Ultimate 24-Hour Guide to Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef was the third stop on our Utah Mighty 5 National Park Road Trip, following Zion and Bryce Canyon. After spending the morning at Bryce, we made our way to Capitol Reef and arrived in the early evening—just in time to check in to our hotel in Torrey, UT - Red Sands Hotel, and head to Goosenecks for a breathtaking sunset. The views at Goosenecks and Sunset Point are stunning, with 360-degree panoramas that truly showcase the park’s beauty. The best part? There's minimal hiking involved, making it an easy stop with incredible rewards. The drive off the main road to the parking area is short, and from there, you’re free to roam and soak in the views.
Capitol Reef feels completely different from Zion and Bryce, and being a lesser-known national park, we weren’t sure what to expect—but it absolutely blew us away! The next morning, we started our day before sunrise, ready to hike the Cassidy Arch Trail. Timing it perfectly, we reached the arch just as the sun peeked over the mountains. With only two other hikers around, it felt like we had the entire place to ourselves. If you're brave enough, you can walk out on top of the arch—it's both exhilarating and a little terrifying! The hike is 3.1 miles round-trip and begins with a steep ascent up natural rock steps, but once you reach the ridge, the trail levels out, offering gorgeous views as you follow along the mountains to the arch.
After finishing Cassidy Arch, we made our way to Hickman Bridge Trail, a 1.7-mile loop with picturesque views of the landscape. Hiking midday can be hot and sunny, so be sure to bring plenty of water as there's little shade along the way. Once we wrapped up our two hikes, we headed to Gifford Homestead in the Fruita Valley for a well-deserved treat—homemade pie and ice cream! It’s a must-stop for anyone visiting the park.
Hickman Bridge Trail, Capitol Reef National Park
Before leaving, we stopped by the Capitol Reef Visitor Center, which is a tradition for us, to grab our National Park pin. If we had more time (and a 4x4 vehicle), we would’ve loved to explore North Cathedral Valley, a rugged and remote section of Capitol Reef that’s known for its Mars-like landscapes. The 8-hour driving loop through the valley sounds like an epic adventure, but it requires crossing streams and navigating rough terrain, so proper vehicles and planning are a must. We will be back one day to explore this area of the National Park
After an unforgettable 24 hours in Capitol Reef, we hit the road again, heading toward Moab, our home base for the next few days as we explored Arches National Park and the northern part of Canyonlands National Park. Capitol Reef may not be as famous as the other Mighty 5 parks, but it’s an underrated gem that left a lasting impression on us.
Where to Stay in Near Capitol Reef National Park - Torrey, UT
Red Sands Hotel - $$$ - This is where we stayed, just for the night. It isn’t too far from the park entrance, and was a comfortable place to stay for the night. There is a restaurant attached to the hotel, which is a great place to grab a bite to eat while you’re in town.
Skyview Hotel - $$$ - This hotel is new, and was not an option when we were visiting, but will 100% be our choice for lodging next time we are in town.
Capitol Reef Resort - $$$ - Located at the entrance of Capitol Reef National Park. This Resort offers many fun lodging options including Wagons and Teepees, Cottages and standard Hotel Rooms.
Things to do in Capitol Reef National Park
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks to see everywhere we explored on our road trip.
