Capitol Reef National Park trip planner

Capitol Reef National Park takes its name from a particularly rugged and scenic section of the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic "wrinkle" stretching for 160 km (100 mi) along a dry plateau surrounded by white Navajo sandstone cliffs and domes, and red canyons, buttes, and rock bridges. A scenic drive through the park offers the most efficient way to drink in the views, while hiking, biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and fishing provide other options for exploring the park's terrain at a slower pace. A day is all that's needed for a satisfying visit, but spending the night gives you a good look at countless bright stars in the clear night sky of the south-central Utah desert. Take a peek at our world travel planner: Capitol Reef National Park and its charms laid bare and easily scheduled.