A Capitol Reef National Park Itinerary for One Full Day

Capitol Reef National Park is very much an underrated park when you compare visitor totals to the rest of Utah’s Mighty 5.

Honestly, our expectations were low as we planned what we’d do on our visit there as part of a bigger Utah national parks road trip. We had our minds elsewhere, namely Zion and hanging out at the Delicate Arch at sunrise.

Give this park more credit than we did and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what you’ll find.

The park boasts a literal wrinkle in the earth, more technically called a Waterpocket Fold, that’s nearly 100 miles long.

Is your mind blown yet?

Let’s keep those vibes going with this one-day Capitol Reef National Park itinerary that digs into everything we love about this special place.

Is Capitol Reef National Park worth visiting?

Capitol Reef National Park is worth visiting for geological formations you won’t get anywhere else with fewer crowds than some of the other big Utah parks.

Over 1.2 million visitors come to Capitol Reef National Park each year, which sounds like a lot but is a fraction of what Utah parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon see. In peak years, Zion gets about five million visitors annually.

That’s what makes Capitol Reef a more serene experience.

The park’s scenic drives allow easy access to panoramas that don’t require as much effort as some of its best trails.

While I always recommend seeing a park from your feet, if you’re not able to hike, this one is definitely still worth a trip.

Capitol Reef is known for its geological features.

Specifically, the park is known for the Waterpocket Fold. The fold is a nearly 100-mile monocline, or a wrinkle in the Earth’s crust, formed between 50 to 70 million years ago.

The park got its name from the features within.

The “capitol” bit refers to the white domes in the park that resemble the United States Capitol. The “reef” is a reference to the rocky landscapes that resemble coral in the wash.

You can visit Capitol Reef National Park in one day.

One day is as much time as we had. While I’d love to go back again and tackle some of the park’s longer hikes, one day was a great introduction to the park.

In one day, combine the Grand Wash Trail with a visit to the Cassidy Arch for the two most popular spots in the park. This will give you enough time left over to take in several viewpoints along the park’s scenic drive.

How to Get to Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park was made for road trips. 

If you’re lucky enough to be on a multi-day road trip through Utah’s spectacular parks, Capitol Reef is a little over two hours away from Arches National Park and Moab.

Bryce Canyon National Park is a little over two hours in the opposite direction. Zion National Park is also on many Utah travelers’ bucket lists, but that one is nearly a four-hour drive. It would certainly lend itself to a longer Utah parks road trip, though.

As far as airports in the area, the closest is Colorado’s Grand Junction Regional Park, and that’s still 200 miles away. You’re unlikely to find good deals flying into this regional airport.

You may as well try to find a more budget-friendly flight out of Salt Lake City, a major transportation hub. Salt Lake City is about 230 miles from the park, and a great base for day trips.

READ MORE: We spent a full month in Salt Lake City. Check out our favorite spots, restaurants, and more!

Getting Around Capitol Reef National Park

This guide assumes you’re tackling the park on a self-drive tour.

You won’t need a special vehicle or 4WD for the main highlights of Capitol Reef, but you will if you’re planning a trip into the park’s backcountry. It’s never a bad idea to reserve something a bit more rugged anyway for your national park exploring.

Interested in a guided experience while you’re there? Check out these highly-rated options:

What Not to Miss in Capitol Reef National Park

We had a longer drive into Capitol Reef National Park as we came from Moab, our base the previous night. If you want a solid first day, though, I’d recommend starting in Torrey.

You’ll have decent accommodations to choose from and you’re less than 15 minutes to the visitor center from there.

That’s not where you need to start, though. Below are stops we were able to fit in with one day in Capitol Reef National Park, despite the added drive time.

Note: This guide assumes you’re taking snacks and a packed lunch with you. If you’re staying in Torrey, you have some food options, despite the size of this small town. Keep in mind this is still Utah, and many businesses are closed on Sundays.

Stop 1: Grand Wash and/or Cassidy Arch

If you’d like to get a lay of the land, start at the Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center. The center is generally open from 8am-4:30pm daily, but check with the park service website before you head out, as some holiday hours apply. 

I’d suggest starting with hiking, instead, especially if you’re like me and your energy starts to dissipate after lunch. I’ll suggest the visitor center later in the day, too.

Drive along Utah State Route 24 to get to your first hike(s) of the day through the park’s most iconic features.

If you don’t want to be too aggressive today, start with the 4.4-mile Grand Wash, an easy trek to what’s considered the park’s version of the Narrows at Zion. This one’s dry, though, which may even be an upgrade for the water-phobic.

Honestly, you can turn back wherever you want as you’re strolling through the wash, but it’d be a bummer for you to miss the slot canyons. It’s only 15 feet across at one point.

If you want to combine a bit of the Grand Wash with the Cassidy Arch, the Cassidy Arch Trail splits away from the Grand Wash less than a mile from the parking area. Start in the parking lot where Grand Wash Road dead ends, instead.

Fun fact: The Cassidy Arch is named after that scoundrel Butch Cassidy, who apparently used to hide out in these canyons with the Sundance Kid. I was apparently born yesterday, because I was today years old when I learned they were called the Wild Bunch. That’s adorable.

For the truly ambitious sort, you can combine both for a 7.8-mile hike to start your day.

No matter how you approach it, the Cassidy Arch trail is more strenuous than the Grand Wash, as you’re dealing with some steep climbing on this one. You’ll tackle 670 feet of elevation change.

Once you get to the arch, though, you can take a breather and take in the views. You’ll be 400 feet above the scenic drive from here.

If you have time for a longer road trip once you’re done with Capitol Reef, this scenic highway stretches about 160 miles through south-central Utah. It shows off quite a bit of the state’s diverse landscapes, including its red rock cliffs and unexpectedly lush valleys.

Optional Stop 2: Hickman Bridge Trail

If you still have some gas in the tank, return to the scenic drive and travel west to the trailhead for Hickman Bridge.

The 1.8-mile hike to this large natural arch is pretty short — you know I love a good natural bridge — which makes it a popular trek for visitors to the park.

Note: On the way to the bridge, watch for a spur trail to some pit house ruins, a granary, and a miniature bridge. This little guy even has a name, the Nels Johnson Natural Bridge.

Once you hit the bridge, you’ll make a little loop to overlooks of the Fremont River, and return back on the main trail.

This trailhead is also where you’d pick up the Navajo Knobs Trail, a strenuous 9.4-mile hike to what look like awe-inspiring vistas.

If nearly 10 miles of hiking sounds too intense, the Rim Overlook Trail that connects here is 4.6 miles roundtrip to views of the Fruita area and the Waterpocket Fold. You’ll still gain about 1,000 feet on that one, so neither is breezy by any means.

Stop 3: Petroglyphs Panels

Just west of Hickman Bridge, you’ll find a small parking lot that will take you to the most impressive examples of ancient art in the park. The petroglyphs here cover several rock panels, likely placed there by the Fremont people.

As with any ancient art, look with your eyes, not with your hands. A number of petroglyphs in the park have been vandalized for whatever reason, leaving little behind but a reminder of the failings of humanity.

Stop 4: Fruita

This is a great spot for a picnic lunch if that tummy’s rumbling, but also where you’ll get a taste of some of the history in these parts.

The Fruita Historic District, once home to the Fremont Indians, became a Mormon settlement by pioneers looking for easy access to water and natural resources.

Today, it’s a historic site that includes the cabins, barns, a one-room schoolhouse, and orchards from those days of the early settlers.

Fun fact: By that I mean the white folks and about 10 Mormon families who came to live here, not the Fremont Indians who left little behind other than their petroglyphs.

If you’re visiting between March through October — check with the National Park Service for exact dates, as weather can change things — visit the Gifford Homestead. The Gifford house and farm belonged to the last resident in Fruita, Dewey Gifford.

If you’re up for more hiking or planning more for additional days, Fruita is an excellent hub for some of the park’s best hikes.

Here are a few:

• Cohab Canyon Trail: This 3.4-mile hike is rated as moderate due to some steep sections in the Waterpocket Fold before getting to the mouth of the canyon. You’ll see the red walls of the canyon and viewpoints of Fruita from above.
• Fremont Gorge Overlook Trail: This 4.6-mile trail is one of the most challenging hikes in the park, with 1,090 feet of elevation gain over the relatively short climb up to a mesa. Look for the old blacksmith’s shop for the trailhead.

Stop 5: Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center

If you feel like your visit isn’t complete without a visit to a national park’s visitor center, now is your chance. They’ve had some improvements since our visit including new exhibits on the park’s human history and information about the Waterpocket Fold.

Whether you’re stopping at the visitor center or not, take a beat and admire the views across the street of the Castle, an aptly titled rock formation.

Apparently, there’s a trail that takes you behind the Castle. As it’s no longer sanctioned by the park service, I’m not including it here for that reason.

Stop 6: Panorama Point

Lots of travelers often start here for those awe-inspiring views of the park, but if you’re here in the afternoon light, that makes for even more impressive views.

This is a quick stop off the scenic drive to see how that very drive winds its way through the park. You likely appreciate Highway 24 even more now, right?

Stop 7: Goosenecks Overlook

Just south of Panorama Point, down an access road that I promise is safe for you to drive down, you’ll hit Goosenecks Overlook. This is another quick stop to a canyon that resembles a goose’s neck.

Considering how many I’ve eaten over Polish Thanksgivings — for some reason, my people don’t love turkey — I should have been able to see this one more clearly.

Still, it’s a great spot to catch your breath on a busy day.

READ MORE: Utah is spoiled with canyon views. Check out my guide to Canyonlands National Park for one of the best examples.

Stop 8: Sunset Point

You’ll likely have to share the view with others if you’re hitting this easy 0.8-mile hike with the last bit of daylight. It’s well worth sharing the trail for the views you’ll get here.

You’ll access the trail from the same parking lot as the Goosenecks Overlook. The trail will take you along Sulphur Creek to the best sunset views in the park.

More Things to Do on a Capitol Reef National Park Itinerary

Capitol Reef is divided into several sections. We mostly stuck with the highlights in Fruita and along Scenic Byway 24.

If you have more time, there’s so much more to explore:

• The Waterpocket District, or the South District, is perfect for those seeking some remoteness, with numerous opportunities for backcountry hiking. Think slot canyons and twisting narrows, sandy washes, and tall, vertical walls.
• Cathedral Valley, or the North District, boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in Utah. You’ll need 4WD to navigate the sites in this region, especially if you’re visiting the Temple of the Moon and the Temple of the Sun.

If you’re here for several days of hiking, there is plenty of that to fill up your days.

I’ve already mentioned a few possibilities in our itinerary, but here are a few more for those who like options:

• Frying Pan Trail: This strenuous 8.5-mile hike is an extension of the Cassidy Arch Trail that takes you past the arch and deeper into the Waterpocket Fold. From there, the trail drops into the Cohab Canyon.
• Chimney Rock Trail: This 3.6-mile loop trail takes you up to a natural spire that’s a result of the erosion on the mesa here. To get there, you’ll have to climb up Mummy Cliff with about 300 feet of elevation gain along one stretch.
• Old Wagon Trail: The challenging 3.8-mile loop gives you a side of history with your views of the Waterpocket Fold and the Henry Mountains. You’ll be walking along an old wagon road once used by miners in the area.
• Fremont River Trail: You’ll start pretty easy on this two-mile trek, strolling along the scenic Fremont River. The moderate part comes in with a steep climb to the best panoramas on this one.
• Capitol Gorge Trail: Head south off the scenic drive to a less traveled section of the park. You’ll pass a wall of petroglyphs, which have unfortunately also been vandalized repeatedly by various jackwagons, and a pioneer register.
• Golden Throne Trail: For those looking for an added challenge, the Golden Throne Trail is a nearly four-mile hike that starts in the same spot as Capitol Gorge. You’ll be going westward toward a towering dome that resembles a golden throne.

Hikers looking for multi-day adventures can consider the Upper Muley Twist Canyon Trail, the Lower Muley Twist Canyon Trail, or the Halls Creek Narrows. All three are lengthy, challenging hikes that require backcountry experience.

More Tips for Visiting Capitol Reef National Park

Always check the park service website before your visit to any of the national parks. Watch for any trail closures or additional alerts going on before you set out on your park tours.

A park with an active monsoon season, for example, could mean that you’re literally rained out of some of the highlights you were planning on initially.

Here are a few more tips:

• If you’re eager to hit the road in the morning but in need of caffeine, stop by Dark Sky Coffee in Torrey. You don’t even need to get out of your car if you don’t want to, as this one offers a drive-up service.
• If you want more than a caffeine boost, The Wild Rabbit Cafe is just across the street, serving up pastries and to-go snacks.
• The park is open 24 hours per day. The fee to enter is $20 for any exploring beyond the Fruita campground, including the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive. If you’re there before the park rangers, you’ll need to pay that fee before you leave the park.
• There’s quite a bit that you can see outside of the boundaries of that park fee. Driving along Highway 24, hiking to Hickman Bridge, and taking in the vistas at Panorama Point are all free of charge. 
• For those seeking some lunch eats, the Chuckwagon Store & Deli in Torrey is an easy choice for make-your-own picnics.
• If you’re staying overnight at any of the campgrounds, even in the backcountry, you need permits to do so.
• You’re likely to see some wildlife in and around Capitol Reef. There are bison in these parts. That means be on your best behavior. Don’t try socializing with the animals or taking the animals home with you.

Where to Stay Near Capitol Reef National Park

There are no accommodations within Capitol Reef National Park unless you’re interested in a camping trip. If that sounds like you, check out the park service website for information on camping while at the park.

Depending on where you’re looking to camp, you may need reservations. At the popular Fruita campgrounds, for example, reservations can be made up to six months in advance. Be advised that campgrounds aren’t open year-round, either.

We arrived in Capitol Reef from Moab, but Torrey is the most convenient base for you if you’re focused on this park.

Check out the map below for your options in Torrey:

Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park

You should visit Capitol Reef National Park in the fall to avoid the busiest months of April through September. Keep in mind that flash floods are an issue during monsoon season, another knock against traveling here in late summer.

Winter is doable in the park, too, as this region doesn’t get much snow. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen, though. Be prepared with layers and shoes with good traction if traveling here during the winter months.

Come for the day, even though you’ll want to stay.

I didn’t want to intentionally rhyme here, but it happens.

There’s so much to explore in Utah that it can be tough to figure out what to prioritize. Capitol Reef National Park was definitely one of the more pleasant surprises for us on our road trips through the state.

I’m sure we’ll be back to tick off some of the longer treks.

Planning more adventures nearby? Check out these guides:

• A Detailed Guide to the Bonneville Salt Flats
• Top Reasons to Visit Laramie, Wyoming
• A Guide to the Best of Grand Teton National Park
• Things to Do on Epic Trips to Yellowstone
• Planning a Wyoming Road Trip? Use This Guide

Colorado is stunning, too. Check out these guides:

• Things to Do on Trips to Fort Collins
• Is Sky Pond a Scary Hike? Read This Guide
• A Golfing Trip Guide to RainDance National
• A Hiking Guide to Garden of the Gods
• Love Ancient Things? Visit the Florissant Fossil Beds

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