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Capitol Reef National Park in south-central Utah protects a section of the Waterpocket Fold, a long wrinkle in the Earth's crust where layers of rock buckled into cliffs, domes and canyons. White sandstone domes reminded early travelers of capitol buildings, and the rugged ridges blocked travel like an ocean reef, which explains the name. It is one of the quieter parks in the state.
The Fremont River runs through the Fruita Rural Historic District, a settlement founded by Mormon pioneers whose orchards are still maintained, with fruit available for picking in season. The Gifford Homestead sells pies and preserves, and the Fruita Schoolhouse and a petroglyph panel left by the Fremont culture are short stops along the highway. Hickman Bridge is a natural arch reached by a moderate trail. Grand Wash is a level walk through a narrow canyon that also leads to Cassidy Arch, and Capitol Gorge holds the Pioneer Register, where early travelers carved their names. Panorama Point, the Goosenecks and Sunset Point offer viewpoints near the visitor area, and Chimney Rock has a loop trail. More remote areas, such as Cathedral Valley and the Notom-Bullfrog Road connecting to the Burr Trail, require high-clearance vehicles and planning.
The park suits travelers seeking solitude and dark skies, and it pairs well with Highway 12 and Bryce Canyon. Spring and fall bring pleasant weather and orchard blossoms or harvests.
WiserMap travel guideCapitol Reef Utah Fruita Orchards and Cathedral ValleyPlan a Capitol Reef trip: Fruita orchards, Hickman Bridge, Cassidy Arch, Capitol Gorge, Cathedral Valley, dark skies and the best seasons to visit.Read the guide
The green oasis along the Fremont River where Mormon pioneers planted about 3,000 fruit trees. Cherries, apricots, peaches, pears and apples are still grown here, and you can pick ripe fruit in season. Tip: check the fruit hotline or visitor center to see which orchards are open for picking.
A restored 1908 farmhouse in Fruita with a barn, smokehouse and pasture, run as a small museum of pioneer life. It is famous for its fresh-baked fruit pies and cinnamon rolls sold from spring to fall. Tip: pies often sell out by early afternoon, so stop in the morning.
A one-room log schoolhouse from 1896 and, a short drive east on Highway 24, boardwalks along a cliff covered with Fremont culture petroglyphs of bighorn sheep and human figures. Tip: bring binoculars, as some carvings are high up on the rock face.
A narrow canyon that served as the main wagon road through the Waterpocket Fold until 1962. An easy walk leads to the Pioneer Register, where travelers carved their names, and on to natural water tanks. Tip: the last stretch of road is gravel, fine for cars in dry weather.
A 133-foot natural sandstone bridge reached by a popular 1.8-mile round-trip trail from Highway 24. The path climbs past Fremont granaries and pit house remains before looping under the arch. Tip: start early in summer, because the trail has little shade and the trailhead lot fills fast.
Grand Wash is a flat walk through a deep canyon whose walls narrow to about 20 feet. From it a steep trail climbs to Cassidy Arch, named for the outlaw Butch Cassidy, said to have hidden nearby. Tip: avoid the wash when thunderstorms threaten, as flash floods are real here.
A short but steep trail that climbs from Fruita into a hidden side canyon full of small arches and honeycombed rock, with overlooks above the orchards and campground. It links to the Frying Pan Trail for longer days. Tip: the viewpoint spur gives the best photo of Fruita from above.
A cluster of viewpoints just off Highway 24 west of the visitor center. Panorama Point looks across the Waterpocket Fold, Goosenecks Overlook peers into the winding Sulphur Creek canyon, and Sunset Point glows at dusk. Tip: Panorama Point is also a certified spot for stargazing.
A tall pillar of dark red Moenkopi rock capped with harder sandstone, standing beside Highway 24 near the west entrance. A 3.6-mile loop trail climbs around it with wide views of the reef. Tip: late-afternoon light makes the red layers glow, and the loop is best done clockwise.
A paved 7.9-mile road south from the visitor center along the western face of the Waterpocket Fold, with pullouts, geology signs and spur roads into Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge. A park entry fee is charged at the fee station. Tip: allow about 90 minutes with stops and short walks.
A remote northern district of the park with towering sandstone monoliths such as the Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon. It is reached by a long dirt loop that often needs high clearance and fords the Fremont River. Tip: ask about road conditions at the visitor center before setting out.
A long backcountry route along the east side of the Waterpocket Fold, joining the Burr Trail and its famous switchbacks climbing over the fold toward Boulder. Much of it is gravel and remote. Tip: carry plenty of water and a spare tire, as services are far apart.
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