National Park
Capitol Reef National Park
Utah
United States
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Capitol Reef National Park | Things to Do & Travel Guide
Current park status
8 active alerts
Current park status
8 active alerts
Information
SR 24 Temporary Lane Closures
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UDOT will be repairing small sections of Utah Highway 24 through the park during August 2026. Expect one-lane closures with delays of up to 15 minutes.
Caution
Wildfire Smoke Impacts
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Smoke from nearby wildfires is impacting the park's air quality. Air quality is forecast to be in the unhealthy range for many areas in the park over the next 24 hours. Visitors should consider limiting exertion outdoors. Check Utah Fire Info for wildfire information and the following link for forecasts.
Caution
Monsoon Season & Flash Floods
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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.
Information
Stage II Fire Restrictions
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Stage II fire restrictions are in effect until further notice. Campfires including charcoal are not permitted, even in established fire rings. Smoking is only permitted within an enclosed vehicle. Gas or liquid fueled portable camp stoves are still permitted.
Caution
Elevated E. Coli levels - Fremont River
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Recent water quality testing shows elevated E. coli levels in the Fremont River. Use caution if entering the water. Do not get water in your mouth, do not swim. Wash hands with soap and water.
Park Closure
Annual/Seasonal Canyoneering Closures
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The following are closed to entry through 8/31/2026 to protect sensitive resources: the heads of Fivemile Wash & Burro Wash descending east 2 miles; Shinob Canyon + all routes descending into Shinob (including Na-gah, Nighthawk, & Timpie); and Arch Nemesis Canyon, including the route exiting at Capitol Gorge + all direct tributary canyons.
Information
Reef Ride Bike Days 2026
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For this special event in honor of National Public Lands Day, the Scenic Drive will be closed to motor vehicles for part of the day on Saturday, September 19 and Saturday, September 26, 2026. The road will be closed to vehicles from sunrise to 3 pm to allow for bicycles and pedestrians to enjoy the road at a more leisurely pace. The main road through the park (UT highway 24) - will remain open and unaffected by this closure.
Information
Special Use Permits
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Special Use Permits are typically needed for activities that benefit a specific group. Examples include: Groups of 40 or more, trips organized by scouting groups, churches, or academic institutions, photography, weddings, and first amendment activities
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National Park
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park reveals one of Utah’s most fascinating desert landscapes, where colorful cliffs, sandstone domes, narrow canyons, natural bridges, and rugged mountains stretch along the remarkable Waterpocket Fold. Located in south-central Utah, the park combines classic red-rock scenery with historic orchards, remote wilderness, scenic drives, and outstanding hiking.
The Fruita district is the natural starting point for many first-time visitors. Set along the Fremont River beneath towering cliffs, this historic area preserves orchards and reminders of an early farming community in the heart of canyon country. Depending on the season, visitors may even have opportunities to experience the park’s historic fruit-growing tradition.
Capitol Reef’s Scenic Drive provides an easy introduction to the surrounding geology. The paved route travels south from Fruita beneath enormous sandstone formations, while side roads lead into Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge. Hiking trails throughout this central area range from shorter walks to longer routes overlooking the Waterpocket Fold. Hickman Bridge, Grand Wash, and trails around Fruita are among the many options for exploring on foot.
More adventurous travelers can discover the quieter Waterpocket District in the south or Cathedral Valley in the north. These remote landscapes offer backcountry hiking, dramatic rock formations, unpaved roads, and a much greater sense of isolation.
There are many things to do in Capitol Reef beyond hiking. Scenic driving, photography, stargazing, camping, rock climbing, horseback riding, cycling, ranger programs, and backcountry exploration provide different ways to experience the park.
Camping is available inside Capitol Reef, while nearby Torrey and surrounding communities provide hotels, cabins, restaurants, and other visitor services. The park also fits naturally into a longer Utah national parks road trip.
Whether you spend a few hours exploring Fruita and the Scenic Drive or several days hiking through remote canyon country, Capitol Reef National Park rewards travelers who venture beyond the highway and discover the remarkable landscapes hidden along the Waterpocket Fold.
Things To Do
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Weather forecast
Plan your visit with the latest weather forecast for this park.
Weather alerts active
Flood Watch
Flood Watch
Today
81°F27°C
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
WSW 8 mph12 km/h Rain: 52%
Tonight
60°F16°C
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy
SW 4 mph6 km/h Rain: 14%
Friday
80°F27°C
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 5 mph8 km/h Rain: 38%
Friday Night
58°F14°C
Partly Cloudy
WSW 4 mph6 km/h Rain: 8%
Saturday
82°F28°C
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 4 mph6 km/h Rain: 10%
Saturday Night
62°F17°C
Partly Cloudy
WSW 3 mph5 km/h Rain: 2%
Forecasts can change and local conditions may vary. Check official weather alerts and park guidance before your visit.
Location and map
Directions
Capitol Reef National Park is located in south-central Utah, with Utah State Route 24 providing the main paved route through the park. The Capitol Reef Visitor Center is located just off Highway 24 near the historic Fruita district, making it a useful destination for first-time visitors.
Torrey is the closest major gateway community and sits west of the park near the junction of Highways 12 and 24. Travelers arriving from Interstate 70 can approach from the east through Hanksville or from the west using connecting highways toward Torrey.
Scenic Highway 12 provides an especially memorable approach for travelers combining Capitol Reef with Bryce Canyon and other destinations in southern Utah. The 123-mile highway connects the Torrey area with US 89 while passing through some of Utah’s most dramatic landscapes.
Do not rely entirely on GPS navigation when traveling through remote Utah. Use an official map and established highways, particularly when exploring backcountry areas. Once inside the park, paved and unpaved roads lead to different districts, and weather can quickly affect road conditions.
Climate
Capitol Reef National Park has an arid high-desert climate with hot summers, cold winters, low annual rainfall, and large temperature changes between day and night. Elevation also affects conditions throughout the park, particularly between the canyon country and higher terrain.
Spring and fall generally offer some of the most comfortable weather for hiking and sightseeing, with mild daytime temperatures and cool nights. Summer is much hotter, with July daytime highs averaging around 91°F near the visitor center.
July through September also brings the summer monsoon season. Powerful thunderstorms can produce sudden heavy rain and dangerous flash floods, especially in narrow canyons and washes.
Winter is cold, with January highs averaging around 41°F and nighttime temperatures commonly below freezing. Snow and ice can affect roads and trails.
For many travelers, spring and fall provide the best balance for hiking and exploring. Regardless of season, check the current forecast and flash-flood risk before entering canyon areas.
Information & Disclaimer
National Parks Explorer strives to present accurate and up-to-date information collected from official and trusted sources, including the National Park Service. While we make every effort to keep this information current, information may be incomplete, inaccurate, outdated or subject to change without prior notice, including access requirements, permits, reservations, operating hours, alerts, fees, road and trail conditions, weather and other visitor information.