CAPITOL REEF COUNTRY
Capitol Reef Country, nestled in the heart of Utah’s Mighty Five national parks, reveals a stunning tapestry of dramatic deserts, lush alpine forests, and endless adventure. Journey through the majestic Waterpocket Fold in Capitol Reef National Park, an uncrowded gem where you can truly escape the crowds, uncover captivating stories from ancient cultures to pioneers, and immerse yourself in everything from thrilling off-road explorations to tranquil, starlit nights. This is your invitation to explore a diverse land of unparalleled beauty in Utah’s Adventure Capitol!
CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK
Capitol Reef National Park offers a diverse range of activities and sights, centered around the spectacular Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long “wrinkle in the earth.” Visitors can embark on scenic drives like the popular Scenic Drive or the more rugged adventure to Cathedral Valley, revealing stunning geological formations, colorful cliffs, and panoramic vistas. Hiking is a highlight, with trails ranging from easy strolls through lush orchards to strenuous treks into narrow canyons and to natural arches. The historic Fruita Rural Historic District provides a glimpse into pioneer life with its preserved orchards where visitors can pick fruit in season, and the Gifford Homestead offering delicious homemade pies. Beyond the main attractions, the park also provides opportunities for stargazing, exploring ancient petroglyphs, and adventurous backcountry exploration.
DIVERSE & DRAMATIC
Capitol Reef National Park itself is a jewel, but the surrounding “Capitol Reef Country” extends far beyond its boundaries, offering an astonishing diversity of landscapes and activities that transition from dramatic red rock canyons to lush alpine forests.
The desert region to the north and east is an explorer’s paradise. Here, you’ll find the striking Silver Spire, a towering white geological formation that gleams against the red desert backdrop, offering a unique photographic subject.
For thrill-seekers, Swing Arm City is an internationally renowned mecca for off-road enthusiasts, providing a vast expanse of challenging terrain for UTV and motorcycle adventures. Further exploration reveals otherworldly landscapes Mars and Moonscape Overlook where erosion has sculpted bizarre and captivating formations.
The desolate beauty of The Badlands stretch for miles, with intricate patterns of deeply eroded earth. In contrast to the starkness, the desert truly comes alive with vibrant desert blooms in the spring, transforming washes and hillsides into carpets of wildflowers after winter rains.
Ascending from the arid lowlands, one enters the verdant embrace of the alpine regions, dominated by Thousand Lake Mountain and Boulder Mountain. These high plateaus offer a complete change of scenery and pace. Here, the landscape transitions to beautiful mountainous lakes, often reflecting the clear blue sky and surrounding peaks. The extensive forested off-roading trails wind through towering pines and aspens, providing exhilarating opportunities for four-wheeling and ATV exploration with stunning views. These beautiful mountain regions are great for fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing (including deer, elk, and various bird species), hiking and a beautiful opportunity to escape into a cooler climate.
This dramatic contrast between the desert region and mountainous alpine areas truly defines the unparalleled allure of Capitol Reef Country.
SCENIC DRIVES
While Capitol Reef National Park offers its own spectacular scenic drive, the surrounding region of Utah is home to an incredible network of highways that significantly enhance any visit. These routes offer breathtaking views and diverse landscapes, creating a truly unforgettable experience.
Scenic Byway 12, an All-American Road, is widely regarded as one of Utah’s most iconic drives. This winding route connects Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon National Park, traversing an astonishing variety of scenery. You’ll journey through vibrant red rock canyons, ascend to the high elevations of Boulder Mountain, and navigate the thrilling Hogsback – a narrow section of road perched atop a sheer ridge with dramatic drop-offs on both sides.
Highway 24 serves as the primary gateway to Capitol Reef National Park itself. This route leads you directly through the heart of the magnificent Waterpocket Fold, offering unparalleled views of towering cliffs, massive domes, and the verdant, historic Fruita orchards. As you continue your journey on Highway 24, you’ll encounter a truly alien landscape, passing by the otherworldly Moonscape Overlook and the imposing Factory Butte, often described as looking like something from Mars. Furthermore, Highway 24 is the path that leads to the unique rock formations of Goblin Valley State Park, making it a vital artery for exploring the region’s most surreal terrain.
Highway 95 also known as the Bicentennial Highway, provides a more remote and expansive journey through Utah’s vast “Canyon Country.” This scenic road leads to ancient archaeological sites, and there is no shortage of scenic views and outlooks along the way, making every mile a photographic opportunity and a chance to immerse yourself in the dramatic wilderness. It’s a perfect route for those seeking a deeper dive into the region’s natural and cultural history.
CULTURE & HISTORY
Capitol Reef Country’s history is a captivating blend of ancient indigenous life and pioneering spirit. Thousands of years ago, the Fremont Culture left their mysterious petroglyphs carved into the red rock, offering silent narratives of their existence in this rugged landscape. Centuries later, in the late 1800s, resilient Mormon pioneers settled the fertile Fruita oasis, establishing orchards and homesteads like the historic Gifford House, which vividly portrays their self-sufficient agrarian lifestyle amidst the dramatic Waterpocket Fold.
THRILLING ADVENTURE
Capitol Reef Country is a true adventure hub, offering a diverse array of outdoor thrills for every enthusiast with local guides and outfitters available to ensure a safe and memorable experience.
Canyoneering challenges explorers to rappel and navigate intricate slot canyons, while mountain bikers can choose from scenic trails to demanding backcountry routes. Horseback riding offers a classic Western way to experience the stunning red rock country. For those who love off-roading, the region provides vast, remote landscapes perfect for exploration by Jeep tours or personal OHVs. These guided tours allow visitors to delve deep into unforgettable areas like Cathedral Valley and truly experience all that the area has to offer.
Incredible Hiking
Capitol Reef Country is a hiker’s paradise, with countless trails catering to all skill levels and delivering truly breathtaking views. From dramatic red rock canyons to lush alpine forests, the diversity of landscapes provides an endless array of exploration opportunities.
Within Capitol Reef National Park itself, you’ll find Petroglyph Panels, overlooks like Goosenecks and Sunset Point, natural bridges and arches like Hickman Bridge and Cassidy Arch Trail. Be sure to check out Grand Wash, Navajo Knobs, or the Chimney Rock Loop.
Beyond the park’s boundaries, the desert region to the north and east is ripe for further discovery. This area is home to more rugged and remote slot canyons and expansive desert ready to be explored.
As you ascend in elevation, the landscape dramatically shifts to the alpine regions of Thousand Lake Mountain and Boulder Mountain. Here, the focus turns to mountain hiking amidst cool, high-elevation environments. Countless trails wind through dense forests of pine and aspen, leading to crystal-clear mountainous lakes perfect for fishing or simply enjoying the tranquility.
Fishing & Hunting
For outdoor enthusiasts, the landscapes here offer exceptional opportunities. You can cast a line in pristine lakes and winding rivers, abundant with various trout species. These high-elevation waters provide a serene setting for a peaceful day of fishing.
For those who enjoy hunting or observing wildlife, the diverse ecosystems are home to an array of animals, from mule deer and elk in the forested highlands to unique desert creatures, and a remarkable diversity of birdlife, particularly in the wetlands like Bicknell Bottoms. It’s a true haven for nature lovers and photographers alike.
STUNNING NIGHT SKIES
Capitol Reef National Park, a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park, offers some of the clearest, most stunning night skies in the U.S for stargazing. Far from city lights, the Milky Way glows brightly, and countless stars fill the expansive views. It’s a truly profound and unforgettable experience for stargazers.
WHERE TO EAT
Capitol Reef Country offers a great variety of dining options, ranging from casual and family-friendly to sophisticated fine dining. Among the standout options, Hunt & Gather offers a memorable fine dining experience with creative, seasonal dishes often featuring local ingredients and wild game. For a classic favorite, be sure to check out Capitol Burger, a popular food truck praised for its delicious gourmet burger. Don’t forget the perfect finish to any meal, enjoying the views in Capitol Reef National Park while enjoying a Gifford Pie!
Visitors of Capitol Reef Country can expect a relaxed atmosphere, genuine hospitality, and flavors that authentically reflect the unique character of this stunning region.
WHERE TO STAY
Capitol Reef Country provides a wide array of accommodations, ensuring every visitor finds their perfect base for exploring this stunning region. Options range from luxurious retreats to family-friendly stays and unique glamping adventures, all designed to blend comfort with the area’s natural beauty.
Upscale resorts and boutique hotels like the Capitol Reef Resort offer traditional rooms, cabins, and even distinctive teepees and Conestoga wagons, while the highly-rated Skyview Hotel provides modern design and glamping domes with incredible views. For an even more luxurious and immersive experience, Cougar Ridge stands out with its upscale lodge and private casitas, boasting a wide variety of unique amenities. The Red Sands Hotel and Spa offers a comfortable stay with an indoor pool, spa services, and an on-site restaurant. For an option that seems to have it all, The Broken Spur Inn & Steakhouse offers comfortable Western-themed lodging, a full range of amenities, and a highly-regarded on-site steakhouse. The options are nearly limitless, from charming bed and breakfasts and private vacation rentals to campgrounds and RV parks with incredible views—Capitol Reef Country truly has it all.
