National Park

Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park is a National Park in Utah. The NPS currently lists 2 active alerts, 5 campgrounds and 1 visitor center; entrance fees start at $10.

Utah National Park America the Beautiful pass accepted

Updated · NPS Data API

Wingate Sandstone cliffs behind historic barn and farmhouse
Gifford House and Pendleton Barn · Photo: NPS Photo (via nps.gov)

About the park

“Located in south-central Utah in the heart of red rock country, Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden treasure filled with cliffs, canyons, domes, and bridges in the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline (a wrinkle on the earth) extending almost 100 miles.”

Active alerts

2

Closures

0

Campgrounds

5

Visitor centers

1

Current alerts and closures

2 active NPS alerts as of Oct 28, 2026: 0 closures, 0 danger, 2 caution and 0 information.

Caution

Elevated E. Coli levels - Fremont River and Sulphur Creek

Recent water quality testing shows elevated E. coli levels in the Fremont River and Sulphur Creek. A warning advisory has been issued by the Utah DEQ. Use caution if entering the water. Do not get water in your mouth, do not swim. Wash hands with soap and water.

Posted or updated Aug 27, 2026 ·Park conditions on nps.gov

Caution

Monsoon Season & Flash Floods

Heavy rains can cause sudden flooding, especially in canyons and washes. Do not drive or hike through flood waters. Get to high ground and wait for floods to subside. Some roads may close temporarily; closures are posted at the visitor center.

Posted or updated Jul 26, 2026 ·Details on nps.gov

Entrance fees and passes

An entrance fee is charged for Capitol Reef National Park. The fee depends on how a visitor arrives at the park, and whether they are part of a commercial or guided tour.

Entrance fees
FeeCostDetails
Entrance - Private Vehicle$20An entrance fee is charged per vehicle. Buy online
Entrance - Motorcycle$15Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Buy online
Entrance - Per Person$10Admits one individual with no car. Typically used for bicyclists and pedestrians. Buy online
Commercial Entrance - Per Person$10Commercial Road-Based Tours are required to obtain a Commercial Use Authorization before visiting Capitol Reef.
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus$100Commercial Road-Based Tours are required to obtain a Commercial Use Authorization before visiting Capitol Reef National Park.
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach$100Commercial Road-Based Tours are required to obtain a Commercial Use Authorization before visiting Capitol Reef National Park.
Commercial Entrance - Per Person$10Commercial Road-Based Tours are required to obtain a Commercial Use Authorization before visiting Capitol Reef.
Park passes
PassCostBuy
Annual Entrance - Park$35Recreation.gov

The interagency America the Beautiful pass is accepted here. Fee details on nps.gov

Things to do

Person on bicycle on paved road with cars approaching and colorful cliffs above, and blue sky.
Photo: NPS/ A. Huston

Bicycle Touring

Bicycling touring in Capitol Reef offers opportunities to explore paved and unpaved roads throughout the park. Explore colorful canyons, beautiful vistas of red rock country, and the verdant Fruita Historic District by bicycle.

Year-round Fee applies

Biking

Dirt road that curves around a large rock. Road sign indicating steep incline ahead.
Photo: NPS / Brent&Dawn Davis

Driving the Burr Trail

Drive the scenic Burr Trail from Glen Canyon's Bullfrog district, along the bottom of Capitol Reef, through Grand Staircase, to Boulder, UT.

1-14 Days Year-round Fee applies Pets allowed

Scenic Driving

See all 11 things to do in Capitol Reef →

Activities the NPS lists for Capitol Reef.

Arts and CultureCultural DemonstrationsAstronomyStargazingBikingRoad BikingCampingBackcountry CampingCar or Front Country CampingHorse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)Group CampingRV CampingCanyoneeringClimbingRock ClimbingFishingFoodPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingSelf-Guided Tours - AutoHands-OnCitizen ScienceArts and CraftsVolunteer VacationHikingBackcountry HikingFront-Country HikingOff-Trail Permitted HikingHorse TrekkingHorse Camping (see also camping)Horseback RidingLiving HistoryFirst Person InterpretationJunior Ranger ProgramWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPark FilmMuseum ExhibitsShoppingBookstore and Park StoreGift Shop and Souvenirs

Operating hours

Capitol Reef is a 24 hour park, open all day, every day. The visitor center is open daily, except for some major holidays.

Capitol Reef National Park
DayHours
MondayAll Day
TuesdayAll Day
WednesdayAll Day
ThursdayAll Day
FridayAll Day
SaturdayAll Day
SundayAll Day

Weather: Weather is posted daily; check at the park visitor center for weather updates. Do not enter into narrow canyons if there is a threat of rain or if rain has been falling in the area.

Contact and directions

Phone
435-425-3791
Email
[email protected]
Address
52 West Headquarters Drive, Torrey, UT 84775
Coordinates
38.2822, -111.2470· View on OpenStreetMap

Official park page on nps.gov Directions

Visitor centers

Visitor centerStandard hoursPhonePassport stamp
Capitol Reef National Park Visitor CenterDaily: 8:00AM - 4:30PM4354253791Yes

Campgrounds

CampgroundTotal sitesReservableFirst-comeRVsFeeReserve
Backcountry Camping000No——
Fruita Campground71650Yes$25Recreation.gov
Group Campsite110No$125Recreation.gov
Primitive campsites at Cathedral Campground606NoFree—
Primitive campsites at Cedar Mesa Campground505NoFree—

Site counts and fees are from the NPS campground data. Fees show the first listed rate; availability is not shown here — check the reservation site.

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More parks in Utah

Arches National ParkBryce Canyon National ParkCalifornia National Historic TrailCanyonlands National ParkCedar Breaks National MonumentDinosaur National MonumentGlen Canyon National Recreation AreaGolden Spike National Historical ParkHovenweep National MonumentMormon Pioneer National Historic TrailNatural Bridges National MonumentOld Spanish National Historic TrailAll in Utah

Nearest other NPS sites

Sources

  • Park details, alerts, fees and passes, visitor centers and campgrounds: National Park Service Data API, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
  • Official park page: https://www.nps.gov/care/index.htm
  • Data: National Park Service (NPS) Data API, U.S. Department of the Interior (developer.nps.gov). This product uses the NPS Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the National Park Service. The National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior do not endorse OpenParks. Photos are NPS images shown with their original credits; park descriptions are short excerpts credited to the NPS. Always confirm current conditions on nps.gov before you travel.