-: A 100-mile wrinkle in the earth’s crust called the Waterpocket Fold, dotted with slot canyons, historic orchards, and some of the least-crowded scenery in Utah’s Mighty 5.

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Why Visit?:

Capitol Reef is the quiet member of Utah's Mighty 5 — genuinely stunning scenery along the 100-mile Waterpocket Fold, but far fewer crowds than Zion or Arches, since it's a bit further off the main interstate route. It's also unique for its history: 19th-century Mormon settlers planted orchards here that are still maintained and open for fruit-picking in season.

The park's slot canyons and narrow washes offer a different texture than the wide-open scenery at its Utah neighbors — more exploration, less crowd-dodging.

To use this map - use the buttons on the bottom right to toggle between the Parks, Places to stay (lodging), and Spots to visit in the parks (Spots)

Things to Do:

The Scenic Drive is the easy way to see the highlights, a paved road with pullouts into narrow canyons like Capitol Gorge and Grand Wash. Hickman Bridge is a moderate, popular hike to a natural stone bridge, while the Cassidy Arch trail (named for outlaw Butch Cassidy, who reportedly hid in this area) is a steeper but rewarding climb.

If you're visiting in summer or early fall, check whether the historic Gifford Homestead orchards are open for fruit-picking — a genuinely unusual, family-friendly activity you won't find at any other national park.

Get the Full Itinerary

Closest airports: There's no major airport nearby — most visitors fly into Salt Lake City (SLC), about 3.5 hours away, or combine the drive with a stop at another Utah park en route.

Nearby Attractions:

The small towns of Torrey and Bicknell offer local restaurants and lodging just outside the park, and Capitol Reef pairs naturally with a Bryce Canyon or Canyonlands stop as part of a broader Mighty 5 road trip.