Reef Ride Bike Days 2025

An Event for Bikes and Pedestrians Only on the Scenic Drive

Save the Date and celebrate National Public Lands Day this September 27 and 28. Come enjoy the newly repaved Scenic Drive on a bicycle or on foot. From sunrise to 2:00 pm the Scenic Drive will be closed to vehicles for this special event, allowing folks a chance to explore at a slower pace.

The Scenic Drive is a 7.9-mile (12.7 km) paved road that offers breathtaking views of the park's unique geological formations. The drive begins near the visitor center and provides access to Grand Wash, Capitol Gorge, and Pleasant Creek. Participants will experience stunning landscapes, including sheer sandstone cliffs and the western escarpment of the iconic Waterpocket Fold.

Elevation ranges from approximately 5,400 feet (1,646 m) to 5,977 feet (1,822 m) above sea level.

Parking for vehicles is available throughout Fruita. The Picnic Area and Jorgenson pasture parking areas are south of the visitor center and are great places to unload bikes and start your ride.

Bathrooms are available in the Picnic Area, at the end of Grand Wash Road, the end of the paved Scenic Drive, and the end of Capitol Gorge Road.

Safety Tips

• Helmets: All cyclists are strongly encouraged to wear helmets for safety. All children are required to wear helmets. Utah law on bicycle helmet use applies within the park. Class 3 e-bikes require a helmet for those under 21 and those under 16 are not permitted to operate a class 3 e-bike.
• Hydration: Bring plenty of water, as there will be few water sources along the route.
• Visibility: Wear bright clothing and use lights or reflectors to increase visibility.
• Yield: Cyclists should yield to pedestrians and runners and be courteous to all participants. Cyclists should follow the rules of the road and yield to oncoming bicycles.
• Speed Limit: Speed limits apply to bicycles. The speed limit on the Scenic Drive is 15 mph from the Blacksmith Shop to just past the turn to loop C of the campground. It is 25 mph for the remainder of the route.
• Weather: Check weather conditions before heading out and be prepared for sudden changes.
• E-Bikes: Ensure your e-bike is fully charged, as there are no charging stations available in the park.
• Vehicle presence: There may be a few NPS vehicles on the road for safety and maintenance work. Bicyclists should expect vehicle traffic after 2 pm.
• No Cell Service: There is no cell service in the park. Park staff will be positioned along the route to assist cyclists and hikers in case of emergencies.

 

Cycling is a great way to enjoy Capitol Reef's Scenic Drive.

NPS / A. Huston

 

Route Options and Details

The Scenic Drive connects to several dirt roads; Grand Wash, Capitol Gorge, and Pleasant Creek. The conditions of these dirt roads can vary depending on recent precipitation.

Total round trip distances vary depending on where cyclists turn around and if they choose to bike the dirt spur roads. See the various route descriptions, distances, and elevation profile graphs to plan your day.

 

Elevation profile of Scenic Drive

Scenic Drive
The Scenic Drive is nearly 7 miles in length from the Picnic Area to the end of the pavement at the start of Capitol Gorge. The minimum elevation is 5,418 feet and the maximum is 5,973 feet. There are two major climbs, one cresting at Danish Hill, the other at Slickrock Divide.

 

Elevation profile of Grand Wash Road

Grand Wash Road
The Grand Wash road is a dirt road, 1.3 miles in length, leading to the Grand Wash and Cassidy Arch trailheads. The road follows the wash through a tall canyon. Bicyles are not permitted on trails and must remain on the road and parking area. The elevation ranges from 5,561 feet (1,695 m) at the junction with the Scenic Drive to 5,419 feet (1,652 m) at the parking area.

 

Elevation profile of Capitol Gorge Road

Capitol Gorge Road
The Capitol Gorge Road is a dirt road, 2.4 miles in length, leading to the Capitol Gorge and Golden Throne trailheads. The road follows the canyon bottom as it twist and turns to the parking area and trailheads. Bicycles are not permitted on trails and must remain on the road and parking area. The elevation ranges from 5,646 feet (1,721 m) at the junction with the Scenic Drive to 5,420 feet (1,652 m) at the parking area.

 

Pleasant Creek Road
The Pleasant Creek Road is a dirt road, 3 miles in length, leading to a parking area next to Pleasant Creek.

Elevation profile graph coming soon...