Outdoor Activities

Capitol Reef National Park is a great place for recreation and contemplation. Immerse yourself in the park's 243,921 acres (98,711 hectares). Explore nearly 200 miles (320 kilmeters) of marked frontcountry trails and backcountry routes, and discover options for scenic driving tours, canyoneering, rock climbing, horseback riding, and biking.

 

Get Outside

  • Slick rock trail with juniper trees, rocks, and views of white cliffs in the distance.
    Hiking in Fruita

    Go for a hike off the Scenic Drive or Utah Highway 24.

  • Hiker walking along a dirt trail, with desert and mountains views.
    Hiking in the Waterpocket District

    Explore the southern Waterpocket District by foot.

  • Person hiking on dirt trail below big red cliffs and blue sky, with a car parked in the distance.
    Hiking in Cathedral Valley

    Explore Cathedral Valley's hiking trails, in the northern part of the park.

  • Black and white photo of old fashioned car meeting two wagons pulled by horses in a narrow canyon.
    Road Tours

    Explore Capitol Reef by vehicle.

  • Two bike riders on paved highway, with scenic rock formations and blue sky in the background.
    Bicycle Touring

    Explore the roads of Capitol Reef by bicycle!

  • Horse with a pack saddle on looking at the camera.
    Horseback Riding

    Horses and pack animals are allowed throughout the park except on designated trails, routes, and certain backcountry areas.

  • Silhouette of person on rope, between cliffs, with blue sky in the background.
    Canyoneering

    The multiple rock layers found at Capitol Reef offer a diverse canyon environment. Permits are now required.

  • Person climbing red cliff wall with blue sky and clouds above.
    Rock Climbing & Bouldering

    Capitol Reef has experienced minimal use by technical rock climbers, but there's a growing interest in Utah. Permits are now required.

  • Person rapelling down redrock cliff wall with blue sky above.
    Permits

    Find out what permits you need for special activities, like canyoneering, rock climbing, commercial tours, and others.

  • Flash flood in Sulphur Creek in Capitol Reef National Park
    Your Safety

    Your safety is your responsibility. Ask about the latest weather conditions at the visitor center.

  • RVs, tents, cars, and vans in a green, shaded campground, with some fall colors.
    Camping

    With one developed campground, two primitive campgrounds, and vast backcountry options, there are many places to stay the night in the park.

  • Night skies in Capitol Reef National Park
    International Dark Sky Park

    Discover Capitol Reef's dark night skies.

Last updated: February 21, 2020

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

HC 70, Box 15
Torrey, UT 84775

Phone:

435-425-3791
Recorded park information available 24 hours a day. Phones are answered when staff is available. If no one answers, please leave a message, your call will be returned. Questions may also be sent to care_information@nps.gov.

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