Best things to do in Capitol Reef National Park

Updated April 27th, 2022
Best things to do in Capitol Reef National Park

Located in south-central Utah, Capitol Reef National Park is famous for its colorful cliffs, canyons, and rock formations. The park is also home to a variety of plant and animal life, as well as many historical and archaeological sites.

Capitol Reef National Park is a great place to hike, camp, and explore. There are many trails of varying difficulty levels, and the scenery is truly breathtaking. The park is also great for birdwatching, as there are over 200 species of birds that live in the area.

In addition to its natural beauty, Capitol Reef National Park is also home to a number of historical and archaeological sites. The park is home to the Fruita Historic District, which includes a number of old homesteads and farms. The petroglyphs and pictographs found in the park are also of great interest to many visitors.

Although it is less popular than the other national parks in Utah, the entire park is a stunning and unique geological area. The park is famous for its incredible red rock formations and cliffs, as well as its many hiking and camping opportunities.

Some of the best things to do in Capitol Reef National Park include hiking to the top of the stunning Capitol Dome, exploring the petroglyphs at the Fremont River, and camping under the stars in one of the park's many primitive campsites. Other top tourist attractions in Capitol Reef National Park include the Fruita Historic District, the Goosenecks Overlook, and the Cohab Canyon Trail.

1. Hiking

When hiking in Capitol Reef National Park, visitors will experience a wide variety of ecosystems and landscapes. They will be able to see cliffs, canyons, arches, and mesas, all while hiking through forests and up and down hills. Some visitors may find the hiking difficult, but the scenery and the opportunity to explore the park on their own make it a worthwhile experience.

2. Camping

Camping in Capitol Reef National Park is a great way to experience the park. The campsites are close to the trails and the scenery is beautiful. The campsites have fire rings and picnic tables, and most of them have restrooms. The visitor can enjoy hiking, biking, and kayaking in the park.

3. Rock climbing

When someone visits Capitol Reef National Park to rock climb, they will experience a sense of awe as they scale the imposing cliffs and boulders. The climbing can be challenging, but is also rewarding as climbers reach new heights and explore new areas. Visitors will also enjoy the scenery and the solitude afforded by climbing in a park.

4. Horseback riding

A visitor's experience when they horseback riding in Capitol Reef National Park is enjoyable. The scenery is beautiful and the horses are well-trained.

5. Biking

A visitor's experience when biking in Capitol Reef National Park can be characterized as peaceful and scenic. The wide open spaces and rugged cliffs and canyons offer a scenic cycling experience. The park is also well-maintained with well-marked bike trails.

6. Swimming

When visitors swim in Capitol Reef National Park, they are able to feel the cool, clear water as they swim among the colorful rocks. The scenery is beautiful and the water is refreshing.

7. Fishing

A visitor's experience when fishing in Capitol Reef National Park would likely be pleasant, as the scenery is beautiful and the fishing is generally good. The park is well-maintained, and the staff is friendly and helpful.

8. Canoeing

A visitor's experience when canoeing in Capitol Reef National Park can be described as scenic and peaceful. The canoes are comfortable and provide a relaxing way to explore the park's many beautiful waterways. The scenery is magnificent and the wildlife is abundant, including eagles, bison, and hawks.

9. Bird watching

If someone visits Capitol Reef National Park to bird watch, they are likely to see a variety of birds, including hawks, eagles, and vultures. Visitors may also see warblers, kingfishers, and other songbirds.

10. Capitol Reef National Park

A visitor's experience when they visit Capitol Reef National Park is that they will be able to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. The park is home to a variety of different geological features, including canyons, mesas, and cliffs. The park also features many different types of wildlife, including bison, elk, and deer.

11. Bryce Canyon National Park

A visitor's experience when they Bryce Canyon National Park in Capitol Reef is awe-inspiring. The park is beautiful and the scenery is incredibly stunning. The park is also relatively small and easy to navigate, which makes it a great place to visit if you're short on time.

12. Zion National Park

Visitors would experience a sense of awe when looking at the towering cliffs, canyons, and arches of Zion National Park. They would feel a sense of tranquility while walking through the forests and meadows.

13. Arches National Park

When visiting Arches National Park, visitors are likely to feel amazed at the natural rock formations. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including pronghorns and bighorn sheep.

14. Canyonlands National Park

Visitors to Canyonlands National Park will be awestruck by the natural beauty of this area. The red sandstone cliffs, towering mesas, and wide canyons are a sight to behold. The park is also home to many different animal species, including bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, and a variety of reptiles and birds.

15. Great Basin National Park

Visitors who visit Great Basin National Park in Capitol Reef will feel awestruck by the natural beauty of the park. They will be able to see stunning landscapes that are full of towering mountains and deep canyons. The park also features many interesting historical sites, such as the remains of an old fort and a Mormon pioneer settlement.

16. Capitol Reef Country

Visitors who visit Capitol Reef Country may experience a wide variety of emotions, depending on whether they are viewing the park as a nature lover, a photographer, a historian, or a child. For nature lovers, the park may provide a beautiful and peaceful setting in which to enjoy the natural wonders before them. For photographers, the park's landscape of towering red rocks and steep canyons may be a photographer's dream come true. For historians, the park may offer a unique glimpse into the ancient Native American culture that once thrived there. For children, the park may provide an entertaining and educational experience in which they can learn about the park's history and geology.

17. Fruita

When a visitor arrives in Fruita, they will likely be greeted by the town's main thoroughfare, which runs east-west through the town. Along this street, visitors will find a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as the town's post office and bank. Fruita is also home to the Fruita Monument, which commemorates the town's role in the Utah War of 1857. The visitor center for Capitol Reef National Park is located just outside of Fruita, and is well-marked and easy to find.

18. Anasazi State Park Museum

A visitor's experience when they visit the Anasazi State Park Museum in Capitol Reef is interesting and informative. The museum contains a variety of artifacts and displays that help visitors learn about the Anasazi people and the archaeology of Capitol Reef National Park. The exhibits are well organized and make it easy for visitors to find information they are looking for. The museum is also kid-friendly, which makes it a great choice for families who want to learn about Capitol Reef National Park.

19. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

When a visitor visits the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, they will likely feel amazed by the scenery. The meandering canyons and dramatic cliffs are a sight to behold and make for a unforgettable experience. The monument is also home to a variety of wildlife, including coyotes, eagles, and foxes.