Utah - Capital Reef
Welcome to Capitol Reef National Park, a breathtaking landscape nestled in Utah's red rock country! Here, towering sandstone cliffs and the iconic Waterpocket Fold reveal millions of years of geological history, inviting exploration and awe. Traversing winding trails, visitors encounter ancient petroglyphs and pioneer homesteads, testament to the park's rich human history.
Beyond its geological marvels, Capitol Reef is a playground for adventurers. From challenging hikes amidst monoliths and natural arches to leisurely strolls through Fruita's orchards, there's something for everyone. The park's diverse landscapes, ranging from hidden slot canyons to lush oases, promise endless discovery.
Capitol Reef captivates with its contrasts, from rugged terrain to tranquil vistas. Each turn unveils a new wonder, from the vibrant hues of the desert to the timeless beauty of its ancient cliffs. Join us as we journey through this extraordinary destination, where nature's grandeur and human heritage intertwine in a captivating tapestry.
Things to Do
Drive Highway 24:
Take a scenic journey along Highway 24, also known as the Capitol Reef Scenic Byway. This 25-mile stretch winds through the heart of the park, offering panoramic views of towering cliffs, colorful rock formations, and the majestic Waterpocket Fold. Allow approximately 1-2 hours for the drive, though you may want to allocate more time for stops and photo opportunities.
Cassidy Arch:
Embark on a moderate 3.4-mile round-trip hike to Cassidy Arch, named after the notorious outlaw Butch Cassidy who allegedly used the area as a hideout. The trail winds through juniper and piñon pine forests before ascending to the arch, offering stunning views of the surrounding canyons and cliffs. Allow approximately 2-3 hours for the hike, including time to explore and take in the scenery.
Cohab Canyon Trail:
Follow the Cohab Canyon Trail for a scenic adventure through towering sandstone cliffs and narrow slot canyons. This moderate 2.5-mile round-trip hike takes you through a diverse landscape of slickrock and desert vegetation, with opportunities to spot wildlife and ancient rock art along the way. Allow approximately 1.5-2 hours for the hike, depending on your pace and how much time you spend exploring side canyons.
Grand Wash + Cassidy Arch:
Combine two iconic hikes in Capitol Reef for a full day of exploration. Begin with the Grand Wash Trail, a relatively flat 2.2-mile one-way hike through a scenic canyon carved by water over millions of years. After reaching the end of Grand Wash, continue on the Cassidy Arch Trail for an additional 1.7 miles round-trip to reach the impressive natural arch named after Butch Cassidy. Allow approximately 4-5 hours for both hikes, including time for rest stops and enjoying the scenery.
Rim Overlook:
Experience panoramic views of Capitol Reef's rugged landscape on the Rim Overlook Trail. This moderate 2.5-mile round-trip hike climbs gradually to a viewpoint overlooking the Waterpocket Fold, offering sweeping vistas of the park's colorful canyons and rock formations. Allow approximately 1.5-2 hours for the hike, including time to soak in the breathtaking scenery from the overlook.
Free Campsites
For those seeking a budget-friendly camping experience near Capitol Reef National Park, consider staying at free campsites on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands surrounding the park. These dispersed camping areas offer rustic accommodations amidst the stunning desert scenery, providing an immersive outdoor experience without the cost of a developed campground.
One popular option for free camping near Capitol Reef is to explore the BLM lands along Utah Highway 24, just outside the park boundaries. These designated dispersed camping areas offer opportunities for solitude and solitude and serenity, with expansive views of the surrounding red rock landscape.
During our visit to Capitol Reef, we opted to stay at a free BLM campsite, enjoying the convenience of being close to the park while also immersing ourselves in the natural beauty of the desert. While amenities may be minimal or nonexistent, the opportunity to camp beneath the stars in a remote wilderness setting is an experience not to be missed.
Please note that when camping on BLM lands, it's important to practice Leave No Trace principles, respecting the environment and minimizing impact. Be sure to pack out all trash, follow fire regulations, and adhere to any posted rules or guidelines.
By choosing free campsites on BLM lands near Capitol Reef, you can enjoy an affordable and memorable camping experience while exploring the wonders of this spectacular region.
Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef
Embark on a scenic journey from Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef National Park, tracing a route through some of Utah's most stunning landscapes. Our adventure began on Highway 22, winding through rolling hills and towering ponderosa pines. Continuing onto Highway 16, the scenery transformed into a rugged expanse of red rock formations and desert vistas, offering glimpses of Utah's high desert landscape.
As we merged onto Highway 24, the gateway to Capitol Reef, the byway led us through the heart of the park, flanked by towering cliffs and colorful rock formations. Despite the drive typically taking over two hours without stops, we found ourselves captivated by numerous detours, each revealing breathtaking vistas and photo opportunities. From panoramic overlooks to hidden canyons, each stop offered a new facet of Utah's enchanting scenery, reminding us of the immense beauty and diversity of the American West.
Capitol Reef to Cedar City
Leaving the captivating landscapes of Capitol Reef National Park behind, we embarked on a scenic drive towards Cedar City via Route 12. This iconic highway winds its way through some of Utah's most breathtaking scenery, offering panoramic views of towering cliffs, rolling hills, and expansive valleys. As we traversed this picturesque route, the views from the road were nothing short of spectacular, with each curve revealing a new vista to behold. Despite the distance, the journey felt like an adventure in itself, with every mile offering glimpses of Utah's rugged beauty.
Kiva Koffeehouse - A Hidden Gem:
One of the highlights of our journey was stumbling upon Kiva Koffeehouse, a hidden gem nestled along Route 12. This charming café served up more than just delicious food and coffee—it offered a welcome respite from the desolate road, surrounded by stunning views of the surrounding landscape. From savory breakfast burritos to freshly brewed espresso, every bite and sip was a delight. Kiva Koffeehouse proved to be the perfect pit stop, rejuvenating us for the remainder of our journey.
Lower Calf Creek Falls Trailhead:
Amidst the scenic drive, we couldn't resist the opportunity to stretch our legs and immerse ourselves in nature at the Lower Calf Creek Falls Trailhead. This popular 6-mile round-trip hike leads to a stunning 126-foot waterfall, nestled amidst towering canyon walls and lush vegetation. The trail winds its way along Calf Creek, offering glimpses of ancient petroglyphs and pictographs along the way. After a refreshing hike, we were rewarded with the sight of the majestic Lower Calf Creek Falls cascading into a shimmering pool below—a fitting end to our adventure through Utah's captivating landscapes.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Our journey from Capitol Reef to Cedar City via Route 12 took us through the breathtaking expanse of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Here, we had the opportunity to explore the otherworldly beauty of slot canyons, including the renowned Spooky and Peek-a-Boo Canyons.
These slot canyons, sculpted by millions of years of erosion, offer a surreal and mesmerizing landscape to traverse. Spooky Canyon, with its narrow passages and towering walls that seem to close in around you, provides an exhilarating yet slightly eerie experience. In contrast, Peek-a-Boo Canyon enchants with its whimsical arches and twisting passages, offering surprises around every corner. Read more here.
