Visiting Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park, located in Utah, is 381 square miles. 

We arrived in the park from Scenic Byway 24, on the east side.

Capitol Reef National Park

The park protects the Waterpocket fold (seen above and below). 

The Waterpocket Fold is 100 miles long.

We drove the Scenic Drive in the park, which is a there and back road, 7.9 miles each way.

The drive takes about an hour and a half to complete.

At the end of the Scenic Drive, which is paved, you can drive down Capitol Gorge Road. We chose to stick to the paved roads in this park.

There are several scenic stops along the Scenic Road, as well as, along Rt. 24.

Unfortunately, it was too hot to do any hiking, so we stuck to the scenic drive.

We returned to Scenic Byway 24 to head out of the park and to Scenic Byway 12, which would bring us into Bryce. As always, wishing you happy travels and fantastic adventures in this thing called life.

(All pictures are available as Fine Art Prints or Digital Downloads for purchase through Almay. If you see something you like, click on the link. If you are unable to find it, use the Contact Me page and I will make sure the image is available.)

Things To Know Before You Go

1. The current entrance fee is $20 per vehicle but check for the most current price here. 
2. No reservations or permits are required for entry.
3. The park is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. For current Visitor Center’s hours check here.
4. The Gifford House and Store, which I highly recommend is open from March 14 – the end of Nov.
5. If you are lucky enough to visit during one of the harvest seasons, stop by the Fruita Orchards.  Information on the timing can be found here.

Utah Adventures

Bryce Canyon National Park

Visiting Canyonlands National Park

Visiting Arches National Park

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