Although Capitol Reef is not as well-known as Utah’s other national parks, the lack of tourists makes it all the more exciting to explore. Located north of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and west of Canyonlands, this park offers diverse terrain. You can see much of Capitol Reef National Park from your car. The main Scenic Drive stretches just about 8 miles and takes passengers past the park’s notable geological features like the Moenkopi Formation, Waterpocket Fold, Grand Wash and Wingate Sandstone. You can also opt to drive the nearly 60-mile Cathedral Valley Loop, which weaves through a more remote section of the park, passing massive sandstone structures like Temple of the Sun (the peak of which sits nearly 6,000 feet above sea level).
Visitors who would rather explore the park on foot have many memorable hikes awaiting. The easy-to-moderate Hickman Bridge (1 mile round trip) and Cassidy Arch (1.7 miles round trip) trails showcase Capitol Reef’s stunning sandstone arches, while the leisurely Grand Wash Trail (6.25 miles round trip) brings hikers through narrow canyons. The Fruita Historic District – home to old Mormon settlements, a schoolhouse and a fruit orchard – is also worth exploring on foot. What’s more, ranger-led programs like geology talks and full moon walks are available for free.