What Is Capitol Reef National Park?
Capitol Reef National Park surrounds a 100-mile wrinkle in the crust called the Waterpocket Fold, so named because it is literally a fold and rainwater has eaten pockets into the sandstone!
What Makes It Beautiful?
Capitol Reef has some of the most vivid colors I have seen in a desert park! It is not one of Utah’s most famous, which is beautiful if you’re looking to get back to nature. Its scenic drive gives access to deep gorges, natural bridges, and towering buttes. Plus, anyone so desiring has the option to stroll through the many orchards and either marvel at the gorgeous blossoms or pluck a bushel of colorful and delicious apples, cherries, apricots, peaches, pears, plums, and/or almonds between June and September!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Pay the entrance fee to help maintain trails, signs, structures, and other visitor services!
- Volunteer with the National Park Service!
- Donate to the Capitol Reef Natural History Association!
- Be a responsible visitor! Remember the old adages: Pack out what you pack in! Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints!
How Do I Get There?
The West Entrance is located about 3.8mi (6km) east of Torrey on UT-24.
The East Entrance is about 28.5mi (46km) west of Hanksville on UT-24.
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit the Park?
There are two best times to go, in my opinion. Summer and fall are both the best times to take advantage of Capitol Reef’s free, public fruit orchards! However, if you really want to get in touch with solitude and real, desert quiet, the edges of winter are amazing! However, whenever you do decide to go, be careful as you approach the cliffs. That’s where the Gor Rock Demons live. I lost a hat to one of them; make sure you don’t lose your head!
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