Visiting Capitol Reef National Park in January
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Capitol Reef National Park in January: weather, services available, and things to do.
Use this Capitol Reef National Park guide to plan your January vacation with helpful tips, packing list, where to stay, and more!
Capitol Reef is an amazing place to explore and photograph the colorful cliffs, canyons, domes, and historical structures. The winter is a peaceful time to visit this National Park in Utah
Keep reading to find out what to pack, things to do, services available, and where to stay for a trip to Capitol Reef in January.
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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 National Park in January
There are so many fun things to do in Capitol Reef National Park any time of year, but January is a great time to go.
Yes, January is cold and you could experience snowy weather. 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!
Here’s what you can expect when you take a trip in January.
January Weather at Capitol Reef
January Temperatures: high 39 / low 18 degrees Fahrenheit. The Capitol Reef National Park weather in January will be cold, and you may encounter snow.
Be sure to pack an insulated jacket, fleece jacket, warm hat and gloves. Here’s the full list of the outdoor winter clothing we use!
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.
Services in January at Capitol Reef
The park and Capitol Reef campgrounds are open in January. The visitor center is open daily, except for New Years Day. Hours is the winter are usually 9am to 4pm.
The Gifford House Store and Museum is closed in the winter.
Ranger-led programs are a great way to learn about Capitol Reef. The programs available in the winter are geology talks and the Junior Ranger Program for kids!
Things to Do at Capitol Reef in January
Here are some tips for visiting Capitol Reef in January:
- Check road and weather conditions so you’re prepared to enjoy the outdoors.
- Be flexible with your schedule, especially in the winter as conditions may close parts of the park.
Check out all the fun things to do at Capitol Reef National Park in January!
Visitor Center in January at Capitol Reef
Capitol Reef is open all day, every day. The visitor center is open daily, but will be closed in January on New Year’s Day.
Hours in the winter vary so call 435-425-3791 and follow the prompts for current visitor center information.
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.
Gifford Farm and Fruita Area in January
The Fruita area includes the Gifford Homestead, blacksmith shop, barn and orchards.
The one drawback about visiting Capitol Reef National Park in the winter is that the Gifford house is closed! At other times of the year you’ll find unique handmade items and locally baked fruit pies and homemade ice cream!
One of the favorite activities at Capitol Reef is picking fruit from the orchard. This activity isn’t available in January. Here’s a Capitol Reef orchard harvesting schedule if you want to arrange your vacation around those dates.
Scenic Drives at Capitol Reef in January
In January 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, drive the Cathedral Valley District of Capitol Reef. It’s a remote, rugged region that requires vehicles with high ground clearance. In the winter you may need four-wheel drive depending on road and weather conditions.
If it rains or snows, the roads can be 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 oh so beautiful! 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.
Photography at Capitol Reef
If you’re like us you want to know all about Capitol Reef National Park Photography. Over the years we’ve found some favorite photo spots:
- Sunrise photography: we’ve had good success at Panorama Point and Sunset Point.
- Sunset photography: we like are Panorama Point, Sunset Point 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 January
There is a reason why Capitol Reef is internationally recognized as one of the best places to stargaze.
The skies are clear and with the park in a remote location it allows you to get some of the most incredible views of the night sky that you will ever see.
In January you won’t be able to photograph the milky way, but you can capture amazing starry skies or star trails!
Hiking at Capitol Reef in January
There are so many fun Capitol Reef hikes to choose from! There are trails for all levels of hiker.
Some of our favorite hiking trails 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 January it is especially important that you take the proper gear, plenty of water and healthy snacks.
You may need hiking traction devices to prevent slipping on the icy trails, sunglasses to protect from the sun’s glare on the snow, emergency locator device and emergency blanket just in case you are delayed by bad weather.
- Day Hike Checklist
- What to Bring on a Hike
- Photography Gear for Hiking
- Hiking Gear for Kids & Tips for Hiking with Kids
Ranger Led Programs at Capitol Reef in January
Ranger-led programs are a great way to learn about Capitol Reef. The programs available in January are geology talks, evening programs and the Junior Ranger Program for kids!
Other Capitol Reef Activities
Plan a Capitol Reef Vacation
- Capitol Reef National Park Guide
- Capitol Reef National Park Packing List
- Best Time to Visit Capitol Reef National Park
- Things to Do in Capitol Reef National Park
Things to Do Near Capitol Reef
- Visiting Goblin Valley State Park
- Best Stops Along Scenic Byway 12
- Anasazi State Park
- Lower Calf Creek Falls Hiking Guide
- Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
- Kodachrome Basin State Park
- Bryce Canyon Travel Guide
Thank you for great information. I see snow in the picture of your Cathedral Valley. Can you drive to Temple of Sun & Moon in Jan if conditions are good or the road is permanently closed during winter?
The road is open in the winter, but it may be impassable due to conditions. We HIGHLY recommend you talk to the Capitol Reef rangers before driving that road to know the road status and if your vehicle can make it.