Located in south central Utah, Capitol Reef National Park was established in 1971 with the goal of preserving desert landscape. Originally it was named a national monument in 1937 but was not open to the public until 1950.
The name came from the ashen Navajo Sandstone overhangs with cupola formations that look like the domes of capitol buildings.
There are many things to see and do in and around the park. Discover Waterpocket Fold a geological crease on the earth that expose layers of rock and fossils.
Other things to do include:
Kids can enjoy the following programs at Capitol Reef; Ripple Rock Nature Center and Junior Geologist Program.
Ripple Rock – located on the Scenic Drive, just south of the visitor center. Outdoor activities and programs for kids of all ages are in late May through mid-August. Check the visitor center’s calendar for schedules.
Junior Geologist Program a free program only offered in person during the summer. Check at the visitor center or the calendar for schedules.
The Fruita Campground is the only developed campground in Capitol Reef National Park. It contains 71 spots that offer the following:
The fee for Fruita Campground is $25.00 per night. However, those holding a Golden Age/Senior Pass or Golden Access/Access Pass receive a 50% discount. Checkout time is 11am. It is open all year. Reservations are accepted six months ahead are available March 1 through October 31. From November 1 through February 28 all campsites are on a first come, first served basis. Length of stay time is limited to 14 days. Campers must be there at time of registration as there is no site saving.
The climate of Capitol Reef National Park is a cold semi-dry climate. The average high for the year is 65 and the low is 42. The average yearly rainfall is 7.8 inches and average yearly snowfall is about 11 inches.
There are a few sites that really must be seen in the park. These striking and historical sites include:
Fees collected go to keeping the park preserved for future generations.
Individuals are $10.00
Private vehicles are $20.00
Motorcycles are $15.00
There are digital passes you can purchase, or you can go the Capitol Reef Visitor Center for any of the following passes:
America the Beautiful Annual Pass
Senior Pass, Access Pass
Military Annual Pass
Capitol Reef Annual Pass
Every Kid Outdoors (4th Grader) Pass
Pass holders are granted access into Capitol Reef and other federal fee areas.
Commercial Tours – may also require a commercial use authorization permit
The fee is based on the seating capacity of the vehicle
Capacity of 26 seats or greater is $100.00
Capacity of 7–25 seats is $40.00
Capacity of 1–6 seats is $30.00
Entrance Fee Waivers: Fee waiver requests must be submitted two week prior to visit.
Waivers are available for groups traveling the Scenic Drive for educational purposes. Qualifications for fee waivers can be found on the Fee Waiver Application.
Backcountry Permits are free and can be obtained the visitor center. They are required for backpacking in Capitol Reef National Park.
Canyoneering & Rock Climbing & Bouldering Permits are required to be obtained in person at the visitor center and the permits are free.
Fee Free Days the park waives the entrance fees for:
January 17: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
April 16: First day of National Park Week
August 4: Great American Outdoors Act anniversary
September 24: National Public Lands Day
November 11: Veterans Day
The park and campground are open year round. The visitor center will be closed for certain holidays.
Gifford House Store and Museum is open March 14 (Pi Day) to October 31 daily from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm with a 45-minute closure from noon to 12:45 pm.
December 4 – March 3
Winter hours begin December 4th and extend through March 3rd.
Sun:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Mon:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tue:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wed:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thu:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fri:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sat:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
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