Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park
4.7
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.7
1,765 reviews
Excellent
1,312
Very good
358
Average
83
Poor
10
Terrible
2
Heather M
Maryland176 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
My family visited Capitol Reef as part of our Utah Big 5 trip.We spent some time in the visitors center, watching the short film about the park and visiting the small museum exhibit. We then took a short drive to the Hickman Bridge Trail. We were a little worried about parking difficulties due to the closure of the Scenic Drive this summer, but we were able to easily find a parking space at the trailhead around noon. The start of the trail had an overhang that my oldest hit her head on, so be careful of that. The trail had an elevation change that made it somewhat challenging. We hiked in the early afternoon so it was hot and there was little shade, but we took advantage of it when we found it. There were a few cool cave-like structures as well which we enjoyed sitting in. My husband made it through the arch but the younger members of our party declared mutiny (after several days of hiking in the heat) and went only to where the trail forked. After returning to the car, we stopped at the Fruita Schoolhouse and Fremont Petroglyphs. This was my husband's favorite park out of the Utah Big 5.
Written August 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeff L
Appleton, WI510 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
One of the least known national parks, Capitol Reef is a gem with many beautiful hikes and stunning scenery. Pleasant to drive through but much more enjoyable to get out and hike.
It's much easier to access and enjoy than Zion's National Park or Yellowstone, where long lines and long waits are common. At Capitol Reef, you can quickly go to a beautiful hiking spot like the Cassidy's Arch hike and be out exploring right away. We highly recommend Cassidy's Arch, but does involve some challenges navigating the stone markings to reach your destination. We had to ask people which way to go a time or two once we got to the top of the area near the arch. A hiking app might have been helpful, in retrospect.
It's much easier to access and enjoy than Zion's National Park or Yellowstone, where long lines and long waits are common. At Capitol Reef, you can quickly go to a beautiful hiking spot like the Cassidy's Arch hike and be out exploring right away. We highly recommend Cassidy's Arch, but does involve some challenges navigating the stone markings to reach your destination. We had to ask people which way to go a time or two once we got to the top of the area near the arch. A hiking app might have been helpful, in retrospect.
Written March 31, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Connie E
Bartow, FL111 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
You are going to drive through Capitol Reef National Park seeing other parks and sights. We probably drove through it four or five times. Be sure to check out Fruita and buy a pie. We did the Petroglyph Pullout and Hickman Bridge and they right along the highway that runs through the park. There were plenty of trails but we did not go on them.
Written September 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert B
Massanutten, VA397 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Such a magnificent and underrated park. We really enjoyed our visit to Capitol Reef even though we couldn’t take the complete road trip because of a wash out. The park was not overcrowded and people were having a great time on a mild day. It is difficult to take in all the beauty.
Written May 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fiora3
Utah169 contributions
May 2024 • Family
The scenic drive was closed and I read the NP website and knew this ahead of time. But the visitor center was open, the orchards are there, the yummy pie shop is open (we got peach and it was delicious), petroglyphs and hikes are open. I’ had never been to Capitol Reef before so I don’t know ow what I’m missing with the scenic drive. We stayed 2 days and had a great time. We had young kids with us who did the Junior Ranger program. We got pie, we saw the petroglyphs and looked at the orchards (nothing for picking this time of year). We hiked to Hickman Bridge. Follow the signs, sometimes the trail is hard to spot. One sign has little arrows on it of which city way to go for the loop. We almost missed that. We also did the sunset point/panorama little hike. Everything was beautiful. It’s not as crowded as the other Utah National Parks and there were times we were completely alone. Definitely worth a trip for a day or more to see if you have time!
Written June 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lori A
Estes Park, CO19 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
Amazingly beautiful place, loved this National Park! We especially loved the yellow Cottonwoods against the red rock and quiet empty roads, very much less crowded in November!
Don't miss the 55 mile back country Cathedral Valley road (through the river, only 10" deep, I walked it to be sure...and you can call ahead to check that, listen to the recording.... if you choose to do the whole drive!) Follow around through amazing Bentonite hills, Cathedral Valley and the Temples of the Sun and Moon. Best 4.5 hours ever! But with spring and summer storms it said sometimes it's impassible, so check first! We had 4WD but only used it in the river crossing. There's sand in the road, but wasn't bad when we were there, (our daughter had gotten stuck with 2WD truck and needed $$$ towing a few years ago, so check first!) You can always go from the east entrance to avoid the river, but definitely get all the way past the temples to Cathedral Valley, (we loved Bentonite hills, which is even further towards the river end). In the main park area, Scenic drive was closed for construction, sure that would have been beautiful too, a great 2 days!
Don't miss the 55 mile back country Cathedral Valley road (through the river, only 10" deep, I walked it to be sure...and you can call ahead to check that, listen to the recording.... if you choose to do the whole drive!) Follow around through amazing Bentonite hills, Cathedral Valley and the Temples of the Sun and Moon. Best 4.5 hours ever! But with spring and summer storms it said sometimes it's impassible, so check first! We had 4WD but only used it in the river crossing. There's sand in the road, but wasn't bad when we were there, (our daughter had gotten stuck with 2WD truck and needed $$$ towing a few years ago, so check first!) You can always go from the east entrance to avoid the river, but definitely get all the way past the temples to Cathedral Valley, (we loved Bentonite hills, which is even further towards the river end). In the main park area, Scenic drive was closed for construction, sure that would have been beautiful too, a great 2 days!
Written November 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
santhony
Fordyce, AR593 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
Visited Capitol Reef National Park as part of a five-park tour across southern Utah. Due to its location, it is probably the least crowded of the five we visited, but I'm sure it can be a hot, crowded mess in the summer. There are numerous hiking options, something for everyone.
We particularly enjoyed the Capitol Gorge Trail, at the end of a two mile (one lane at times) dirt road between high canyon walls amidst herds of bighorn sheep.
Another great hike is the Hickman Bridge Trail which is on the main road into Torrey from Moab/Hanksville.
We particularly enjoyed the Capitol Gorge Trail, at the end of a two mile (one lane at times) dirt road between high canyon walls amidst herds of bighorn sheep.
Another great hike is the Hickman Bridge Trail which is on the main road into Torrey from Moab/Hanksville.
Written April 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristine H
26 contributions
Oct 2024 • Friends
When in Southern Utah visiting national parks, don't miss the lesser known Capitol Reef National Park!
Incredible landscapes, which includes ancient petroglyphs!
Because it is not a Moab or a Zion, this means it is less crowded.
Incredible landscapes, which includes ancient petroglyphs!
Because it is not a Moab or a Zion, this means it is less crowded.
Written October 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffrey L
New York City, NY100 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Unfortunately no know as much as it deserves. One of the great attractions for both domestic and international visitors. Another major hit for the national park service. This is what makes our country unique and great. Adds to a city boy’s understanding of our history and our nation. NPS wonderfully organized an staffed with terrific printed material. I recommend a self drive audio tour cued by GPS.
Written May 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KateS
Hot Springs, Arkansas, United States6,358 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
We found it far less crowded than other National Parks. There are lots of opportunities for great hiking (we did all the easy ones & couple of the moderate ones) & there is beautiful scenery in every direction. The scenic drive was closed, & we were late enough in the season that all the pears & apples had pretty much been picked. But the beauty of this amazing place & the availability of hiking for every skill level make this my go-to park, well above & beyond the others in Utah.
Written September 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
When will scenic drive reopen? Are there any progress reports?
Written October 13, 2024
What are the elevations on the main route through Capital Reef? I use a Portable Oxygen Concentrator and should not go above 8,000 feet. Thanks, Bill
Written July 23, 2023
Look at the NP website. They have a phone number and may be able to answer this question and any concerns you may have.
Written July 25, 2023
My husband and I would like to take our sons to Capital Reef. HOwever, we have a 9 year old with ASD who sometimes likes to run off. Therefore, we removed Bryce and Grand Canyon from our list. Can anyone tell us of any hiking trails at this park without drop off's where if he ran he would not get hurt?
Written February 1, 2022
It is always best to start your visit to a national park at the Visitor Information office. The staff are best positioned to answer these kinds of questions.
Written February 2, 2022
We are driving from Moab to Torrey/Capital Reef and then a few days later to Park City/SLC.
We have several hotels booked - but a couple days we want to be open to our plans with our 2 kids. Will we be able to find something i(hotel/motel) n June without having reserved in advance during this high season?
Written February 20, 2019
Sorry for the delay in responding....Trip Advisor no longer sends questions to us....I just happened to see your question while deleting messages.
I cannot answer your question specifically....during that time of year it could be a problem. HOWEVER....I would recommend that you call Carlton Hotel in Salt Lake City...1-800-633-3500. They could, possibly, give you a better answer.
We were there last fall on a VERY busy weekend ...the semi-annual Morman convention. The hotel is 2 blocks from the Morman complex and the hotel was not busy. Paid $79.00 per night and had 2 bedrooms and kitchenette. Hot breakfast in morning.
Park City & Olympic Park about 35 minute drive from hotel. See my reviews of both areas on TA.
Written March 19, 2019
Also, were you pulling a car behind your RV? We won't be, so am wondering how much we'll be able to get to if we are camping in the park, but want to visit other areas. Are there shuttles in Capitol Reef?
Written February 19, 2019
Hello. Did you carry chains while driving through Capitol Reef? We also plan to visit in March and wonder about road conditions. Did you make campground reservations before you went? Thanks.
Written February 19, 2019
All I can add is that in late September in the middle of the week the entire campground (one of the most beautiful in the area) was full. I would definitely make reservations.
Written February 20, 2019
Where about are the petroglyphs within the NP? Thanks!
Written January 25, 2019
Amazingly, they are easy to see! At many parks one would expect arduous hikes to get to petroglyph locations, but in Capitol Reef NP, they are right off the road, highway 24, a few miles east of the visitors center. There is parking there, and a short boardwalk trail to view them.
Written January 28, 2019
Does anyone know how late in the year CRNP offers star viewing with telescopes? There are no schedules on the website; it only says that it goes mid-May through October. (I ask because Bryce Canyon NP also says the same thing, but star viewing shifts to Sat. nights only on Oct. 13.) We wouldn't be arriving at Capitol Reef until Oct. 17.
Written October 8, 2018
Sorry, don't know. Suggest contacting ranger station.
Written October 9, 2018
I will be visiting Capitol Reef in a couple of weeks. I have a hotel in Torrey and my friend will be camping in the park. As it stands now, I am supposed to drop him off at the edge of the scenic drive. I have a fear of heights, so I wanted to make sure this is an area I could drive. I do not like sharp drop offs. I will only be driving about 7 miles, from Torrey to the scenic drive. What is the drive like there? Once I am in the park and with my friend, he will be driving, so I am fine in the passenger seat. I just needed information on the drive from Torrey to the edge of the scenic drive.
Written July 15, 2018
There aren't any drop offs that I remember. All the roads are in the valleys. Nice and flat!
Written July 15, 2018
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