Capitol Reef has everything you’re looking for in a stellar US national park like breathtaking views, hikes of various difficulty, and even the ability to explore the park in a car. But it also has some wonderful extras like fruit orchards and petroglyphs.

One of Utah’s Mighty 5, Capitol Reef is a definite must-do on the list of US national parks. Here you’ll see firsthand the power of mother nature with the Waterpocket Fold, a massive geological formation. Because it’s not as visited as nearby Zion or Arches, you’ll enjoy the beauty of mother nature in more solitude.

Whether you’re traveling solo to Capitol Reef, taking a family vacation, or enjoying a weekend trip with friends you will love this amazing park in Utah!

Here is our list of the best things to do in Capitol Reef National Park.

Best Things to Do Capitol Reef National Park

1. Hickman Bridge Trail

The Hickman Bridge Trail is one of the best hikes in Capitol Reef. It’s considered to have a moderate difficulty because it has a pretty steep incline and total elevation gain of 415 feet.

But if you’re up for it, it’s totally worth it. And the truth is that it’s not that long of a hike – only 1.8 miles.

At the end of the trail is the natural Hickman Bridge measuring 133ft. It’s really cool to walk under it and the view from there is tremendous.

Get all the info on hiking Hickman Bridge Trail including best time to hike it.

Hickman Bridge in Capitol Reef National Park. — Hickman Bridge Trail is the most popular hike at Capitol Reef National Park

2. Cassidy Arch

If you’re looking for a super cool spot, definitely head to Cassidy Arch.

At the end of the trail, you’ll reach Cassidy Arch and you can actually stand on it, which is an experience you don’t necessarily get with others.

Yes, you can walk right across the top of Cassidy Arch!

It gets its name from the infamous Butch Cassidy who is said to have hidden out here.

Another positive – the views are spectacular.

You’ll reach the trailhead to Cassidy Arch Trail along the Great Wash Road – at the end of the road you’ll find a parking lot. The hike is just over 3 miles and considered moderate/strenuous due to the steep incline at times, narrow sections without barriers, and scrambling.

Cassidy Arch Trail signage Capitol Reef. — Hike to Cassidy Arch and walk across the giant stone arch

3. Fruita

The historical district of Fruita is lush in vegetation and history. Centered in the heart of the Capitol Reef National Park, it’s a popular destination for visitors.

Located along the Fremont River, this source of water allows for thriving plant life and fruit orchards in contrast to the rest of the park.

Explore historic buildings dating back to the Mormon pioneers of the 1800s. The one-room schoolhouse and barn are super interesting. Be sure to stop by the Gifford homestead, they sell the most amazing homemade pies, jellies, and jams.

Can you pick the fruit at Capitol Reef?

Yes, you can pick fruit at the orchards in Fruita! Anything you eat right in the orchard is free, but please pay for the fruit you take home with you, there are self-pay stations in the orchards.

When you arrive at Capitol Reef ask the visitor center staff which orchards are open for picking fruit. Throughout the season you may find apricot, apple, cherry, mulberry, nectarine, peach, pear, plum, and quince along with almond, pecan, and walnut trees too.

Fruit orchards in Fruita region of Capitol Reef. — After a hike at Capitol Reef you can enjoy a snack from the orchards

4. Cohab Canyon Hike

If you want to get the ideal view of Capitol Reef, specifically Fruita, then you’ll want to do the Cohab Canyon Hike.

The hike is 3.4 miles roundtrip and is rated moderate in difficulty. This trail is a bit tough with steep inclines (441 ft total elevation gain) and scrambling, but once you get there you’ll realize that it’s totally worth it.

It’s on this hike that you’ll see that incredible view of Highway 24 as it curves through Fruita with lush green vegetation and soaring cliffs of red sandstone.

5. Grand Wash Trail

Grand Wash Trail is one of the most accessible trails in Capitol Reef.

In total the trail is almost 5 miles, but it doesn’t mean you need to do the whole thing.

Instead there are two different places you can start – one from the Cassidy Arch Trailhead (access via Grand Wash Road) and the other from Grand Wash Trailhead along Hwy 24.

From both spots it’s an out and back trail, meaning you can turn around at any point. The elevation change is less than 100 feet so it’s relatively flat the whole way.

The Grand Wash Trail is a super cool experience as you walk through the canyon surrounded by its massive walls.

Hikers at Grand Wash Trail Capitol Reef. — Hikers are dwarfed by the high canyon walls of Grand Wash Trail

6. Sunset Point

Sunset Point gets its name from the suggested time of day to visit it – sunset.

It’s absolutely magical as the setting sun lights up the landscape. If you can make it there during that time, then yes, definitely make it happen.

But, honestly, if you come at any time of day, Sunset Point is still a rewarding place to be.

After making a stop at Panorama Point (on Hwy 24), just continue down the gravel road a bit more (about a mile). There you’ll find the parking lot and the short trail (less than 0.5 mile) leading to Sunset Point.

Sunset Point Capitol Reef National Park. — Enjoy the short but beautiful hike to Sunset Point in Capitol Reef

7. The Castle Trail

The Castle Trail provides incredible views of geological formations that are just breathtaking.

First the hills of smooth gray/green bentonite contrast with the ragged red sandstone.

Then large boulders and hoodoos tower above you.

Finally, the view of The Castle and the surrounding landscape can’t be missed.

The Castle Trail is super close to the Capitol Reef Visitors Center but not very obvious. Keep an eye out for cairns to lead the way. The hike is rated moderate and is 2.4 miles round trip.

The hike won’t get you up to the actual Castle rock formation, but you will have glorious views of it on your way.

8. Scenic Highway 24

Chances are you’ll be using Highway 24 to get around Capitol Reef. So it’s definitely a functional piece to the park. But what’s awesome is that Highway 24 should actually be a deliberate to-do on your itinerary.

That’s right, Highway 24 is awesome in and of itself. The views are just jaw dropping from the road. As your car comes around every curve and crest, it’s another spectacular sight to see.

Capitol Reef has so many great hikes, but a lot of them are pretty tough. So when your legs need a bit of a rest take the opportunity to let your car do the work.

Scenic highway 24 winds through Capitol Reef National Park. — You’ll always have a great scenic road trip on Hwy 24 Capitol Reef

9. Capitol Gorge Trail

You’ll be walking in the steps of pioneers and miners from over 100 years ago when you set off on the Capitol Gorge Trail.

That’s right. You’ll see first-hand evidence with the Pioneer Register about 1.5 miles into the trail. Here people have etched their names into the sandstone wall dating back to the 1800s.

The trail of the Capitol Gorge is an easy hike that’s about 2 miles long.

Minimal elevation change means just about anyone can walk it and have this experience – this is one of the coolest things to do in Capitol Reef National Park.

10. Panorama Point

With a name like Panorama Point, it must have the best view, right? Right. So, it’s guaranteed to have one of the best things to do in Capitol Reef National Park.

It’s also incredible because it’s super easy to get to Panorama Point.

As you’re starting out on the scenic Highway 24 you’ll find it. Located just off the main road, it’s a short drive to the point. You can’t miss it. And it’s a glorious, 360 view of the beautiful red landscape.

If you continue on down the road you’ll come to Goosenecks Overlook and Sunset Point.

11. Petroglyphs at Capital Reef

One of the stops you should make on Hwy 24 is the petroglyphs on the canyon walls.

There’s a parking area and it’s only a short walk along a boardwalk to get to the magnificent petroglyphs.

The images carved into the stone were created by the Fremont People who lived in the area until around 1,300 CE. It is unknown where exactly the Fremont moved to or why they left the area.

Petroglyphs at Capitol Reef National Park — You can see the petroglyphs carved into stone by the Fremont People

12. Navajo Knobs

Climbing Navajo Knobs will put you on top of the world (or so it feels that way). At the very top of this hike, you’ll have 360 views that are unmatched by anything else.

So if you’re up for it, you should definitely make the climb.

With that being said, you should know that the Navajo Knobs trail is nearly a 5-mile trek to get to the top of the mountain – 9.4 miles total hike.

The elevation change is 1,620 feet so that means it’s classified as a strenuous hike. Yup, it’s tough but totally worth it.

The trailhead to Navajo Knobs is the same one as Hickman Bridge and Rim Overlook.

13. Rim Overlook

Looking for a stellar view but not quite ready to hike all the way to Navajo Knobs? Then consider the Rim Overlook.

Here, you’ll be rewarded with a gorgeous panorama of Fruita and the Waterpocket Folds but it’s half of the hike – at 4.6 miles total distance. Although, there’s still 1,110 foot elevation change with a gradual fairly steep incline on the way up so it’s a moderately strenuous hike.

Literally, it’s at the halfway point for the Navajo Knobs hike. You can even set your sites for Navajo Knob but if you want to turn back after taking in the view at Rim Overlook, that’s totally cool.

Still have some energy after the hike, you can do the Hickman Bridge Trail from the same trailhead.

Hickman Bridge, Rim Overlook, and Navajo Knobs hiking trail sign. — Hickman Bridge, Rim Overlook, and Navajo Knobs all start from the same trailhead in Capitol Reef

Final Thoughts Capitol Reef Things to Do

There you have it, 13 of the best things to do in Capitol Reef National Park. As you can see there is something for everyone in this beautiful Utah park. And you can enjoy the scenic landscape without large crowds – like you will find at Arches, Bryce, Canyonlands, and Zion.

Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park

The best time of year to visit Capitol Reef is spring (April and May) or fall (September and October) when the weather is more favorable for outdoor activities compared to summer and winter.

In summertime the temperatures can get above 90 degrees F and it’s also monsoon season which can cause dangerous flash flooding.

In winter expect much colder temperatures (around 40 F for the highs and lows below freezing), snow and icy conditions are possible, but the park and campgrounds are open year-round.

As always, when you visit national parks in the US it’s best to check the official National Park website for current conditions and updated alerts beforehand.