Visiting Capitol Reef in June
Capitol Reef National Park is a stunning and unique landscape located in south-central Utah. It is known for its distinctive red and white sandstone formations.
Visiting Capitol Reef in June you’ll find good weather to enjoy all the outdoor activities at this park. Use this Capitol Reef National Park guide to plan your trip: activities, tours, what to pack, and services available this time of year.
From hiking trails and canyons to historic sites and scenic drives, there is something for everyone in Capitol Reef National Park.
With its unique geology, rich history, and stunning views of the surrounding desert, it’s no wonder that so many people visit Capitol Reef National Park!
Check out these Capitol Reef itineraries to help you plan your vacation based on the time you have to spend at the park:
- Capitol Reef National Park in one day
- Two days in Capitol Reef National Park
- Three days in Capitol Reef National Park
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A Photo Tour of Capitol Reef National Park
Take a visual tour through Capitol Reef National Park to see the stunning landscape and wildlife you’ll find in the park!
Visiting Capitol Reef in June
There are fun outdoor activities and things to do in Capitol Reef National Park any time of year. June is the perfect time to visit because the weather is so amazing! If you’re wondering what it’s like to visit at other times of the year, check out this resource of the best times to visit Capitol Reef National Park!
Capitol Reef June Weather
Capitol Reef National Park weather in June means highs near 85 and lows near 56 degrees Fahrenheit. Since the mornings and evenings will still be cool, we recommend a fleece jacket for layering.
In June it’s important to stay hydrated and use sun protection while exploring Capitol Reef:
You’ll experience a dry desert environment o be sure to also pack and use lip balm and lotion as well!
The summer monsoons begin in June so also be prepared with rain gear. for you and your camera! You’ll want to stay informed on the specific weather conditions and forecasts on the NPS website for the areas of the park you will visit.
Visitors at Capitol Reef in June
Expect crowds in June since it’s a popular time for most people to visit the Utah National Parks. But Capitol Reef is the least-visited of the five National Parks so it won’t be as busy as the others in the state.
We recommend you get into the park in the morning to avoid the busy time when the park is full of visitors!
Capitol Reef National Park Fees
There are a variety of passes available to visit Capitol Reef. Check the website for the most current fee prices and information.
You won’t need a US National Park pass to drive along Highway 24 or through the Fruita area, but you will need one to access the Scenic Drive just past the Fruita Campground.
Did you know when you buy the National Parks Pass from REI, they donate 10% to the National Park Foundation?)
Things to Do at Capitol Reef in June
Check out all the fun Capitol Reef National Park summer activities and tips for visiting in June:
Capitol Reef Ranger Programs in June
Stop by the visitor center for current information about road conditions. camping, ranger-led programs and to pick up a copy of the Capitol Reef Park Map.
Capitol Reef Ranger-led Programs are a great way to learn about the park. The programs available in June are geology talks, evening programs, and the Junior Ranger Program for kids!
Beginning in late June, there are more special programs offered:
- Guided Hike
- Ranger’s Choice
- Star Talk
- Full Moon Walk
Capitol Reef Fruita Area in June
The Fruita area is the main part of Capitol Reef where you’ll find the Visitor Center, Gifford Homestead, blacksmith shop, barn and orchards.
Make a point to stop at the Gifford Homestead to shop for unique handmade items and eat locally baked fruit pies and homemade ice cream!
A favorite thing to do at Capitol Reef is pick fruit from the orchards! In mid to late June you’ll be able to pick cherries and apricots. Here’s a Capitol Reef orchard harvesting schedule if you want to arrange your vacation around those dates.
Capitol Reef Scenic Drives in June
The Capitol Reef scenic drive is a must-do activity to see the park landscape filled with cliffs, canyons, domes and bridges!
If you’ve got the right vehicle, and the weather allows it, drive the Cathedral Valley District of Capitol Reef. It’s a remote, rugged region that requires vehicles with high ground clearance. If it’s been raining, you may need four-wheel drive depending on road and weather conditions.
After a rain, the unpaved roads at Capitol Reef become muddy, washed out, and impassable to the best high-clearance four-wheel drive vehicle, so check at the visitor center before heading out!!
We also like the drive in the Waterpocket District of Capitol Reef to see the amazing scenery. Again, it’s fairly remote and rugged, but most passenger cars, pickups, and vans can usually negotiate the roads without difficulty. But if it’s been raining, the roads can be slick, muddy, washed out, and impassable so check at the visitor center before taking the drive.
We recommend the Capitol Reef GyPSy Guide App to hear fun behind-the scenes stories and local tips that play automatically as you drive, based on your GPS location.
Photography at Capitol Reef
Photographing the amazing landscape at Capitol Reef is one of our favorite things to do. We recommend these Capitol Reef National Park photography spots:
- Sunrise photography: Panorama Point and Sunset Point
- Sunset photography: Panorama Point, Sunset Point, Scenic Drive and Fruita (to capture the reflected light on the canyon walls)
Grab our Capitol Reef Photography Guide that will tell you when and where to get the best sunrise, morning, sunset and nighttime pictures at the park!
Stargazing at Capitol Reef in June
Capitol Reef is internationally recognized as one of the best places to stargaze so you’ll see an endless sky of stars! Be sure to take one evening to get away from any lights in town and LOOK UP!
In June the milky way is visible in the sky in the middle of the night from 10:30 pm to 3:30 am. Don’t forget to have a headlamp with red light when taking photos at night.
Hiking at Capitol Reef in June
The Capitol Reef hikes are a fun way to explore the park with trails for all levels of hiker.
Keep in mind that the elevation at Capitol Reef is 5500 feet. If you’re coming from a lower elevation, or from sea level, trails that are considered “easy” might be more difficult for you.
Some of our favorite day hikes in Capitol Reef National Park are: Hickman Bridge, Grand Wash, and Capitol Gorge Wash.
When hiking at Capitol Reef it’s important that you take the proper gear, plenty of water and healthy snacks.
- Day Hike Checklist
- What to Bring on a Hike
- Photography Gear for Hiking
- Hiking Gear for Kids & Tips for Hiking with Kids
Capitol Reef Tours in June
With experienced guides on Capitol Reef National Park tours, you can explore all the amazing sights the park has to offer and make sure you don’t miss anything.
Whether you’re looking for a half-day or full-day excursion, there are plenty of Capitol Reef tours available to fit your needs: guided hikes, llama and horse rides, photography, and Jeeping!
- Capitol Reef Guided Llama Hike
- Capitol Reef National Park’s 2-Hour Horse Rides
- Capitol Reef Milky Way Photography Tour
- Capitol Reef Cathedral Valley Jeep Tour
- Private 4X4 Trip at Cathedral Valley, Capitol Reef
Capitol Reef Camping in June
There’s a large developed campground in the Fruita area. It’s one of the popular places to stay at Capitol Reef National Park. The camping spots fill quickly so be sure to make reservations when visiting in June.
There are also primitive campgrounds in the remote parts of the park in Cathedral Valley and along the Notom-Bullfrog Road.
You’ll also find RV Parks near Capitol Reef National Park if you can’t find a campsite in the park.
If you’re looking for something fun and unique, check out the fun spots for glamping near Capitol Reef National Park!
Things To Do Near Capitol Reef in June
- Best Stops Along Scenic Byway 12
- Visiting Kodachrome Basin State Park
- Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
- Lower Calf Creek Falls Hiking Guide
- Bryce Canyon Travel Guide
- Visiting Goblin Valley State Park
Packing List for Capitol Reef in June
Be sure to use a Capitol Reef National Park packing list so you have the right clothing and gear to enjoy all the outdoor activities for your June vacation! Grab your free printable packing list by clicking the image below!
