📘 Park Overview
Located in south-central Utah in the heart of red rock country, Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden treasure filled with cliffs, canyons, domes, and bridges in the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline (a wrinkle on the earth) extending almost 100 miles.
🌤 Weather Information
Weather is posted daily; check at the park visitor center for weather updates. Do not enter into narrow canyons if there is a threat of rain or if rain has been falling in the area. Rain and snow may also make dirt roads impassable to vehicles.
🚗 Directions
From I-70: Take exit 149, then take UT-24 west toward Hanksville; continue for 43.8 miles (70.5 km). Turn right to continue on UT-24 west and continue for 37.3 miles (60 km). From I-15: take exit 188 then US-50 east toward Scipio. Left on UT-50; continuing 0.7 miles (1.1 km). Turn right onto US-50 east; continue for 24.4 miles (39.3 km). Turn right onto UT-260 south and continue 4.2 miles (6.8 km), then right on UT-24 for 71.3 miles. UT-12: North on highway 12 to Torrey, UT. Right onto UT-24.
Images
Windgate sandstone towers above historic Fruita farms and homes
Credit: NPS Photo
Hickman Bridge, a natural sandstone bridge, is a popular hike in the park.
Credit: NPS Photo
The Strike Valley shows colorful layers in the Waterpocket fold.
Credit: NPS Photo
The Capitol Reef Visitor Center sits below cliffs known as "The Castle".
Credit: NPS Photo
The Capitol Reef Orchards, planted in the pioneer era, remain a popular place for visitors today.
Credit: NPS Photo
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
Entrance Passes
3-Day Weather Forecast
Friday, May 22
Patchy rain nearby
High: 61.1°F | Low: 43.3°F
Humidity: 40%
Wind: 7.4 mph
Rain Chance: 86%
UV Index: 6.5
Sunrise: 06:08 AM
Sunset: 08:34 PM
Moon: First Quarter (43%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 39.7°F
Cloud Cover: 86%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Saturday, May 23
Sunny
High: 71.3°F | Low: 44.6°F
Humidity: 34%
Wind: 11.9 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 8.4
Sunrise: 06:08 AM
Sunset: 08:34 PM
Moon: First Quarter (43%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 45.1°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Sunday, May 24
Partly Cloudy
High: 72°F | Low: 49.6°F
Humidity: 26%
Wind: 7.8 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 7.6
Sunrise: 06:08 AM
Sunset: 08:34 PM
Moon: First Quarter (43%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 46.9°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
Ranger's Choice Talk
Learn more about the natural and cultural resources of Capitol Reef. Meet at the Campground Amphitheater, adjacent to Loop C.
Ranger program schedules are also posted on bulletin boards at the visitor center and campground.
Program topics may change. Programs may be cancelled due to weather or staffing issues. Check at visitor center for updated daily program offerings.
Location: The Fruita campground amphitheater is located by Loop C of the campground. It is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the visitor center on the Scenic Drive.
Date: Mar 8, 2026 12:00am to Mar 8, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Ranger's Choice Talk
Learn more about the natural and cultural resources of Capitol Reef. Meet at the Campground Amphitheater, adjacent to Loop C.
Ranger program schedules are also posted on bulletin boards at the visitor center and campground.
Program topics may change. Programs may be cancelled due to weather or staffing issues. Check at visitor center for updated daily program offerings.
Location: The Fruita campground amphitheater is located by Loop C of the campground. It is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the visitor center on the Scenic Drive.
Date: Mar 22, 2026 12:00am to Mar 22, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Junior Geologist
Learn about rocks and Capitol Reef's geology in this fun kid-focused program. Meet at the Ripple Rock Nature Center lawn (program is outside).
Location: Ripple Rock Nature Center is located approximately 0.6 miles (1 km) down the Scenic Drive. Parking available at the Blacksmith Shed across the road.
Date: Apr 2, 2026 12:00am to Apr 2, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Fremont River Walk
Learn about plants and people along the Fremont River on this easy walk. Meet at the Gifford House. Guided walk portion lasts ~45 minutes, but participants may choose to continue farther up the trail to a viewpoint (trail gets steep near the end).
Location: Meet at the Gifford House for a walk along the Fremont River Trail.
Date: Apr 2, 2026 12:00am to Apr 2, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Explore the Johnson Orchard
Take a stroll through the historic Johnson Orchard on this leisurely guided walk. The orchard is located right before the Picnic Area on the Scenic Drive. Parking available in front of the orchard and at the picnic area.
Location: The Johnson Orchard is located on the Scenic Drive, near the Picnic Area restrooms (approx. 0.7 miles down the Scenic Drive).
Date: Apr 3, 2026 12:00am to Apr 3, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Junior Geologist
Learn about rocks and Capitol Reef's geology in this fun kid-focused program. Meet at the Ripple Rock Nature Center lawn (program is outside).
Location: Ripple Rock Nature Center is located approximately 0.6 miles (1 km) down the Scenic Drive. Parking available at the Blacksmith Shed across the road.
Date: Apr 4, 2026 12:00am to Apr 4, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Create a Fremont Figurine
At this family-focused program, make a clay figurine similar to those sculpted by people of the Fremont Culture who lived in Capitol Reef long ago. Takes place outside the Ripple Rock Nature Center.
Location: Meet at the Ripple Rock Nature Center, located approximately 0.6 miles (1 km) down the Scenic Drive. Park across the street at the Blacksmith shed.
Date: Apr 4, 2026 12:00am to Apr 4, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Fremont Gorge Geology Hike
Learn about the geology of Capitol Reef along the Fremont Gorge Trail. Strenuous hike due to a short but steep and rough section of the trail. Program ends on the mesa (~one-half mile in), but visitors are encouraged to continue to the trail's end at a fine viewpoint.
Bring water, wear hiking shoes and sun protection.
Date: Apr 4, 2026 12:00am to Apr 4, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Archeology Talk
Learn about cultures that call this place home. Meet at the Petroglyph Panel boardwalk.
Ranger program schedules are also posted on bulletin boards at the visitor center and campground.
Program topics may change. Programs may be cancelled due to weather or emergencies. Check at visitor center for updated daily program offerings.
Location: Meet at the Petroglyph Panel boardwalk, located about one mile (1.6 km) east of the Capitol Reef visitor center along Utah Route 24.
Date: May 17, 2026 12:00am to May 17, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Star Talk
View the night skies and constellations above Capitol Reef. Meet at the Gifford House lawn, approximately one mile down the Scenic Drive.
Bring a flashlight or headlamp (a red light if you have one) -- the park is very dark at night! Dress warmly. Picnic table seating, or bring a chair of your own. Extra parking available across the street.
Program may be cancelled due to weather or emergencies.
Location: The Gifford House is located 1.2 miles (1.9 km) south of the Capitol Reef Visitor Center, along the Scenic Drive.
Date: May 22, 2026 12:00am to May 22, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
52 West Headquarters Drive
Torrey, UT 84775
🏤 Mailing Address:
HC 70, Box 15
Torrey, UT 84775
📞 Voice Phone: 435-425-3791
📞 Fax Phone: 435-425-3026
✉️ Email: care_information@nps.gov