoints in Capitol Reef National Park, including Chimney Rock Trail, Rim Overlook Trail, Navajo Knobs Trail, Cohab to South Fruita Overlook, and Sunset Point Overlook Trail.

Are there any trails with archaeological sites in Capitol Reef National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with an archaeological site in Capitol Reef National Park: Capitol Reef Petroglyph Trail.

Are there any trails with cliffs in Capitol Reef National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a cliff in Capitol Reef National Park: Chimney Rock Trail.

Are there any trails with gorges in Capitol Reef National Park?

Yes, there are 3 trails with gorges in Capitol Reef National Park, including Grand Wash Trail via Northeast Trailhead, Grand Wash Trail via Capitol Reef Scenic Dr., and Frying Pan Trail and Grand Wash Trail.

Are there any trails with dams in Capitol Reef National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a dam in Capitol Reef National Park: Sulphur Creek Waterfall Hike.