The Best Things to do in Capitol Reef National Park

The hiking trails in Capitol Reef National Park range from easy to moderate and are appropriate for everyone, from casual walkers to seasoned trekkers. These trails include:

Hickman Bridge Trail

This popular trail is one of Capitol Reef’s most rewarding hikes. At just 1.8 miles round-trip, it is perfect for families and casual hikers, providing a beautiful introduction to the wonders of the national park.

The trail begins just east of the visitor center and gradually climbs through a canyon filled with several varieties of trees and beautiful sandstone formations. It also passes the remnants of a Fremont granary, evidence of the ancient civilization that once inhabited the region.

The trail ends at Hickman Bridge, a massive 125-foot natural arch carved from Kayenta sandstone, that soars above a rocky alcove. The area beneath this stunning arch provides welcome shade and a breathtaking vantage point to take in the surrounding scenery.

The Grand Wash Trail

This iconic slot canyon can either be enjoyed in a 4.4 mile round-trip loop, or just one way with a shuttle pick-up on the other side. The trail is relatively flat and easy, making it appropriate for most fitness levels.

The flash floods that once formed this canyon left behind beautiful patterns that are especially noticeable in the early morning or evening hours when the shadows accentuate the canyon’s textures. Sheer cliffs rise hundreds of feet overhead and canyon walls narrow to just 20 feet apart in some areas, making this trail a truly spectacular place to experience.

You may be able to do some wildlife spotting along the trail, seeing some of the many species of animals that inhabit this part of Capitol Reef Park.

Cassidy Arch Trail

Named after infamous outlaw, Butch Cassidy, who was rumored to have a hideout here, this 3.4-mile trail is truly stunning. It begins and ends at the Grand Wash trailhead off the Scenic Drive. The trail is moderately strenuous with switchbacks and a climb up slickrock, so this should be taken into consideration before beginning the hike.

Upon reaching the end of the trail, hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding canyons and cliffs. The Cassidy Arch, the highlight of the hike, is a massive span of red rock that bridges a canyon far below. Visitors can walk across the top of the arch for a truly breathtaking experience.

The trail combines lovely scenery with a touch of Wild West lore, making it a favorite for those seeking both beauty and a bit of adventure.

Capitol Reef National Park is also home to cultural and historical sites including:

Fruita

Located within Capitol Reef, this beautiful valley is the product of Mormon pioneers who settled the area in 1880. Today, it is home to almost 2,000 heirloom fruit trees. During picking season, visitors can pick their own fruit and pay by the pound.

The Gifford Homestead is another part of Fruita history that can be found in this quaint valley. The 1908 farmhouse has been turned into a museum and bakery where guests can tour the restored home, then sit back and relax with homemade pies and preserves. The barn and schoolhouse on the property are also open to visitors.

Rich in culture and history, Fruita is a must-see destination when visiting Capitol Reef.

The Pioneer Register

The Pioneer Register in Capitol Reef National Park offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the early settlers and travelers who passed through the rugged terrain of the Capitol Gorge. Located at the end of a scenic dirt spur off the main park road, the register features dozens of names, dates, and initials etched into the sandstone walls by 19th- and early 20th-century pioneers, cowboys, and explorers.

These inscriptions, some carved as early as the 1870s, were often made using axle grease or chisels and have become an enduring record of those who braved this remote region. While modern graffiti is strictly prohibited, the historic nature of the Pioneer Register is now protected as a cultural artifact.

The walk to the register is made through a beautiful, narrow canyon where you can enjoy the scenery as you step back in time.

Petroglyph Panels

The petroglyph panels in Capitol Reef National Park provide a look into the lives of the Fremont people, who inhabited the area nearly 1,000 years ago. Located just off Highway 24 near the visitor center, these panels are carved into the vertical sandstone cliffs and depict a variety of figures, including stylized human forms, bighorn sheep, and other animals.

The Fremont culture, known for its unique blend of hunting, farming, and artistry, used these petroglyphs as a form of communication and storytelling, though their exact meanings remain a mystery. Raised boardwalks and interpretive signs make the site easily accessible and help visitors understand the cultural significance of the artwork.

Viewing the petroglyphs is an amazing experience that connects modern visitors to the ancient inhabitants of Capitol Reef and reminds us of the enduring human presence in this dramatic landscape.

With so many breathtaking views, it’s no surprise that Capitol Reef National Park offers some truly stunning scenic drives. These include:

Scenic Drive

This beautiful 8-mile loop starts just beyond the visitor center and winds alongside the iconic Waterpocket Fold. Pullouts along the way offer stunning views of Panorama Point, Goosenecks, Capitol Dome, and Chimney Rock. The Fruita orchards can also be seen from here.

Capital Gorge Spur

This 2-mile drive takes visitors along a gravel road to a dramatic gorge. If you’re interested in seeing the Pioneer Register, this is the drive you’ll want to take. Walk into the gorge to view the 19th-century inscriptions carved by early settlers and miners.

Grand Wash Spur

This drive down a dirt-side road leads into a slot-like wash. Visitors can then park and hike the easy Grand Wash Trail down to its narrowest section to view the stunning canyon walls. Passenger vehicles and small RVs are safe to use this road.