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.
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Picnic - Capitol Reef National Park
Picnicking
Picnic
Capitol Reef National Park
Spring · Summer · Fall · Winter
Pets: Yes
Fees: Yes
Visitor Dashboard
Current Alerts
8 active alerts
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Access Requirements
Unknown
View official access requirements
Weather forecast
83°F
28°C
· Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
More weather details
Best Time to Visit
Spring · Summer · Fall · Winter
Based on official activity seasons
More Things To Do
Capitol Reef National Park
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Current park status
8 active alerts
Current park status
8 active alerts
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
About this activity
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. At the end of Capitol Gorge Road, off the Scenic Drive, there are covered picnic tables as well as a pit toilet.
Bring your lunch or grab a pie from the Gifford House, and enjoy a picnic in Capitol Reef!
Just 0.75 miles (1.2 km) from the visitor center, on the Scenic Drive, are the Doc Inglesby and Chesnut picnic areas. Many picnic tables are scattered around the grassy, green lawn, or bring your own blanket to sit on. Restrooms with running water are available seasonally. A grill with a nearby water spigot is across the road in the Chesnut Picnic Area.
Picnic tables and a water refill station are also available at the Gifford House.
Next to the parking area at the end of the paved section of the Scenic Drive (7.9 miles/12.7 km from the visitor center), there are some covered picnic tables; additional tables are also at the Capitol Gorge Trailhead. There are pit toilets, but no water.
If you would rather rough it, consider bringing your lunch on one of the many hiking trails in Capitol Reef. Remember to always leave no trace of your visit, and pack it in, pack it out!
Leashed pets are allowed in picnic areas.
Activity details
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Time of day
Day
Pets
Yes
Pets on a leash are allowed on roads and in picnic areas, orchards, and maintained campgrounds. Learn more about visiting Capitol Reef with your pet.
Fees
Yes
A fee is required for recreating within Capitol Reef National Park.
Accessibility
In the Doc Insglesby Picnic Area, a paved trail leads to restrooms with running water (open seasonally). A sloped, grassy lawn has places for picnic blankets and some tables, including those with accessible seating.
In Capitol Gorge, a few tables are wheelchair accessible, but there is not a ramp to access the tables from the parking lot.
In Capitol Gorge, a few tables are wheelchair accessible, but there is not a ramp to access the tables from the parking lot.
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Access requirement information
Not available
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Official website
Official access information supplied by the provider for this activity. Requirements and availability may change, so always verify the latest details on the official website.
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Weather forecast
Check the weather forecast before planning this activity.
This Afternoon
83°F28°C
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SE 6 mph10 km/h Rain: 18%
Tonight
60°F16°C
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy
SW 5 mph8 km/h Rain: 13%
Sunday
85°F29°C
Mostly Sunny
E 4 mph6 km/h Rain: 6%
Sunday Night
62°F17°C
Partly Cloudy
SW 4 mph6 km/h Rain: 6%
Monday
88°F31°C
Sunny
SE 5 mph7 km/h
Monday Night
65°F18°C
Partly Cloudy
SSW 7 mph11 km/h
Forecasts can change and local conditions may vary. Check official weather alerts and park guidance before your visit.
Location and map
More Things To Do at Capitol Reef National Park
Explore Things To Do at Capitol Reef National Park
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.