Capitol Reef National Park

Summer temperatures often climb into the upper 90s F , but nights cool down into the 50s F and 60s F. The thunderstorm season from July through September brings cloudbursts, flash floods and lightning. Spring and fall are milder with highs generally in the 50s F and 60s F. Daytime winter highs average less than 50° F. Snowfall is usually light, especially at lower elevations. Humidity is low all year. Weather info can be viewed by clicking the more... button below.

Individuals: $3.00
Vehicles: $5.00
Sites at the Fruita Campground are $10 per night.

Campground sites are first come-first served.

From May to September, the park offers a variety of ranger-guided programs at no charge. These include guided walks, talks, and evening programs at the campground amphitheater.

The Fruita Schoolhouse is a restored and refurbished historic structure located on Utah Highway 24, .8 miles east of the visitor center.

The blacksmith shop, .5 miles south on the Scenic Drive, offers a recorded message about life in a Mormon pioneer community.

The Historic Gifford Homestead, 1 mile south on the Scenic Drive, is typical of rural Utah farm-houses of the early 1900s and is open during the summer season. Cultural demonstrations and handmade sales items are available.

A picnic area near the visitor center provides tables, fire grills, restrooms, drinking water and shade trees.

Bicycles are restricted to maintained roads open to vehicular traffic. A handout available at the visitor center identifies and describes recommended routes.

Fishing is permitted in the Fremont River with a valid Utah fishing license.

Developed Camping
The 71-site Fruita campground is the only developed campground in the park, located south of the visitor center in the Fruita Historic District.

Primitive Campgrounds
The no-fee Cathedral and Cedar Mesa Primitive Campgrounds, located in more remote parts of the park, have pit toilets and picnic tables, but no water.

Group Campsite
The Group Site is available by reservation and can accommodate a maximum of 40 people.

Backcountry Camping
A free backcountry permit is required for camping outside of campgrounds.

Day Hiking

In the Fruita area, there are 15 day hiking trails with trailheads located along Utah Hwy. 24 and the Scenic Drive. These trails offer the hiker a wide variety of options, from easy strolls along smooth paths over level ground to strenuous hikes involving steep climbs over uneven terrain near cliff edges. Hikes may take you deep into a narrow gorge, to the top of high cliffs for a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area, under a natural stone arch, to historic inscriptions...and much, much more! Round trip distances vary in length from less than 1/4 mile to 10 miles. All trails are well-marked with signs at the trailhead and at trail junctions and by cairns (stacks of rocks) along the way. Detailed trail descriptions and maps are available from the CRNHA at the Visitor Center. Some trails have self-guiding brochures which are available, for a nominal fee, at the trailhead or at the visitor center.

Backcountry Hiking

Capitol Reef offers many hiking options for serious backpackers and those who enjoy exploring remote areas. Marked hiking routes lead into narrow, twisting gorges and slot canyons and to spectacular viewpoints high atop the Waterpocket Fold. Popular backcountry hikes in the southern section of the park include Upper and Lower Muley Twist Canyons and Halls Creek. Backcountry hiking opportunities also exist in the Cathedral Valley area and near Fruita...the possibilities are endless! Stop in the visitor center and talk to a ranger if you are interested in a backcountry hike. They can help you pick out a hike that will fit your time and abilities. If you plan to take an overnight hike, you need to obtain a free backcountry permit at the visitor center prior to your trip. Backcountry group size cannot exceed 12 people.

Popular Backcountry Routes

• Upper Muley Twist Canyon
• Lower Muley Twist Canyon
• Halls Creek Narrows
• Spring Canyon
• Burro Wash, Cottonwood Wash and Sheets Gulch slot canyons
• Hamburger Rocks
• Brimhall Natural Bridge

Water

Always carry water! Even the shortest stroll will make you thirsty on a 100 degree summer day. Potable water is available at the pump located in the visitor center parking lot, and at the spigots in front of each restroom in the Fruita campground. A minimum of one gallon per person per day is recommended, more for backpackers. Water is scarce in the backcountry, especially during the hot summer months. Waterpockets, seeps, and springs are scattered throughout canyon country but are unreliable. Plan to carry in all your water. If you do use water from backcountry sources, boil or filter the water before drinking to kill Giardia.

Weather

Hiking in canyon country is not something to be taken lightly. The elevation and high desert climate make this area prone to temperature extremes. Summer months are HOT with temperatures near 100 degrees F and the sun is intense. Summer evenings cool to 50 or 60 degrees. At this time of year, rapid dehydration is common and could be fatal to the unprepared hiker. Spring and Fall are mild seasons and are the best times for hiking and backpacking. Winter (Nov. through Feb.) is cold with highs in the 30s & 40s and nighttime temperatures below freezing. Elevations in the park range from approximately 3,800 to 8,200 feet.

Wear appropriate clothing, footwear, sunscreen and a hat.

Capitol Reef receives approximately 7 inches of precipitation each year. Thunderstorms can move in quickly (July - September), dropping large amounts of rain over a short period of time, causing flash floods. Get up-to-date weather information and watch for changing weather conditions during this time of year. Do not enter a narrow gorge or slot canyon if storms are threatening and never camp in wash bottoms. Infrequent winter snows often fall and melt the same day, but can stay on the ground for days or weeks.

Resource and Safety Concerns

Help protect the fragile desert environment. Stay on established trails, avoid stepping in biological soil crusts, and do not shortcut switchbacks. Do not throw rocks. Climbing on loose talus or steep slickrock is dangerous, and it is always harder to climb down than to climb up. Don’t take unnecessary risks...help may be a long way off. Think before you act. If you do become rimrocked, call for help and wait for assistance rather than attempting to climb down...one misplaced step or handhold could end in tragedy. Think safety!

Pets

Pets are not permitted on trails or anywhere in the backcountry. Pets may not be left unattended at trailheads or in other locations.

Maps

Available from the CRNHA at the park Visitor Center.

Backcountry Dos and Don'ts

DO:

• Tell others your plans and expected return date.
• Obtain a free backcountry permit prior to your hike.
• Carry topographic maps and guides of the area.
• Pack out all trash, including garbage, cigarette butts, and toilet paper. Do not burn or bury.
• Bury human waste 6" deep in soil and 100' from water sources.
• Stay on marked routes whenever possible. When hiking crosscountry, walk in wash bottoms, on slickrock, or use animal trails to avoid stepping in cryptobiotic crust.

DON'T:

• Collect firewood or build ground fires. Instead, use portable stoves for cooking.
• Pollute water sources by washing or bathing. You should always carry water away from the source to clean dishes or bathe then strain out food particles and disperse dirty water. Always use biodegradable soap. Never swim in waterpockets; lotion, sunscreen, and residue on skin can quickly pollute water sources that are not free-flowing.
• Camp within 1/2 mile or in sight of roads or trails. In narrow canyons, try to camp as far away from the hiking route as possible and out of sight.
• Carry firearms.
• Disturb or deface natural features, historic, or archeological sites.
• Collect items of any kind, including rocks, plants, animals, or artifacts.

Traditionally, Capitol Reef National Park has experienced minimal use by technical rock climbers. However, recent years have seen an increase in climbing in Utah's canyon country. Included here are the park regulations and concerns regarding technical climbing.

Rock Type

The rock at Capitol Reef is comprised predominately of sandstone. It varies in hardness from the soft crumbly Entrada to the relatively hard Wingate. The Wingate cliff walls are the most popular for climbing, as natural fracturing has created many climbable crack systems. In addition, the hardness of the Wingate lends itself more readily to the successful use of chocks, nuts, and camming devices; however it can flake off easily and be very unpredictable. Climbing in canyon country is not something to be taken lightly.

Route Descriptions

Two published guides cover climbs at Capitol Reef. They are Desert Rock by Eric Bjornstad from Chockstone Press, Inc., 1996 and Rock Climbing Utah by Stewart M. Green from Falcon Publishing, 1998.If you climb a new route and wish to leave a route description contact a ranger at the visitor center.

Permits

Permits are not required for climbing. However, if you plan to camp overnight on a climb, you are required to obtain a free backcountry use permit, available at the visitor center.

Restrictions and Concerns

Capitol Reef National Park is a clean climbing area. Minimum impact techniques that don't destroy the rock or leave a visual trail are encouraged. The use of white chalk is prohibited. Climbers using chalk must use chalk which closely matches the color of the surrounding rock. The use of power drills is also prohibited. Bolts may only be used to replace existing unsafe bolts. Where it is necessary to leave or replace existing webbing, the webbing should closely match the color of the surrounding rock. Ropes may not be left in place unattended for more than 24 hours, and these ropes must be out of reach from the ground or other points accessible without technical climbing.

Closed Areas

Due to the abundance of prehistoric rock writings, the section of the rock wall north of Utah Hwy 24 between the Fruita Schoolhouse (Mile 80.6) and the east end of the Kreuger Orchard (Mile 81.4) is closed to climbing. In other areas, climbing is not permitted above or within 100 feet of rock art panels or prehistoric structures. Other areas closed to climbing are: Hickman Natural Bridge and all other arches and bridges, Temple of the Moon, Temple of the Sun, and Chimney Rock.

Safety

Climbing during the summer is very hot as temperatures frequently reach the upper 90's to near 100 degrees. Carry plenty of water. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August. Sandstone is weak when wet, so avoid climbing in damp areas or right after a rain. Please climb safely! Many falls have been taken on relatively easy routes because experienced climbers became careless. Please report all accidents or injuries at the visitor center.

Horse and pack animal use is considered a valid means of viewing and experiencing Capitol Reef National Park. Animals designated as "pack animals" are limited to horses, burros, and mules.

Regulations and Concerns

The park has no developed overnight facilities for stock users with the exception of the Equestrian Staging Area at the Post Corral in the Waterpocket District. Overnight camping will be permitted for horse users within the Post Corral on an advanced reservation basis only. All camping units and horse trailers must be contained within the west side of the corral with horses kept in the adjacent pens or tied. There is no water available at the corral site.

Guidelines for backcountry camping with stock are described below:

• Stock animals may not be ridden or kept overnight in any campground, picnic area, orchard or roadside pullout.
• A free backcountry use permit, available at the visitor center, is required for each party with horses or pack animals staying overnight in the park.
• Backcountry camping is prohibited within one half mile of roads or trailheads. Camping is also prohibited within sight of established roads or trails or within sight or sound of other campers.
• Campsites and tethering areas must be a minimum of 300 feet from water or archeological sites.
• Parties camping with horses or pack animals must camp in a new location each night.
• Manure must be scattered before vacating the area. Manure must be removed immediately if dropped in or near any spring or non-flowing water source.
• When picketed, select locations where horses and stock animals will cause little or no vegetation damage. Grazing and loose herding is not permitted. All feed must be carried in and must be certified weed-free feed.
• Stock use in the park’s backcountry is limited to 12 people and no more than 12 head of riding or packing stock.
• Riders will slow to a walk when passing hikers.
• Human waste must be buried 6 inches deep and at least 100 feet from non-flowing water; 200 feet from flowing water. All trash, including toilet paper, must be carried out. Burning and/or burying toilet paper is prohibited.
• Fires are not permitted in the backcountry.
• Dogs may not accompany stock trips.
• All commercially guided horse or pack animal trips must be provided by an outfitter that is authorized and permitted to operate under the commercial use procedures of the park.
• Report all accidents or injuries to a park ranger or at the visitor center as soon as possible.
• Generators are not permitted.

Closed Areas

Horses and pack animals are prohibited on the following trails and hiking routes:

• Brimhall Bridge
• Capitol Gorge
• Cassidy Arch
• Cathedral Valley Overlook
• Chimney Rock
• Cohab Canyon
• Fremont Gorge Viewpoint
• Fremont River Overlook
• Fruita Campground to the Visitor Center
• Frying Pan Trail
• Golden Throne
• Goosenecks
• Grand Wash
• Halls Creek Narrows
• Headquarters Canyon
• Hickman Bridge
• Navajo Knobs
• Red Canyon
• Rim Overlook
• Spring Canyon
• Strike Valley Overlook
• Sulphur Creek
• Sunset Point
• Surprise Canyon

Recommended Rides

The following are recommended rides in the park:

• South Draw: Access to Tantalus Flats and Boulder Mountain or return down Pleasant Creek.
• Old Wagon Trail: Access to Miners Mountain with good views of the Waterpocket Fold.
• Halls Creek: Access from The Post south through Halls Creek drainage.
• The South Desert: Access from the Upper or Lower South Desert Overlooks.

Guidelines and Regulations for the Backcountry Equestrian Staging Area

The Superintendent of Capitol Reef National Park has authorized the use of a staging area for horse users departing on overnight or day use trips into the Waterpocket District of the park. The equestrian staging area is located at the Post Corral on the Notom-Bullfrog Road about one-half mile south of the Burr Trail/Notom Road junction. All use is subject to the existing regulations outlined in the park horse use policy and the park compendium. Use of the camp is limited to non-commercial groups.

Overnight camping will be permitted for horse users within the Post Corral on a reservation basis only. Reservations are free and should be made at least two weeks prior to planned use.

Regulations governing the staging site include:

• There is a limit of 12 riders and 12 horses; each person must intend to ride (one rider, one horse). A maximum of 2 camp tenders may accompany the group and/or remain in camp as needed.
• All camping units and horse trailers must be contained within the large (west) side of the corral with horses kept in the adjacent pens or tied.
• No dogs may accompany stock trips.
• Generators not permitted.
• No wood gathering is allowed; no ground fires unless contained within a fire pan or grill. Ashes must be removed.
• There is no water available at the corral site. Users must bring water for themselves and their horses.
• Horses must be fed certified weed-free hay or pellets; grazing and loose herding are not permitted outside the corral or in the backcountry.

Travel lightly on the land! Please help us protect Capitol Reef National Park and the fragile high desert environment. In the park, bicycles must stay on designated roads at all times. Bicycles may not travel off road, in washes, on closed roads, on hiking trails, or backcountry routes. For overnight trips, you must camp in one of the three designated park campgrounds or on adjacent BLM or USFS lands. Water is difficult to find on all of the routes listed below, so plan accordingly.

#1 Scenic Drive
• Rating: Easy to moderate with some hills.
• Length: 1 to 25 miles.
• Surface: Paved. The roads into Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge are dirt and follow wash bottoms. Some sections are sandy and rocky. The road to Pleasant Creek is dirt and gravel with rough sections.
• Description: The Scenic Drive starts at the park Visitor Center and provides access to Grand Wash, Capitol Gorge, Pleasant Creek, and the South Draw Road. You must return on the same road, so the length of your ride depends on where you turn around. Vehicle traffic can be heavy from April through October. The road is narrow and without shoulders, so bicyclists must be alert to approaching vehicular traffic. Consider doing this as a morning or evening ride when traffic is reduced or during the off season. The road has some moderately steep grades. The park entrance station is located just south of the campground on the Scenic Drive. The entrance fee is $4.00 per vehicle and is good for 7 days in Capitol Reef. Bicyclists who have not previously paid the entrance fee must pay when they pass the fee station. Payment is as for a car, i.e.: a family traveling together would pay $4.00. If you are traveling alone the fee would be $2.00. Be sure to pick up a free copy of A Guide to the Scenic Drive at the entrance station.

#2 Cathedral Valley Loop
• Rating: Strenuous with some steep sections.
• Length: 60+ miles.
• Surface: The route traverses a variety of road surfaces including dirt, sand, bentonite clay, and rocky areas and also requires a ford of the Fremont River.

• Description: Riding into the Cathedral Valley can be a very challenging and rewarding experience. This is one of the more remote areas of the park. Finding water is very difficult and summer temperatures can soar over 100 degrees. This ride is best done in the spring or fall. There are steep hills and switchbacks, wash crossings (muddy when flowing), stretches of deep sand and a river ford that is usually 1 to 1 1/2 feet deep. Access to Cathedral Valley is via the Harnet Road (11.7 miles east of the Visitor Center) or the Caineville Wash Road (18.6 miles east of the Visitor Center) on Utah Hwy 24.

  The park has a 5 site primitive (no water) campground located mid-way through the loop. The campground is run on a first come, first served basis (permits are not required) and is free.

  #3 South Draw Road
  • Rating: Strenuous with very steep hills
  • Length: Depending on route chosen, 12,22, or 52 miles.
  • Surface: The route traverses a variety of dirt, sand, and rocky surfaces and crosses several creeks that may be muddy.
  • Description: This ride is not recommended in the winter or spring months due to deep snow at higher elevations which make the route impassable. If you like fast downhill rides, this trip should satisfy you. The route starts at 8,500 feet on Boulder Mountain and ends in the park at 5,500 feet. Make sure your bike has good brakes. This trip works best if you can shuttle a vehicle to the Pleasant Creek parking area located at the end of the Scenic Drive and then drive to a starting point at the junction of the Bowns Reservoir Road and Utah Hwy 12 on Boulder Mountain. Follow the Bowns Reservoir Road to Jorgeson and Tantalus Flats (bypass the turnoff to the reservoir), and continue on into the park via the South Draw Road. The South Draw Road turns into the Pleasant Creek Road at the Pleasant Creek crossing inside the park. The parking area is located near this point. If you prearranged a vehicle shuttle, your trip will end here. Alternatively, you can ride the entire loop, including 40 miles of paved road along the Scenic Drive and Utah Hwys 24 and 12, back to your starting point on Boulder Mountain. Be sure to carry a map of the area (available at the bookstore in the Visitor Center) as there are side roads that may be confusing.
  #4 Boulder Mountain/Utah Hwy 12 - Burr Trail Road/Notom - Bullfrog Road/Utah Hwy 24 Loop
  • Rating: Very Strenuous with steep climbs.
  • Length: 80 to 125 miles.
  • Surface: The Notom/Bullfrog Road and part of the Burr Trail Road are graded dirt with some sandy stretches and wash crossings that are muddy when flowing. The Notom/Bullfrog Road is paved for the first 5 miles from Utah Hwy 24 to Notom. The Burr Trail Raod is paved form the west park boundary to Boulder. Utah Hwys 12 and 24 are paved.

  • Description: Starting at the Visitor Center and riding west via Utah Hwy 24, 10 miles, to Utah Hwy 12, this loop takes you over the high country on the west flank of Boulder Mountain (9,400 feet in elevation) on Utah Hwy 12, through the Circle Cliffs, across the Waterpocket Fold on the Burr Trail Road, and then up the Strike Valley along the Notom/Bullfrog Road back to Utah Hwy 24. The complete loop includes approximately 70 miles of paved road. A shuttle can shorten the ride and cut out some of the paved sections.

    The ride along the Burr Trail Road takes you through narrow, sheer walled Long Canyon, across the relatively flat center of the Circle Cliffs areas, and down the steep eastern slope of the Waterpocket Fold via the spectacular Burr Trail Road Switchbacks. Many miles of spur roads are available for exploring in the Circle Cliffs area. Near the top of the Burr Trail Road switchbacks, a short spur road branches north into Upper Muley Twist Canyon. This three mile road follows the wash bottom past several large arches and ends at the Strike Valley Overlook parking area. Bicycles are not permitted beyond this point. From the parking area, a short foot trail leads to a spectacular view of Strike Valley from the top of the Waterpocket Fold. Another hiking route continues through Upper Muley Twist Canyon (9 miles round trip).

    At the bottom of the Burr Trail Road switchbacks you will encounter an intersection. Turn left (north) here and continue up the Notom/Bullfrog Road through Strike Valley. The Notom/Bullfrog Road parallels the east flank of the Waterpocket Fold with its steep upthrust of dome topped cliffs. The road continues north approximately 40 miles to the junction of Utah Hwy 24. Take Utah Hwy 24 west 9 miles to the Visitor Center.

    The park has a 5 site primitive (no water) campground located approximately 12 miles north of the Burr Trail Road junction on the Notom/Bullfrog Road. The campground is run on a first come, first served basis (permits are not required) and is free.