Capitol Reef National Park Itinerary Ideas
Capitol Reef’s diverse landscape provides an ideal environment for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and photography. Use these Capitol Reef National Park itinerary ideas for 1, 2, or 3 days in the park.
This Capitol Reef National Park guide includes everything you should see, do and photograph at this stunning park no matter how many days you can spend here!
As you’re planning your Utah National Park road trip, these itinerary ideas will allow you to check off many stunning locations around Capitol Reef from your bucket list!
And grab our travel bundle with printable 1, 2 and 3-day itineraries to print and use to plan your vacation!
This site contains affiliate links which means WE may receive commissions for purchases made through these links. We only provide links to products we actually use and/or wholeheartedly recommend! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Read the full Disclosure Policy.
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!
Things to Know Before Visiting Capitol Reef
Capitol Reef is located in south-central Utah between Arches and Canyonlands National Parks and Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks.
Capitol Reef National Park is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, even on holidays! Be sure to check the Capitol Reef website for the most updated information for the visitor center hours and closures when you plan to visit.
A Capitol Reef entrance fee is charged only for the main scenic drive in the park. The self-pay entrance station is located just south of the campground. There is no entrance fee for anyone with the US National Parks pass.
Before creating your itinerary, it’s important to know the Capitol Reef National Park weather and what activities you can do when visiting during the spring, summer, fall and winter.
- Capitol Reef National Park in the Spring
- Capitol Reef National Park in the Fall
- Capitol Reef National Park in the Summer
- Capitol Reef National Park in the Winter
The time of year you visit will determine the Capitol Reef National Park packing list you’ll need to use!
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 National Park Itinerary: Day 1
Here’s what we recommend to see Capitol Reef National Park in one day. Click that link to see the specific details of all the activities listed.
Sunrise:
- Panorama Point
- Capitol Reef National Park Photography
Morning:
- Day Hikes in Capitol Reef National Park
- Goosenecks Overlook
- Sunset Point Hike
Lunch:
- Fruita picnic area or Gifford House
Afternoon:
- Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
- Fruita area
- Pick fruit in the orchards
Sunset:
- Scenic Drive
- Fruita / Barn
Night Photography / Stargazing:
- Fruita / Barn
- Eph Hanks Tower (Scenic Drive)
Capitol Reef National Park Itinerary: Day 2
Here’s what we recommend you do spending two days in Capitol Reef National Park. Click that link to see the specific details of all the activities listed.
Sunrise:
- Sunset Point
Morning:
- Hickman Bridge Hike
- Other Capitol Reef Hikes
Lunch:
- Fruita picnic area or Boulder as you drive Scenic Byway 12
Afternoon:
- Burr Trail / Notom Road Loop
Sunset:
- Sunset Point
Night Photography / Stargazing:
- Your choice
Capitol Reef National Park Itinerary: Day 3
Here’s what we recommend you do spending three days in Capitol Reef National Park. Click that link to see the specific details of all the activities listed.
Sunrise:
- Fruita / Barn
Morning:
- Cathedral Valley Loop (4WD vehicle)
- Cathedral Valley Tour
- Your choice
Lunch:
- Cathedral Valley
- Your choice
Afternoon:
- Cathedral Valley
- Your choice
Sunset:
- Cathedral Valley
- Your choice
Night Photography / Stargazing:
- Cathedral Valley
- Your choice
Capitol Reef Area Day 3 Alternatives
- Visiting Goblin Valley State Park
- Anasazi State Park
- Lower Calf Creek Falls Hiking Guide
- Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
- Kodachrome Basin State Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park One Day Itinerary
Places to Stay Near Capitol Reef
- Places to Stay at Capitol Reef National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park Camping
- Hotels near Capitol Reef National Park
- RV Parks Near Capitol Reef National Park
- Capitol Reef Resort – this is where we stay! Make it a unique experience and stay in a teepee or covered wagon!
- Austin’s Chuckwagon Motel – basic rooms and cabins with a deli and store right on the property which is so convenient!
- Vacation Rentals Near Capitol Reef – we like finding a place with a kitchen so we can prepare our own food.
