Visiting Capitol Reef in June
Visiting Capitol Reef in June you’ll find good weather to enjoy all the outdoor activities at this park.
Use the tips below and our Capitol Reef National Park guide to plan your trip.
We share things to do, what to pack, where to stay and the services available at Capitol Reef in June.
Here are some itineraries to make it easy to plan your trip:
- Capitol Reef National Park in one day
- Two days in Capitol Reef National Park
- Three days in Capitol Reef National Park
Grab our travel bundle with printable 1, 2 and 3-day itineraries to use!
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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! But 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!
Here’s what you can expect when you take a trip to Capitol Reef in June.
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.
Be sure to drink and carry a hydration pack or a refillable water bottle in your backpack. And wear sunscreen!
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!
Things to Do at Capitol Reef in June
Check out all the fun things to do at Capitol Reef National Park! Here are some tips for visiting Capitol Reef National Park in June:
- Check road and weather conditions.
- Be flexible with your schedule, especially when it rains as conditions may make some roads impassable.
Capitol Reef Visitor Center
Capitol Reef is open all day, every day. The visitor center is open daily, but check the website for operation times.
Stop by the visitor center for current information about road conditions. camping, ranger-led programs and to pick up a copy of the Park Map.
Capitol Reef Fruita Area
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 harvesting schedule if you want to arrange your vacation around those dates.
Scenic Drives at Capitol Reef
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.
Photography at Capitol Reef
Photographing the amazing landscape at Capitol Reef is one of our favorite things to do. We recommend these places to photograph Capitol Reef:
- 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. 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. Some of our favorite hiking trails are: Hickman Bridge, Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge Wash.
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.
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 Ranger Led Programs in June
Ranger-led programs are a great way to learn about Capitol Reef. There are year-round programs available like 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 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.
Other Capitol Reef Activities
SHOP AMAZON: Capitol Reef Travel Guides and Maps:
