The park tends to attract hikers, rock climbers, mountain bikers, and equestrian explorers who prefer solitude to trendy social scenes. As the least visited of Utah's five national parks, this vast and wild frontier still offers a glimpse of America before it was settled by a civilization intent on paving the planet.
The only developed campground in Capitol Reef National Park is the Fruita Campground. It has 71 sites and is located south of the visitor center in the Fruita Historic District. The campground is surrounded by historic orchards and sits next to the Fremont River. Backcountry camping is also an option.
From the visitor center, head for the park’s 25-mile scenic drive. On this route, you will have many stops. The first begins with the Fruita Historic District, which shows the remnants of an 1880s Mormon frontier community. You will also see Cassidy Arch, Capitol Gorge, an abundance of Fremont Indian petroglyphs, the Hickman Bridge, and the Behunin Cabin, a tiny stone cabin that once housed a family of ten.
Explore Capitol Reef on horseback via the Old Wagon Trail, with access to Miners Mountain and good views of the famous Waterpocket Fold. Or try the South Draw, with access to Tantalus Flats and Boulder Mountain or return down Pleasant Creek.
By Travel Expert:
Kim Lipker
The Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile-long wrinkle in the earth's crust, extends from nearby Thousand Lakes Mountain to the Colorado River (now Lake Powell). The park was established to protect this grand and colorful geologic feature, as well as the area around it.
Fifteen day-hiking trails begin within a short drive of the visitor center.
You can ascend 1,600 feet for a spectacular panorama of Capitol Reef and southeastern Utah by combining the Hickman Natural Bridge, Rim Overlook, and Navajo Knob Trails in about nine miles roundtrip.
Experienced canyon-country hikers can explore the narrow slot canyons of Burro Wash, Cottonwood Wash, and Sheets Gulch off the Notom-Bullfrog Road.
By Travel Expert:
Bill Weir
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