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National Park

Capitol Reef National Park

CautionAug 28, 2026

Elevated E. Coli levels - Fremont River and Sulphur Creek

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CautionJul 27, 2026

Monsoon Season & Flash Floods

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Wingate Sandstone cliffs behind historic barn and farmhouse

Windgate sandstone towers above historic Fruita farms and homes

Photo: NPS Photo

About

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.

Activities

Arts and CultureCultural DemonstrationsAstronomyStargazingBikingRoad BikingCampingBackcountry CampingCar or Front Country CampingHorse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)Group CampingRV CampingCanyoneeringClimbing
Rock Climbing
Fishing
Food
Picnicking
Guided Tours
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Self-Guided Tours - Auto
Hands-On
Citizen Science
Arts and Crafts
Volunteer Vacation
Hiking
Backcountry Hiking
Front-Country Hiking
Off-Trail Permitted Hiking
Horse Trekking
Horse Camping (see also camping)
Horseback Riding
Living History
First Person Interpretation
Junior Ranger Program
Wildlife Watching
Birdwatching
Park Film
Museum Exhibits
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store
Gift Shop and Souvenirs

Directions

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.

Get directions →

Weather

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.

News

New All-Terrain Wheelchairs Improve Visitor Access in Five Utah National Parks
Oct 8, 2026

New All-Terrain Wheelchairs Improve Visitor Access in Five Utah National Parks

Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands and Arches now offer specialized wheelchairs giving visitors with accessibility needs more options to explore.

Sep 8, 2026

Reef Ride Bike Days

Capitol Reef National Park will host the return of its popular Reef Ride cycling event on Sept. 19 and 26, offering visitors a rare chance to experience the Scenic Drive free of vehicle traffic. From sunrise until 3 p.m. each day, the road will be reserved for cyclists — including Class 1, 2 and 3 e bikes — along with hikers and runners.

Capitol Reef National Park seeks public assistance in locating missing hiker 
Jun 10, 2026

Capitol Reef National Park seeks public assistance in locating missing hiker 

Capitol Reef National Park is asking for the public’s help locating Richard Discipio, a 77-year-old male who was last seen at the Days Inn in Torrey, Utah, on June 6. 

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle$20.00
Entrance - Motorcycle$15.00
Entrance - Per Person$10.00
Commercial Entrance - Per Person$10.00