First of all, you should know that Capitol Reef National Park is open year-round, but some services and facilities are available seasonally. The park has one developed campground, Fruita Campground, which is open year-round and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. There are also two primitive campgrounds, Cedar Mesa and Cathedral Valley, which are free and require a permit. If you prefer to stay outside the park, there are several lodging options in nearby towns like Torrey and Bicknell.
Secondly, you should decide what areas of the park you want to explore. Capitol Reef National Park is divided into three districts: Fruita, Waterpocket, and Cathedral Valley. Each district has its own attractions and challenges, so you should plan accordingly.
Fruita is the most popular and accessible district of the park. It is where you will find the park's visitor center, historic orchards, scenic drive, and many hiking trails. Some of the highlights of Fruita include:
- The Hickman Bridge Trail, a 2-mile round-trip hike that leads to a natural arch spanning 133 feet.
- The Capitol Gorge Trail, a 2-mile round-trip hike that follows a narrow canyon with petroglyphs and pioneer inscriptions.
- The Gifford House Store and Museum, a historic homestead that sells fresh pies and preserves made from the park's orchards.
Waterpocket is the southern part of the park, where the Waterpocket Fold is most prominent. It is a remote and rugged area that requires high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles to access. Some of the highlights of Waterpocket include:
- The Burr Trail Road, a scenic drive that winds through colorful canyons and slickrock formations.
- The Calf Creek Falls Trail, a 6-mile round-trip hike that leads to a spectacular 126-foot waterfall.
- The Little Death Hollow Trail, a 9-mile round-trip hike that traverses a slot canyon with towering walls.
Cathedral Valley is the northern part of the park, where you can admire the majestic monoliths and spires that resemble cathedrals. It is also a remote and rugged area that requires high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles to access. Some of the highlights of Cathedral Valley include:
- The Cathedral Valley Loop Road, a scenic drive that circles around the valley and offers views of landmarks like Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon.
- The Chimney Rock Trail, a 3.5-mile round-trip hike that climbs to a viewpoint overlooking Chimney Rock and the valley.
- The Lower South Desert Overlook Trail, a 1-mile round-trip hike that leads to an overlook of the Lower South Desert and its colorful badlands.
Finally, you should not miss the opportunity to enjoy the night sky at Capitol Reef National Park. The park was designated as an International Dark Sky Park in 2015, meaning that it has some of the lowest light pollution levels in the country. You can marvel at the stars, planets, and constellations that fill the sky above you. The park also offers ranger-led astronomy programs and star parties throughout the year.