Plan Your Capitol Reef national park VACATION in just minutes

A complete guide to visiting Capitol Reef and the surrounding area for 1 or more days.

Iconic Utah Beauty

Capitol Reef is our favorite of all of the Utah National Parks. It has awe-inspiring views, is not as busy as most of the other Utah National Parks and has a beautiful story to tell.

We recommend a longer trip to Utah and a visit to all five of the Utah Mighty 5 National Parks (plus some great stops outside of the parks). But Capitol Reef is a stop you don’t want to miss!

You don’t need timed entry tickets for Capitol Reef. Yes, it can still be busy at trailheads but we never once had a problem finding somewhere to park.

Cassidy Arch

Let’s face it, researching a trip to Utah can be overwhelming. You may have no idea what the landscape is like, what kind of transportation you’ll need, where to stay and how to stay safe. 

That’s where we come in.

Our family has been to Capitol Reef several times – and we know our way around the park. We have traveled to numerous national parks with toddlers, teens, grandparents and every age in between. So we know how to plan a trip with your whole family in mind.

We’ve figured out the top places you will want to visit, where to eat, what to bring… And we put all of this experience together into an itinerary for spending one glorious day in Capitol Reef. 

Introducing, your perfect Capitol Reef vacation: planned for you. With the Crazy Family Adventure Capitol Reef Guide.

SKIP to the Guide

Capitol Reef Frequently Asked Questions:

Answers to your Capitol Reef National Park questions and the easiest way to plan your vacation!

Capitol Reef is located in south central Utah. It is located couple hours southwest of Arches National Park and 3+ hours northeast of Zion National Park.

Capitol Reef is open year-round — the weather is nice in the summer and cooler in the winter.

Capitol Reef is about 378 square miles.

Capitol Reef is one of the lesser visited parks in Utah. If you are looking for a break in the crowds be sure to plan time in Capitol Reef.

The most popular lodging options around Capitol Reef are in and around Torrey. There are a few of hotels, vacation homes and campgrounds in the area to choose from but not many!

Salt Lake City is the biggest airport near Capitol Reef but is almost 4 hours away from the park by car. There is a small regional airport in Moab that might be an option for some folks. We have always gone to Utah by car or motorhome.

Our family has spent months exploring Utah and the Mighty 5 National Parks

And our most frequently asked question…

Can you just plan my trip for me?

Yes, we can! We’ve taken the guesswork out of your Captiol Reef National Park vacation planning by putting together a digital guide for an epic one-day trip to this iconic park. 

Unless you are a prolific hiker who wants to go back to Capitol Reef for long hikes, you can see most of Capitol Reef in one day. That’s why we put together this one day guide to get the most out of 24 hours in the Capitol Reef area. 

You don’t need to book a pricy all-inclusive Capitol Reef vacation package or search high and low for a Capitol Reef vacation rental. We’ve included all of the details from where to stay, where to eat, which route to take, and more!

Simply purchase, download and go!

About our Capitol Reef Guide

Ready to dive into our Capitol Reef guide? Here’s what you can expect inside:

  • One day stop-by-stop itineraries
  • First-hand descriptions of each stop, including hiking difficulty and times
  • Things to know before you leave
  • Tips for getting there
  • Where to stay: hotels, vacation homes, campgrounds
  • How to get around the park
  • Tips on staying safe
  • Where to eat (and when to pack a picnic)
  • Important links
  • And more!

A Peek Inside The Guide

Want to See More of Utah?

Lots of people visit Capitol Reef as part of a longer road trip to see other Utah National Parks and scenic areas. If that’s you, you’re in luck! We will send you bonus links and info about taking the ultimate Utah road trip when you purchase the Capitol Reef Guide!

You can also check out our Utah National Park Road Trip Guide to plan a road trip to all 5 Utah National Parks and a couple other stops. Or go to our Shop to see all the National Park guides we have for sale.

1 Day Guide to Capitol Reef

Get the most out of one day in Capitol Reef with this best-of itinerary. We’ll hit all the highlights in the most popular areas of the park making the most of your day!

  • 17 pages
  • Stop-by-stop instructions
  • Dining recommendations 
  • Links to menus and lodging reservations
  • Park maps
  • Insider tips 
  • And more! 

In one day you can see all this:

  • Fruita Historic District
  • Moenkopi Formation
  • Waterpocket Fold
  • Cassidy Arch Hike
  • Capitol Gorge Hike
  • Hickman’s Bridge
  • Sunset Point
  • Scenic Drives
  • And More!
Buy 1 Day Guide for $9

IMPORTANT NOTES  

At this time you do not need timed entry tickets to visit Capitol Reef National Park but it is always worth it to check their official website when you plan your trip to make sure nothing has changed. We will update you via email if we hear of any major changes at Capitol Reef.

ABOUT THE GUIDES

These are digital guides and are best experienced interactively on your phone, tablet or computer. We will not be mailing you anything. Once you purchase and download it, you may print the guide for your own use. Commercial reproduction or use is prohibited.