“None of Nature’s landscapes are ugly so long as they are wild.”
John Muir
Capitol Reef National Park has some incredible views and scenery and little to no crowds. That is why this park is a must-visit on your next Utah road trip!
Top Things To Do In Capitol Reef National Park
4. Hickman Bridge
Total Distance: 1.8 Miles
Total Elevation Gain: 442 Ft.
The Hickman Bridge Trail is a quick and easy hike that is suitable for all ages. The beginning is the biggest climb but is reasonably level after the initial ascent. We were able to knock this out in just under an hour. The view of the arch from the trail is pretty amazing. It’s crazy to think that this was all created by water long ago. You hike right up to and through the arch until you loop back down to the start. Parking here got full early in the morning, but there are a couple of spots off the highway you can park as well.
3. Cassidy Arch
Total Distance: 3.1 Miles
Total Elevation Gain: 666 Ft.
Before you consider this hike, know that it is quite the climb. We added this to our Grand Wash hike, and by the end of the day, we were pretty tired. There is also a parking area via the “Scenic Drive,” if you did not want to add in the Grand Wash, but I’d recommend hiking at least some of it. The first part of the hike takes you up steep steps in the stone, and you are going uphill the entire time. When you are near the arch, you pop around a corner, and then the arch is in sight.
A sight to see!
This arch is enormous! Its magnificence is even more apparent when you get up close. Everyone was taking pictures while standing on the arch. We chose to take a little nap under a little ancient bristlecone pine tree until the crowds died down. At the top of the arch, you have panoramic views of the surrounding desert, but be careful; it’s a long way down!
2. Grand Wash
Total Distance: 4.4 Miles
Total Elevation Gain: 400 Ft.
We chose to hike this from the main highway, but you can also hike into this from the “Scenic Drive” route within the park. I didn’t read up much on this hike before we started, but we just wanted to get out and hike. I am thrilled we chose to do this. This hike has a “Narrows” in Zion feel without the water. You walk through a dry riverbed for the entirety of the hike, all while being surrounded by massive, imposing cliff faces. We enjoyed this hike, and the scenery was superb. Keep in mind the time of year. We went in early April, and this hike was HOT! There is little shade along the riverbed, so make sure you bring lots and lots of water.
1. Chimney Rock
Total Distance: 3.3 Miles
Total Elevation Gain: 793 Ft.
This hike turned out to be my absolute favorite in the park. The parking lot is tiny (6 or so cars), so make sure you arrive at the parking lot early if you want to do this hike. Chimney Rock Loop was the first hike we did, and no other hikes wound up topping it. The main feature of this hike is Chimney Rock. We hiked counter-clockwise, which brought us up close and personal with Chimney Rock.
What a View!
From here, there are some great views of the valley below, and it’s an excellent spot for pictures. However, don’t turn around just yet. You want to keep on going! It’s mostly downhill from here, anyway. Continuing, you are met with stunning views of the massive rocks and valleys below. This part of the hike was my favorite. If you follow the trail, you can add on the canyon portion of the trek or choose to head back.
Where To Stay Near Capitol Reef National Park
Camping
If you want to camp here, make sure you plan ahead. There is only one official campsite, and reservations fill up fast. Reservations must be made on the www.recreation.gov website, and bookings open up six months in advance for March thru October. One thing to keep in mind is that the campsites have no water/power hookups, so be prepared if that will impact your experience. They do have a potable water station and a dump station. Many people were camping just outside of the park borders on BLM land if you fancy roughing it under the stars.
Hotel / Motel / Resort
There are also plenty of hotels/motels/resorts in the area. They are a little pricy, but you pay for the luxury. We stayed at the Capitol Reef Resort, and we would stay there again. It’s the park’s closest accommodation; a short three-minute drive will have you in the park. Our room had a magnificent view overlooking the red rocks right outside our window. In the more temperate months, the resort has stagecoaches and teepees to sleep in as well! One nice thing about having a room to come back to is that you always have a hot shower waiting for you after a long day of hiking!
Things To Remember In Capitol Reef National Park
1. Hydration
· Remember, you are in a desert. The hot air mixed with the dry climate is a recipe for dehydration. If you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated—plan on having 1 gallon of water for every person per day.
2. Follow the signs
· If the signs tell you to stay on the trail, you should stay on the path. The desert soil is very fragile and an essential part of the desert ecosystem. Make sure that future generations will be able to experience incredible sights as well.
· If a sign says, “don’t feed the animals,” then do not. Feeding wild animals harm their overall health. It also makes animals more likely to come up to cars, which leads to more animals getting killed by cars.
3. Leave your four-legged friends at home
· While dogs are allowed in the campground, dogs are not permitted on the trails. If a ranger sees you trying to take your dog on a trail, they will turn you around.
4. Leave No Trace
· As the saying goes, “Leave only Footsteps.” Do not spoil the landscape with your trash. It was not there when you got there, so pack it out with you. Leave no trace also means that you should leave the environment as it is. It is illegal to remove anything from the park, including plants, artifacts, and even rocks.
5. Be sure to wear clothing and footwear suitable for your adventure.
· Make sure your shoes still have traction, as the sand and stone combination can be rather slippery.
· Dress in layers. The mornings are usually cold, and the afternoons often get hot. Make sure you wear a hat and have plenty of sunscreen.
6. Get Up Early
· Capitol Reef National Park is best experienced without all the crowds, like most places. If you want to beat the crowds, start at sunrise.
Other Cool Things That Didn’t Quite Make the List.
Historic Fruita – This is an old landmark town older than the park itself. It’s filled with fruit orchards and some cool old buildings to explore.
Petroglyphs – Some of the old Native American tribes that settled in Capitol Reef drew pictures on the rocks depicting days long ago. Make sure you stop to see these. Some of them are pretty cool.
Curry Pizza – Not too far from the park, there is a restaurant called Curry Pizza. The food was excellent, and it’s quite an interesting take on your traditional pizza.
Scenic Drive – This was the least crowded part of the park on our trip. We drove through at sunset, and the beautiful red rocks lit up in the late sun’s glow.
Check Out My Socials
TL;DR
4. Hickman Bridge
3. Cassidy Arch
2. Grand Wash
1. Chimney Rock
Get More Info
Get more info from the source at https://www.nps.gov/care/index.htm
Check out my other nearby blog reviews of Utah!
