Last updated: May 2, 2021
Thing to Do
Picnic
NPS
Bring your lunch or grab a pie from the Gifford House, and enjoy a picnic in Capitol Reef!
Just 0.75 miles (1.2 km) from the visitor center, on the Scenic Drive, are the Doc Inglesby and Chesnut picnic areas. Many picnic tables are scattered around the grassy, green lawn, or bring your own blanket to sit on. Restrooms with running water are available seasonally. A grill with a nearby water spigot is across the road in the Chesnut Picnic Area.
Picnic tables and a water refill station are also available at the Gifford House.
Next to the parking area at the end of the paved section of the Scenic Drive (7.9 miles/12.7 km from the visitor center), there are some covered picnic tables; additional tables are also at the Capitol Gorge Trailhead. There are pit toilets, but no water.
If you would rather rough it, consider bringing your lunch on one of the many hiking trails in Capitol Reef. Remember to always leave no trace of your visit, and pack it in, pack it out!
Leashed pets are allowed in picnic areas.
Details
Activity
Picnicking
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
Pets on a leash are allowed on roads and in picnic areas, orchards, and maintained campgrounds. Learn more about visiting Capitol Reef with your pet.
Activity Fee
No
The only fee area is along the Scenic Drive. Learn more about Capitol Reef's fees and passes.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information
In the Doc Insglesby Picnic Area, a paved trail leads to restrooms with running water (open seasonally). A sloped, grassy lawn has places for picnic blankets and some tables, including those with accessible seating.
In Capitol Gorge, a few tables are wheelchair accessible, but there is not a ramp to access the tables from the parking lot.
In Capitol Gorge, a few tables are wheelchair accessible, but there is not a ramp to access the tables from the parking lot.