St. George to Capitol Reef National Park

An 8-mile paved road following Capitol Wash through towering cliffs, the Grand Wash narrows, and Capitol Gorge petroglyphs. Multiple trailheads along the way.

A moderate 1.8-mile round-trip hike to a 133-foot natural bridge. The trail passes through diverse terrain with petroglyphs, Fremont granaries, and volcanic boulders.

An easy 4.4-mile round-trip walk through a narrow canyon with 800-foot walls closing in around you. Flat terrain makes this accessible for all fitness levels.

A moderate 3.4-mile round-trip hike to a dramatic natural arch with views down into Grand Wash. Named for Butch Cassidy, who allegedly hid in the area.

Easy 2-mile round-trip walk through a narrow canyon with pioneer register inscriptions from the 1870s and natural water-filled tanks. The historic highway originally went through here.

Short walk to a panoramic viewpoint over the Waterpocket Fold. As the name suggests, sunset transforms the cliffs into blazing oranges and reds.

The legendary Gifford Homestead sells fresh-baked mini pies (cherry, berry, apple), ice cream, and jams. These pies are reason enough to visit Capitol Reef. Open seasonally (typically March-October).

Nearly 3,000 fruit trees in the Fruita historic orchards produce cherries (June), apricots (July), peaches (August), apples (September), and pears (October). Pick and eat for free within the orchards.

One-room pioneer schoolhouse preserved from the early 1900s Fruita settlement. Small but charming look at frontier education in the desert.

Fremont culture petroglyphs visible from a boardwalk along UT-24. These 1,000+ year-old rock art figures depict bighorn sheep, human figures, and geometric patterns.

The highway connecting Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef is one of the top 10 scenic drives in America. Narrow hogback ridges, views of the Grand Staircase, and the climb over Boulder Mountain are unforgettable.

A 60-mile partially-paved backcountry road along the eastern flank of the Waterpocket Fold. Stunning solitude and geological formations. High-clearance recommended for the full route.

The remote northern district of Capitol Reef featuring the Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon — monolithic sandstone formations rising from the desert floor. High-clearance 4WD required.

UT-12 climbs to 9,600 feet over Boulder Mountain with stunning overlooks of Capitol Reef, the Henry Mountains, and the vast desert landscape stretching to the horizon.

Comfortable resort with rooms, cabins, and Conestoga wagon glamping just outside the park entrance. Restaurant on-site with solid American fare and beautiful views.

Small inn with an excellent restaurant near the park. Known for steaks, fish, and desserts. One of the best dining options in the area.

Southwestern-inspired fine dining in the nearby town of Torrey. Creative dishes with local ingredients, rattlesnake cake appetizer, and excellent desert views from the patio.

James Beard-nominated restaurant in tiny Boulder, UT (population 200) on the UT-12 route. Farm-to-table dining at its finest, using ingredients from their own organic farm.

The park campground is set among the Fruita orchards with towering cottonwood trees. One of the most beautiful campgrounds in the National Park system. 71 sites, first-come first-served.