News Release

Capitol Reef National Park is Modifying Operations to Implement Latest Health Guidance

Date: March 17, 2020
Contact: Office of Communications, 202-208-6843

Torrey, UT – Capitol Reef National Park is announcing modifications to operations to implement the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and local and state authorities to promote social distancing. As of March 17, 2020, Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center and the Historic Gifford House are closed until further notice. Where it is possible to adhere to the latest health guidance, all campgrounds, trails, and roadways in the park remain open as weather allows.  

Visitors can continue to enjoy outdoor recreation such as hiking, camping, biking, birdwatching, and sightseeing. Visitors can also continue to learn about the park online via the park website and social media. Educational opportunities are available through a distance learning platform by visiting https://www.nps.gov/care/learn/education/index.htm.

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Capitol Reef National Park is our number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with the federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. We will notify the public when we resume full operations and will provide updates on our website and social media channels.  

The NPS urges visitors to do their part when visiting our park and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.   

For high-risk populations, such as the elderly and people with underlying conditions, we ask that they take extra caution and follow CDC guidance for those at higher risk of serious illness.   

Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus. Please check with individual parks for specific details about park operations.
 

www.nps.gov

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 419 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.