National Park · UT

Things to do in Capitol Reef

The National Park Service lists 11 things to do at Capitol Reef National Park. 0 have no extra fee, 11 need no reservation, and 4 allow pets. Each listing links to the full NPS page. Data is from the NPS snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.

Updated · NPS Data API

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

View looking down on triangular, reddish orange monoliths in a desert.
Photo: NPS/ C. Roundtree

Hike Cathedral Valley

Explore Cathedral Valley by foot. These hikes are accessible only by rough unpaved roads. A high clearance vehicle is necessary and four-wheel drive is recommended at times.

Spring, Summer, Fall Fee applies

Backcountry Hiking

Lush, green grassy lawn with trees and red cliffs; covered picnic tables at the head of red canyon.
Photo: NPS

Picnic

Enjoy a picnic in Capitol Reef National Park! In the Fruita Historic District, look for the Doc Inglesby and Chesnut picnic areas, as well as tables and a water fountain near the Gifford House.

Year-round Fee applies Pets allowed

Picnicking

Stormy skies with a small spot of a rainbow, red cliffs, and a blacktop road.
Photo: NPS/ A. Huston

Scenic Drive Tour

Take Capitol Reef's Scenic Drive, and experience colorful cliffs and deep narrow canyons from the comfort of your vehicle.

90 Minutes Year-round Fee applies Pets allowed

Scenic Driving

White lines representing circular star trails in dark blue sky, above colorful red cliffs.
Photo: NPS Artist-in-Residence Phil Sisto

Stargaze

Capitol Reef protects extremely dark night skies, and is a wonderful place to stargaze.

Year-round Fee applies

Stargazing

Visit the Petroglyph Panel

From 600 to 1300 C.E., native people of the Fremont Culture made their home at Capitol Reef. Petroglyphs carved into the Wingate sandstone remind us of their time.

5-30 Minutes Year-round Fee applies Pets allowed

Self-Guided Tours - Walking

Colorful red rocks, striped cliffs, mountains in the distance, and a pale blue moving to purple sky.
Photo: NPS/ Artist-in-Residence Kurt Wheeler

Watch the Sunset

Watch the sunset from various scenic points in Capitol Reef. Take an easy stroll or a strenuous hike as the sun goes down. Don't forget to bring a headlamp.

Year-round Fee applies

Front-Country Hiking

Before you go

Check current alerts and closures, entrance fees and operating hours for Capitol Reef. Programs and tours can change with the season or be cancelled on short notice — confirm on the NPS page before you plan around one.

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