Visiting Capitol Reef National Park in April
April is a great time to visit Capitol Reef National Park in Utah. The weather is mild and the landscape is beautiful, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
When visiting Capitol Reef National Park in April, use our Capitol Reef National Park guide to plan your trip: things to do, what to pack, and services available this time of year.
Whether you’re looking for a day hike or an extended backpacking trip, there are Capitol Reef National Park activities for everyone!
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:
- 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!
Capitol Reef National Park in April
Capitol Reef is known for its stunning desert landscape. Visitors can enjoy hiking, backpacking, off-roading, photography, and camping.
April is a terrific time to enjoy outdoor adventures at Capitol Reef due to the moderate weather. But if it’s spring break in Utah it will be busy!
If you’re wondering what it’s like to visit at other times of the year, check out this resource of the best time to visit Capitol Reef National Park!
April Weather at Capitol Reef
April Capitol Reef National Park weather will be cool during the day and cold at night with highs around 64 and lows around 37 degrees Fahrenheit.
Since the mornings and evenings will still be cold, we recommend an insulated jacket, fleece jacket, warm hat and gloves. It’s all about layers in April!
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.
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 National Park in April
Check out all the fun Capitol Reef National Park spring activities you can do in April!
Capitol Reef Ranger-Led Programs in April
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 April are geology talks, evening programs and the Junior Ranger Program for kids!
Capitol Reef Gifford Farm in April
The Fruita area is the main part of Capitol Reef. It includes the Gifford Homestead, blacksmith shop, barn and orchards.
We love to shop for all the fun unique handmade items and eat the yummy locally baked fruit pies and homemade ice cream!
Another one of the favorite activities at Capitol Reef is picking fruit from the orchard, but this activity isn’t available in April. Here’s a Capitol Reef harvesting schedule if you want to arrange your vacation around those dates.
Capitol Reef Scenic Drives in April
The Capitol Reef scenic drive is a must-do activity to see and photograph the cliffs, canyons, domes and bridges!
If you’re up for adventure, 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. In the spring you may need four-wheel drive depending on road and weather conditions.
In April it may rain or snow which makes the roads muddy, washed out, and impassable to the best high-clearance four-wheel drive vehicle, so check at the visitor center before heading out!!
The Waterpocket District in the southern section of Capitol Reef is fairly remote and rugged, but has the best scenery!! Most passenger cars, pickups, and vans can usually negotiate the roads without difficulty.
BUT again any rain or snow can leave roads slick, muddy, washed out, and impassable to the best high-clearance four-wheel drive vehicle, 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.
Capitol Reef Photography in April
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, Eph Hanks Tower, and along the scenic drive 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!
Capitol Reef Stargazing in April
Capitol Reef is internationally recognized as one of the best places to stargaze due to its remote location. When the skies are clear it allows you to get some of the most incredible views of the night sky that you will ever see.
In April the milky way is visible from 11:00 pm to 4:45 am. Don’t forget to have a headlamp with red light when taking photos at night.
Hiking at Capitol Reef in April
There are so many fun Capitol Reef National Park spring hikes to choose from, with trails for all levels of hiker.
Some of our favorite day hikes in Capitol Reef National Park are: Hickman Bridge, Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge Wash.
Remember the park’s elevation 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 in April it is especially important that you take the proper gear:
- Spring rain is common so be sure your hiking shoes are waterproof, and are sturdy with good tread and traction
- Carry and drink at least two liters of water. Use refillable water bottles or hydration packs. We carry Propel powder packets to add to our water to help replace electrolytes.
- Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin! Due to the dry heat in Utah, you’ll also want lip balm and lotion!
- Healthy snacks with salt.
Capitol Reef Camping in April
There’s a large developed campground in the Fruita area for Capitol Reef National Park camping. This is a popular place to stay and fills quickly. Reservations are available from spring to fall.
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!
Other Capitol Reef Activities to Do in April
Things To Do Near Capitol Reef in April
- 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
Capitol Reef Packing List
It’s important to have the right clothing, hydration, food, personal items and hiking gear for your trip to Capitol Reef in April!
To help you know what to pack for spring, check out our Capitol Reef National Park packing list! Click the graphic below to get your free checklist download!
We also recommend using a camera gear checklist to be sure you have all the necessary equipment to capture the stunning Bryce Canyon landscape!
