Southern Utah is known for its beautiful and otherworldly desert landscape. The region boasts so many gems that it’s home to five national parks (aka the “Mighty 5”) and eight national monuments, all of which highlight the spectacular natural wonder that draws visitors from all over the world. While many come to explore the colorful, idyllic valleys and rock formations found in Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park — which is also one of the best places to take in a solar eclipse in the Southwest — nearby Capitol Reef National Park sees fewer visitors than these more popular spots.
Perhaps the area’s most underrated national park, Capitol Reef is 241,904 acres of arresting desert scenery, some of which is centered around the Waterpocket Fold — a wrinkle in the earth’s surface that is known as a monocline. This inclined layer of steep rock stretches for nearly 100 miles in Southern Utah and lends Capitol Reef some of its unique natural features, including sheer cliffs, hidden canyons, and the rounded sandstone domes that the park is named for.
When it comes to camping in Capitol Reef, there are two free primitive campgrounds in the park, but for those seeking a bit more comfort, there is also Fruita Campground. This developed campground makes it possible to enjoy the splendors of Capitol Reef National Park without having to rough it too much, though its popularity can make it tough to nab a spot during the park’s busiest months.
A historic oasis in the heart of the park
Popular activities in Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef Park presents an array of activities that will satisfy both adventure-seekers and casual visitors alike. Hiking is probably the most popular pursuit, with the Grand Wash Trail and the Cohab Canyon trail offering relatively easy walks that offer deep canyon experience and sweeping views of Fruita and beyond. For terrific vistas of the Waterpocket Fold cliffs, head out on the Chimney Rock Loop, a 3.6-mile roundtrip jaunt that will have you huffing and puffing in parts.
For more serious hikers, Capitol Reef is a haven for backpackers. It’s possible to explore the more remote corners of the park on multi-day trips; just be sure to secure a free backcountry permit at the visitors’ center ahead of time. Devotees of rock climbing and bouldering will also find plenty of opportunities to ply their passion in Capitol Reef, though the sandstone can be crumbly in places, making cliff walls made from harder Wingate Sandstone your best bet. Permits are required as well and must be arranged beforehand via email.
One thing that sets Capitol Reef apart from some other national parks is the fact that you can explore some of it from the comfort of your own car. The park’s Scenic Drive is a 7.9-mile sealed road that snakes through the heart of Capitol Reef, offering views of red rock canyons, rock formations, and even petroglyphs (rock wall paintings) that you can access via a short hike into Capitol Gorge. Thinking about visiting Southern Utah? Here are 11 things you should know about the “Mighty 5.”
