Capitol Reef National Park

Year Established: 1971
Annual Visitors: 1.40 Million
Size: 241,900 Acres

Best Time to Visit National Park

March to May, September to November

If you are planning to visit more national parks, check out our complete list of all US National Parks.

Best Experiences in Capitol Reef National Park

• North Cascades Scenic Highway
• Hike Trappers Peak
• Hike Cascade Pass

A Brief History

Capitol Reef National Park is in the center-south desert of Utah. It is all around the Waterpocket Fold, a long fold in the earth with layers of golden sandstone, canyons, and interesting rock formations. The Chimney Rock pillar, the Hickman Bridge arch, and Capitol Reef, which is known for its white sandstone domes, are all things to see in the park. Cathedral Valley, with its tall rocks, is in the north.

Capitol Reef RV Camping

If you are looking for nearby RV camping options for Capitol Reef National Park or in Utah, consider checking out our other post:

• Best RV Parks in Utah

Visitor Information

Fees

Individuals 15 years old and younger are admitted free of charge.

Weekly Park Passes

$10.00 per person

$20.00 per vehicle

$15.00 per motorcycle

All passes are valid for up to 7 days.

Contacting Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center

The Capitol Reef Visitor Center is just off Highway 24 before the historic town of Fruita. It is about 7 miles from the western entrance to the park and 8.4 miles from the eastern entrance. The visitor center is open all year and has displays, information, and a slide show. There is also a museum where you can learn about the geology, archaeology, and history of the area. People who want to visit the park should stop by to learn how to do so in a way that doesn’t hurt the fragile desert environment. You can buy maps, brochures, and books here.