[FULL GUIDE] 100 Must-Do Activities at Capitol Reef National Park

Key Takeaways:

1. Capitol Reef National Park offers a stunning landscape of rugged cliffs, canyons, and rock formations perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
2. From scenic hikes and wildlife watching to historic sites and photography, the park provides a wealth of experiences for all visitors.
3. Whether you’re into hiking, stargazing, or exploring ancient petroglyphs, Capitol Reef offers a wide range of activities in one of Utah’s most unique national parks.

Located in the heart of southern Utah, Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden gem known for its stunning red rock landscapes, unique geological features, and rich history. Established as a national park in 1971, Capitol Reef is home to the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long geological formation that spans the park. Visitors flock to this diverse park for its opportunities to hike through canyons, discover ancient petroglyphs, and explore historical sites like the Fruita District, once a thriving pioneer settlement. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or simply looking to enjoy nature’s beauty, Capitol Reef National Park offers a perfect blend of outdoor activities and cultural exploration, making it an unforgettable destination.

100 Things to Do at Capitol Reef National Park

#1 Hike the Hickman Bridge Trail: A popular, easy-to-moderate hike leading to the iconic Hickman Bridge, offering stunning views along the way.

#2 Visit the Fruita Historic District: Explore the charming historic district with its old homesteads, orchards, and the famous Gifford House.

#3 Go Stargazing at the Capitol Reef Observatory: Take advantage of the park’s Dark Sky status and enjoy stargazing with minimal light pollution.

#4 Explore the Waterpocket Fold: Hike along the crest of this massive geological formation that spans the park, offering breathtaking views.

#5 Hike to the Capitol Gorge: A short and easy trail that leads to a narrow, scenic canyon with petroglyphs and historic markings.

#6 Take a Scenic Drive through the Capitol Reef Scenic Byway: Enjoy a drive through the park, stopping at several scenic overlooks and viewpoints along the way.

#7 Explore the Grand Wash Trail: A moderate, family-friendly hike through a wide, rocky canyon that offers impressive views of the park’s formations.

#8 Go Backpacking in the Park’s Remote Areas: For the adventurous, explore Capitol Reef’s backcountry with multi-day backpacking trips through rugged terrain.

#9 Pick Fruit at the Fruita Orchards: In the summer and fall, enjoy picking fresh fruit at the historic orchards located in the Fruita District.

#10 Visit the Capitol Reef Visitor Center: Start your visit at the center for maps, information, and exhibits about the park’s natural and cultural history.

#11 Hike the Cassidy Arch Trail: This challenging trail rewards hikers with spectacular views and access to the park’s famous Cassidy Arch.

#12 Take a Scenic Flight Over Capitol Reef: See the park from the sky with a scenic flight, offering stunning aerial views of the Waterpocket Fold and surrounding areas.

#13 Go Horseback Riding in the Park: Explore the park’s rugged landscapes on horseback, with guided tours available through local outfitters.

#14 Explore the Golden Throne Trail: A moderately challenging hike that takes you to the top of a rocky outcrop for panoramic views of the park.

#15 Stop at Panorama Point: Enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Capitol Reef’s colorful rock formations, with great photo opportunities.

#16 Visit the Temple of the Moon and the Temple of the Sun: These towering rock formations, visible from several spots in the park, are popular for photography and scenic views.

#17 Go Rock Climbing in Capitol Reef: Experienced climbers can challenge themselves on the park’s rock formations, including iconic routes like the Cassady Arch.

#18 Take a Sunset Photography Tour: Capture the park’s stunning landscapes during the golden hour on a guided photography tour.

#19 Go Biking along the Scenic Byway: Ride a bike through the park’s designated bike paths, which offer easy access to stunning views and scenic landscapes.

#20 Hike the Sulphur Creek Trail: A longer, more challenging hike that leads through a narrow creek canyon, offering views of the park’s unique rock formations.

#21 Visit the Cohab Canyon Trail: A moderate hike that offers great views and a chance to explore the park’s diverse ecosystem.

#22 Take a Picnic at Sunset Point: Enjoy a relaxing picnic with incredible views of the park, perfect for watching the sunset.

#23 Explore the Land of the Sleeping Rainbows: Hike through this colorful, isolated area of the park that features vibrant rock layers and desert landscapes.

#24 Visit the Petroglyphs in Capitol Gorge: Explore the petroglyphs carved by ancient Native American tribes along the walls of Capitol Gorge.

#25 Go for a Scenic Drive to Cathedral Valley: Visit the park’s more remote area for views of towering rock formations and an opportunity to spot wildlife.

#26 Hike the Navajo Knobs Trail: A strenuous hike that offers panoramic views of the park’s landscape and the surrounding area.

#27 Join a Ranger-led Program: Learn about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife with a guided ranger-led program during your visit.

#28 Climb the Golden Throne: For experienced climbers, summit Golden Throne for a challenging climb with rewarding views.

#29 Visit the Fruita Schoolhouse: Stop by this historic schoolhouse located in the Fruita District for a glimpse of the park’s pioneer history.

#30 Go for a Scenic Drive to Highway 24: Take a drive along Highway 24 for amazing views of the park’s rugged terrain and surrounding scenery.

#31 Explore the Capitol Reef Historical Survey: Learn about the history of Capitol Reef’s geological and human past at the historical survey site.

#32 Stop at the Gifford House: Visit the historic Gifford House, which features homemade pies, jams, and local products, reflecting the park’s pioneer history.

#33 Visit the Thor’s Hammer in the Scenic Viewpoint: Stop to photograph and marvel at the towering rock formation known as Thor’s Hammer.

#34 Go for a Short Hike on the Grand Wash Trail: This short trail offers beautiful views and a chance to experience Capitol Reef’s rocky, narrow canyons.

#35 Take a Photography Class with a Local Guide: Join a professional photographer for a class focused on capturing the beauty of Capitol Reef’s landscapes.

#36 Explore the Waterpocket Fold: Discover the unique geological formation that gives Capitol Reef its distinct shape and stunning views.

#37 Go for a Night Hike under the Stars: Experience Capitol Reef’s incredible night sky with a ranger-led night hike or solo adventure.

#38 Try Geocaching in the Park: Use GPS coordinates to find hidden treasures around the park in this fun outdoor activity.

#39 Visit the Capitol Reef National Park Campground: Stay overnight in the park’s established campground, which offers close access to many of the park’s trails and overlooks.

#40 Check Out the Fruita Museum: Learn more about the history of the Fruita area and its role in the development of the park.

#41 Take a Drive to the Cathedral Valley Overlook: Enjoy spectacular views of Cathedral Valley, a remote and scenic area of Capitol Reef.

#42 Go on a Desert Survival Course: Take a guided course to learn how to survive in the desert with practical skills and expert guidance.

#43 Take a Scenic Drive Through the Capitol Reef Backcountry: Explore the more remote parts of the park on a scenic drive with access to hidden gems.

#44 Go for a Sunrise Hike to Hickman Bridge: Start your day with a sunrise hike to Hickman Bridge, where the early light casts shadows across the rock formations.

#45 Go for a Picnic at the Capitol Reef Visitor Center: Enjoy a picnic in a scenic spot near the visitor center, perfect for relaxing and soaking in the views.

#46 Explore the Backcountry of Capitol Reef: For a more adventurous experience, hike into the remote backcountry and explore areas with fewer visitors.

#47 Join a Historic Homesteading Program: Learn about the homesteaders who settled in Capitol Reef and gain insight into the park’s pioneer history.

#48 Hike the Little Wild Horse Canyon: This slot canyon hike offers a unique adventure through narrow passageways and dramatic rock formations.

#49 Go for a Scenic Bike Ride to Sunset Point: Ride your bike to the Sunset Point for great views and an ideal spot to relax at the end of your ride.

#50 Take a Jeep Tour of Capitol Reef: For a more thrilling way to see the park, take a jeep tour that takes you through the park’s rugged terrain.

#51 Visit the Cassidy Arch: Hike to this iconic arch located in the Park’s Island in the Sky district, known for its impressive size.

#52 Explore the Pioneer Registration Site: Discover the place where pioneers once registered and left their marks in the Fruita area, showcasing the park’s cultural history.

#53 Hike the Sulphur Creek Trail: A beautiful but challenging hike through a narrow, scenic canyon that offers views of colorful rock layers and seasonal waterfalls.

#54 Go for a Night Sky Photography Session: Join a ranger-led night sky photography workshop and capture the beauty of the Milky Way above the desert.

#55 Take a Guided Birdwatching Tour: Learn about the diverse bird species in Capitol Reef, from desert sparrows to peregrine falcons, with a guided tour.

#56 Climb at the Spire Rock: Test your rock-climbing skills on Spire Rock, one of the more challenging formations in the park.

#57 Visit the Anasazi Petroglyphs: Stop at one of the park’s petroglyph sites to explore ancient Native American rock art carved into the cliffs.

#58 Take a Scenic Drive on Highway 12: Drive this scenic byway, which connects Capitol Reef to other stunning national parks in Utah, offering breathtaking landscapes along the way.

#59 Explore the Painted Desert: Take a detour to see the colorful hills and mesas of the Painted Desert, just outside the park’s boundaries.

#60 Hike to the Larb Hollow Overlook: A moderately strenuous hike that rewards you with stunning views of Capitol Reef’s expansive desert landscape.

#61 Go for a Scenic Walk on the Fremont River Trail: This easy, relaxing walk follows the Fremont River, offering scenic views of the park’s rock formations and wildlife.

#62 Explore the Grand View Point: A panoramic viewpoint offering sweeping views of Capitol Reef, the Waterpocket Fold, and the surrounding wilderness.

#63 Take a Canyoneering Adventure: Explore the park’s hidden slot canyons with a canyoneering tour, which combines hiking, scrambling, and rappelling.

#64 Go Snowshoeing in Winter: Visit during the winter months and enjoy snowshoeing through the peaceful, snow-covered landscapes of Capitol Reef.

#65 Visit the Capitol Dome: Hike to this distinctive dome-shaped formation, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and rock formations.

#66 Try Cross-Country Skiing: In winter, enjoy the park’s snowy landscape with cross-country skiing along the park’s established routes.

#67 Visit the Desert Varnish Walls: Discover the vibrant, dark rock formations known as desert varnish, which are a unique geological feature in the park.

#68 Take the Scenic Southern Drive to Bullfrog: A scenic drive that takes you through rugged terrain and offers panoramic views of Capitol Reef from different angles.

#69 Join a Junior Ranger Program: If visiting with kids, the Junior Ranger program offers fun and educational activities for young adventurers.

#70 Explore the Gifford Homestead: Visit the homestead where early settlers lived and get a taste of historic pioneer life with preserved exhibits.

#71 Hike the Old Wagon Trail: This trail follows an old wagon route and offers views of the surrounding desert and mesas, showcasing the history of early travel in the area.

#72 Take a Scenic Hike at the Top of the Reef: A moderate hike that offers panoramic views of Capitol Reef and the surrounding wilderness from the top of the reef.

#73 Go for a Desert Photography Session: Join a guided photography session to capture the park’s desert landscapes during the golden hour.

#74 Visit the Fruita Cemetery: Pay a visit to the historic cemetery in the Fruita area, which holds the graves of some of the early settlers of the area.

#75 Hike the Sulphur Creek Overlook: This short trail leads to an amazing viewpoint, offering a view of the park’s dramatic rock formations.

#76 Visit the Capitol Reef National Park Heritage Site: Explore the historic sites within the park to learn about the cultural history of the area.

#77 Go on a Scenic Bike Ride on the Scenic Drive: Hop on a bike and ride through the scenic drive, enjoying the park’s breathtaking views and diverse ecosystems.

#78 Visit the Fremont River Overlook: Stop at this scenic spot for great views of the Fremont River, surrounded by red rock formations and a peaceful landscape.

#79 Go Horseback Riding in the Capitol Reef Backcountry: Take a guided horseback ride through Capitol Reef’s rugged backcountry, an unforgettable way to explore the park.

#80 Stop at the Coal Mine Overlook: A lesser-known viewpoint offering beautiful views of the surrounding desert landscape and the Waterpocket Fold.

#81 Learn about the Park’s History at the Capitol Reef Visitor Center: Stop by the visitor center to explore interactive exhibits and learn about the history and geology of the park.

#82 Take a Multi-Day Backpacking Trip: For experienced hikers, embark on a multi-day backpacking adventure through the park’s remote backcountry, including the Waterpocket Fold.

#83 Explore the The White Rim Trail: A challenging but scenic off-road route offering dramatic views of the park’s canyons and rock formations.

#84 Catch a Park Ranger’s Storytelling Session: Join a ranger for an engaging storytelling session and learn about the cultural and natural history of Capitol Reef.

#85 Hike the Golden Throne Trail: A moderate trail leading to the Golden Throne, a towering rock formation that offers spectacular views of the park.

#86 Check out the Capitol Reef Historic Homesteading Site: Visit the site where early pioneers set up homesteads and learn about their hard life in the harsh desert landscape.

#87 Go for a Hike in the Cathedral Valley: Explore this remote and beautiful part of Capitol Reef for solitude and panoramic desert views.

#88 Discover the Hidden Canyon: Explore a hidden canyon in the park, where you can enjoy solitude and unique rock formations without the crowds.

#89 Take the Family-Friendly Grand Wash Trail: A short, easy hike perfect for families that leads through a narrow, scenic canyon.

#90 Enjoy the Park’s Picnic Areas: Pack a picnic and enjoy it at one of the park’s scenic picnic areas, surrounded by stunning views and peace.

#91 Explore the Red Cliff Trail: A moderate trail offering incredible views of Capitol Reef’s red cliffs and colorful desert landscape.

#92 Take a Desert Wilderness Photography Workshop: Join a workshop to learn how to capture the unique beauty of Capitol Reef’s desert landscapes.

#93 Try Desert Camping in Capitol Reef: Experience the park’s camping options, from established campgrounds to remote backcountry campsites.

#94 Walk the Fremont River Trail: A gentle, scenic trail that follows the Fremont River, offering peaceful views and a chance to spot wildlife.

#95 Visit the Waterpocket Fold Overlook: Take in incredible views of the Waterpocket Fold, one of Capitol Reef’s most famous geological features.

#96 Climb the Rock Formations of Capitol Reef: For experienced climbers, Capitol Reef offers numerous rock climbing routes, with options for all levels.

#97 Go on a Desert Survival Tour: Learn the skills needed to survive in the desert during an exciting desert survival tour.

#98 Take a Scenic Road Trip Along Highway 24: A beautiful road trip along Highway 24 will take you through some of the park’s most stunning vistas.

#99 Explore the Hidden Valleys of Capitol Reef: Take a guided tour to uncover some of the park’s lesser-known valleys, filled with beautiful rock formations.

#100 Enjoy the Beauty of the Sunset at Panorama Point: Watch the sun set over Capitol Reef’s vibrant landscapes from this famous viewpoint, perfect for photography.

Conclusion:

Capitol Reef National Park is full of unique landscapes and activities, offering everything from scenic hikes and wildlife watching to rock climbing and cultural exploration. Be sure to use PlanMyWeekend.ai to plan your visit and make the most of your adventure in this beautiful park.