Information
SR 24 Temporary Lane Closures
Read more Show less
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.
-
Welcome to the National Parks USA forum! Registered members can download resources for free and use the forum without advertising banners. Click here for free registration. After registration, check your mailbox and confirm your email address.
Scenic Drive Tour - Capitol Reef National Park
Scenic Driving
Scenic Drive Tour
Capitol Reef National Park
90 Minutes
Spring · Summer · Fall · Winter
Pets: Yes
Fees: Yes
Visitor Dashboard
Current Alerts
8 active alerts
View current park alerts
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
Discover more activities
Current park status
8 active alerts
Current park status
8 active alerts
Caution
Wildfire Smoke Impacts
Read more Show less
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
Read more Show less
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
Read more Show less
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
Read more Show less
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
Read more Show less
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
Read more Show less
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
Read more Show less
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
Take Capitol Reef's Scenic Drive, and experience colorful cliffs and deep narrow canyons from the comfort of your vehicle.
Capitol Reef's Scenic Drive takes about an hour-and-a-half to drive. Add additional time for hiking off the Scenic Drive, Grand Wash, and Capitol Gorge roads.
The Scenic Drive is a 7.9 mile (12.7 km) paved road, suitable for passenger vehicles. Allot about an hour and half roundtrip to drive the Scenic Drive and the two dirt spur roads, Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge. These dirt spur roads enter canyons and lead to trailheads, and are usually suitable for passenger cars and RVs up to 27 feet (8.2 meters) in length.
The first two miles of the Scenic Drive go through the Fruita Rural Historic District. Along the drive, look for remnants of the community, the Gifford House, and many orchards.
The Scenic Drive is a 7.9 mile (12.7 km) paved road, suitable for passenger vehicles. Allot about an hour and half roundtrip to drive the Scenic Drive and the two dirt spur roads, Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge. These dirt spur roads enter canyons and lead to trailheads, and are usually suitable for passenger cars and RVs up to 27 feet (8.2 meters) in length.
The first two miles of the Scenic Drive go through the Fruita Rural Historic District. Along the drive, look for remnants of the community, the Gifford House, and many orchards.
Take a driving tour through a colorful red-rock landscape with beautiful vistas and deep narrow canyons.
Activity details
Location
Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
Duration
90 Minutes
The Scenic Drive takes about 90 minutes roundtrip, but factor in more time for hiking and exploring.
For a shorter drive, consider taking the Scenic Drive to the Grand Wash Road, which is about 40 minutes roundtrip.
For a shorter drive, consider taking the Scenic Drive to the Grand Wash Road, which is about 40 minutes roundtrip.
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Depending on the weather, the Scenic Drive, Grand Wash, and/or Capitol Gorge roads may be closed. Check the forecast before your visit, or call 435-425-3791, press 1 for more information, and 3 for the daily weather forecast.
Flush toilets are available year-round at the visitor center, and seasonally in the picnic area and campground. Pit toilets are available at the parking areas in Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge.
Flush toilets are available year-round at the visitor center, and seasonally in the picnic area and campground. Pit toilets are available at the parking areas in Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge.
Time of day
Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk
Capitol Reef is open 24 hours/day.
Pets
Yes
Pets are allowed on the Scenic Drive, but not on any trails. Learn more about visiting Capitol Reef with your pet.
Fees
Yes
A fee is required for recreating within Capitol Reef National Park.
Accessibility
The Scenic Drive is a paved road, with beautiful vistas of red, orange, and white cliffs, as well as deep narrow canyons.
Guided Experiences
Discover guided tours and memorable experiences near Capitol Reef National Park.
Why book a guided experience?
Discover guided tours, tickets and activities available near Capitol Reef National Park.
Flexible cancellation options
Instant confirmation
Convenient mobile tickets
Experienced local guides
Reviews from fellow travelers
We may earn a commission when you book through this link.
Popular Experiences
Choose an experience type and explore available activities near Capitol Reef National Park.
Access requirement information
Not available
No additional access requirement details are available from the provider.
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.
Visit official website
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.