Capitol Reef National Park brings in millions of visitors each year who come to experience the striking natural beauty and rock formations up close. For photographers, it’s a wonderland filled with opportunities for stellar shots. But with 240,000 acres of ground to cover, how can you possibly hit all the best spots in one day?
Don’t worry, we have your back. Our local experts have rounded up our picks for the locations that do the best job of encapsulating Capitol Reef’s immense beauty. Get your camera ready—you won’t want to miss these photo-worthy spots.
Here are a few of the most epic photography spots in Capitol Reef National Park:
Panorama Point
As the name suggests, Panorama Point offers awe-inspiring panoramic views of the park in all of its glory. This spot is the most beautiful at sunrise and sunset, so we recommend planning your visit at one of these times to capitalize on some seriously incredible views. To avoid crowds, you may want to choose to go at sunrise.
Grand Wash Trail
If you’re up for a relatively easy hike, Grand Wash Trail is a remarkable hiking trail that takes its visitors into the heart of Capitol Reef’s jaw-dropping sandstone canyons. For incredible photo ops, check out the half-mile Grand Wash Narrows located roughly 20 to 30 minutes from the trailhead. The narrow canyon walls offer spectacular views.
Hickman Bridge
Have you ever stumbled across a natural bridge? If you haven’t seen one in person, this is a Capitol Reef photography spot you won’t want to miss out on. Hickman Bridge is a 133-foot natural bridge that can be reached through a short, moderate intensity hike. Not only is the arch a spectacle in itself, but the surrounding scenery is breathtaking.
Cathedral Valley
From the Bentonite Hills to the Gypsum Sinkhole, the Cathedral Valley is filled with exquisite rock structures that have formed over millions of years. This remote and rugged vegion of the park can be easily navigated by car or on foot, although it’ll be much easier to cover ground with a vehicle. A long drive through the Cathedral Valley is sure to yield plenty of sensational photo ops of Capitol Reef’s neverending beauty.
Sunset Point
The name is a little deceptive since you won’t actually see the sun setting from here, but Sunset Point is still a fantastic spot for photographers in Capitol Reef National Park. Stop by during golden hour when the light reflects on the landscape for a truly majestic scene. It’s around this time that the red, orange, and blue hues are the most vibrant.
Final Thoughts
Ready to take the road less traveled and explore some of the most extraordinary landscapes in the country? If you start with these epic Capitol Reef photography spots, you’re bound to return home with all the postcard-esque photos you could dream of.
If you plan on snapping shots of the starry night sky, check out our guide to the best International Dark Sky destinations in Capitol Reef Country.
Utah Photographers provided the photos found on this page.
Keep Capitol Reef Country Forever Mighty
What is Forever Mighty? It’s practicing responsible travel while visiting Utah and Capitol Reef Country by following the principles of Tread Lightly and Leave No Trace.
Plan ahead and prepare, travel and camp on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife, be considerate of others, support local business and honor community, history and heritage. Help us keep Utah and Capitol Reef Country’s outdoor recreation areas beautiful, healthy, and accessible.