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Accessibility
National parks are set aside for the enjoyment of all. Because of the rugged nature of many of the nation's treasures, it has been difficult to provide access for everyone who might have special needs. The National Park Service has been making strides to furnish facilities that allow everyone the opportunity to enjoy the beauties of the great outdoors.
There are a number of facilities accessible to the disabled. The visitor center and it's restroom facilities are moderately accessible. The restrooms in the picnic grounds and in loop B and C in the Fruita campground are also accessible. The amphitheater programs as well as some of the walks and talks accommodate sensory and mobility impaired individuals. The petroglyphs and schoolhouse along Stateroad 24, as well as portions of the Fremont River Trail are moderately accessible. Ask at the visitor center for more details.
Backcountry Camping / Hiking
Obtain a free permit at the visitor center. If you are planning a backcountry trip, carry maps (available at visitor center). Water is scarce, especially in summer. Waterpockets, seeps and springs are unreliable. Carry all the water you need. One gallon per person per day is recommended. If you use water from backcountry sources, filter or boil to kill Giardia.
For more detailed information on Hiking, Click Here.
Backpacking
Explore the park's backcountry on longer trips. Before leaving for the backcountry, check with a ranger about trail, route, road conditions and weather and water concerns. Many of these trips follow washes or traverse slickrock. A free backcountry permit is required for overnight trips. Maps are highly recommended. A detailed backcountry hiking map is available at the visitor center or can be ordered from Capitol Reef Natural History Association.
Obtain a free permit at the visitor center. If you are planning a backcountry trip, carry maps (available at visitor center). Water is scarce, especially in summer. Waterpockets, seeps and springs are unreliable. Carry all the water you need. One gallon per person per day is recommended. If you use water from backcountry sources, filter or boil to kill Giardia.
Camping and Hiking Do's and Don'ts
Do's
Basic Recommendations
I recommend that you pick an area of the park and then go to that area and make a day of it. Go and see all that is in the area and enjoy it. You spend more quality time and learn and see more than you could ever imagine.
Biking / Mountain Biking
Bikes are permitted on the roads only. They are not allowed on trails or back country. Even though bikes are permitted on roads only, bikers can get away from crowds and automobile traffic by traveling dirt roads in the park. A free biking handout is available at the visitor center and a ranger can help you choose the most appropriate ride for your time, interests and ability.
For more detailed information on Biking, Click Here
Camping and Fires
Camping is allowed in campgrounds and in the backcountry with a free permit. Campfires and gathering of fire wood are not permitted in Capitol Reef National Park. Charcoal or camp stoves are recommended for cooking.
For Campground information, Click Here
Climbing
Traditionally, Capitol Reef National Park has experienced minimal use by technical rock climbers. However, recent years have seen an increase in climbing in Utah's canyon country.
For more detailed information on Climbing, Click Here.
Entrance Fees
| Private Non-commercial Vehicle | $ 10.00 (Seven Day Pass) |
| Individual Entry | $ 4.00 (Seven Day Pass) |
| Individual Entry (bike, foot) | $ 2.00 (Seven Day Pass) |
| Gold Access Passport (Blind or permanently disabled individuals) | Free (Lifetime - good in all national parks) |
| Golden Age Passport (one time fee - for those 62+ years young) | $ 10.00 (Lifetime - good in all national parks) |
| Golden Eagle Passport (good one year from date of purchase) | $ 50.00 (good in all national parks) |
Golden Access Passport
The Golden Access Passport is a free pass available to all permanent U.S. residents who are eligible to receive federal benefits based on disability, whether or not you are actually receiving them or not. This pass entitles the bearer, and immediate family or accompanying passengers in a private vehicle, to free admission to all U.S. National Parks, Monuments, Forests, and Historic Sites, as well as half price camping. Apply in person at any National Park Service or U.S. Forest Service area. Fees and Permits
For camping fees, check the Camping Page. You are required to obtain a free backcountry camping permit from the visitor center.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted in the Fremont River with a valid Utah fishing license which is available in nearby communities.
Flash Floods
Flash floods occur in Capitol Reef and may be very dangerous to park visitors. Flash floods are usually caused by thunderstorms in the local area or at a distance from the local area. The rainfall of late summer and early fall thunderstorms drains from vast areas. Water funnels into washes, building volume, power and speed. Water rushing down a canyon may sound like an approaching jet. It can appear as a headwall a few feet deep and becoming several feet deep within minutes, and reach depths of up to 15 feet in a short time as it races toward the river. Without warning, flash floods can inundate Grand Wash, Capitol Gorge, Sulphur Creek, Halls Creek and other narrow canyons. Park visitors need to be aware of these conditions and take necessary precautions including:
Food and Supplies
There are no restaurants or snack bars in Capitol Reef National Park. Gasoline, food and limited supplies available and all services are available in the local communities listed below.
Hiking
Short day hikes in and around Fruita give hikers an intimate look at Capitol Reef. Several hikes are self-guided with brochures available at trailheads or the visitor center. Capitol Reef's trails cover a wide variety of terrain. They wind through narrow canyons, lead to natural arches and bridges and climb to overlooks. Trails vary from easy strolls through the historic orchards and along the Fremont River to strenuous climbs 1,000 feet above the Fremont River Valley.
See the Hiking Page for details.
Horseback Riding
Horse and pack stock use is considered a valid means of viewing and experiencing Capitol Reef National Park. Animals designated as "pack animals" are limited to horses, burros, and mules. Stock use in any part of the park may be prohibited when, at the discretion of the superintendent, such action is necessary to protect park resources or visitors.
For more detailed information on Horseback Riding, Click Here.
Lodging
Lodging in Capitol Reef National Park consists of the three campgrounds: Fruita, Cathedral Valley and Cedar Mesa. All campgrounds are open year round (with some restrictions depending on vehicle clearance and road conditions into Cathedral Valley and Cedar Mesa), and operate on a first come first serve basis. See the Camping Page for details. There is no other lodging or restaurants in the park. See the Lodging Guide for more info.
Pet Information
Pets are allowed, on a leash, in the developed areas of the park -- along the Scenic Drive, and in the picnic areas and campgrounds. They are not permitted on trails, in public buildings or anywhere off established roads. There are no kennels in the park and pets may not be left unattended in the campground or in vehicles. Consider your plans very carefully before bringing your pet with you. You may walk your pet in the campground, picnic areas, orchards and along the roads. Pets must be leashed (six foot or less in length) at all times. Pets may not be left unattended at trail head, campsites or any other location.
Picnic Areas
Picnic areas are located by the Visitor Center and on the Burr Trail.
Programs and Activities
Join a National Park Service ranger to explore Capitol Reef's natural and cultural history. Learn about the forces that once shaped this landscape - and continue to do so, see the Calendar Page.
Roads and Trails
There are 140 miles or road, most of which are dirt roads that may require four wheel drive at times. There are 30 miles of maintained trails in the Fruita area and 120 miles of back country routes. See the Hiking Page for details.
Swimming / Wading
Swimming and wading is permitted in the Fremont River. Dangerous undertows have caused near fatal accidents -- caution should be used when swimming near the waterfall on Stateroad 24.
| Dates Opened | Hours | Location | Available Facilities |
| All Year | 8:00 am - 4:30 pm - Daily Extended hours Memorial Day through Labor Day |
Junction of Stateroad 24 and the Scenic Drive | A small museum and bookstore. Orientation program are available. Travel, weather, road and trail conditions as well as backcountry information is available. Golden Age, Eagle and Access passports are also available. |
Weather
High Temperatures
In Jul and Aug, high temperatures usually range five degrees Fahrenheit on either side of the average monthly high shown. Other months vary ten degrees Fahrenheit on either side of the average monthly high.
Low Temperatures
Usually range about ten degrees Fahrenheit on either side of the average low temperatures shown for Jan through Dec. From May through Oct lows range five degrees Fahrenheit on either side of the average monthly low.
Spring
Days are warming up and hiking can be comfortable with a light sweater or long sleeve shirt. There is a chance of rain. Dirt roads can be muddy and passable to 4-wheel drive vehicles only. Easter is typically a busy weekend.
Summer
Come prepared with sun screen, a hat and extra water. Although temperatures seldom reach above 100° F (37° C), mid-day hiking should be done in moderation. Gnats can be an annoyance from late spring to early fall. Roads can be washboarded but are usually passable with a 2-wheeled drive vehicle. Fruit harvesting generally begins in June and continues through October.
Fall
Park use declines in October, but the campgrounds may still fill by early afternoon through the month. During the late summer and fall, Capitol Reef receives half of its annual precipitation in the form of thundershowers. Be aware that narrow canyons are especially susceptible to flash flooding.
Winter
The landscape is occasionally covered with a light blanket of snow. Slick clay roads are difficult to travel even with 4-wheel drive. Visitation slows markedly, although the campground remains open all year.
Average Annual Precipitation and Temperature
The average precipitation is seven inches. Approximately half accumulates as winter snow and the rest falls during infrequent spring and late summer showers and thunder showers. Temperatures range from a record high of 104° F (42° C) to a low of -9° F (22° C).
See the Weather Page for current conditions and other weather data.
