What We Think You Should Know:
- Often overlooked compared to the other NP’s in Utah’s Mighty 5, Capitol Reef offers a great combination of beautiful landscapes, hikes for all levels, and historic relevancy.
- Capitol Reef is an international dark sky park, making it an excellent place to stargaze
- Over its history, Capitol Reef has been called home by many different people. Including Native Americans, Mormon Pioneers & Settlers, & the infamous outlaw Butch Cassidy.
- Ancient stone carvings, petroglyphs, can be found along certain trails inside of Capitol Reef National Park. Locations include Utah State Route 24 and Capitol Gorge.
- If you visit Capitol Reef, you should get a pie from the Gifford House, located within the park. However, they sell out quickly, so arrive early. Strawberry rhubarb is our favorite!
- Grace & I got married just outside of the park <3
Hikes You Should Consider:
- Cassidy Arch – 3.5 miles out & back – Strenuous. This hike packs a punch over a relatively short distance. Including nearly ~1000 feet elevation gain, this hike may be difficult for some hikers, but is well worth it, if up for the challenge. At the end of the hike’s trail, you will be face to face with the iconic Cassidy Arch and be given a unique photo opportunity, showing you standing on top of the archway. Additionally, if interested, you can also repel down the arch through organized groups.
- Will’s Review: 5 Stars
- Grace’s Review: 5 Stars
- Hickman’s Bridge – 2 miles out & back – Moderate. Shorter and easier than Cassidy Arch,this iconic hike is every bit breathtaking and is well worth the effort. It can be difficult to secure parking in the lot, so plan ahead.
- Grace’s Review: 5 Stars
- Will’s Review: 5 Stars
- Chimney Rock – 3.6 mile loop – Strenuous. A great hike, if you have additional time in the park. We always try to hit it, as it provides another great overview of the entire area. You’ll see red rocks and also the start of the fruita garden valley.
- Grace’s Review: 4 Stars
- Will’s Review: 4 Stars
- Capitol Gorge River Walk – 2 miles out & back – Easy. This nice walk between the canyon walls is a relatively easy adventure through a historic portion of the park.
- Grace’s Review: 3 Stars
- Will’s Review: 3 Stars
- Sunset Point – .5 miles out & back – Easy. Barely considered a hike, this is really more of a park scenic overview and it’s INCREDIBLE. I would strongly suggest making time for this at sunset. It’s beauty is breathtaking and will have you falling in love with Capitol Reef National Park.
- Grace’s Review: 5 Stars
- Will’s Review: 5 Stars
Places to Stay:
Cougar Ridge (Luxury): https://cougarridge.com: As far as we are concerned, this is the nicest place to stay in town. We got married here and we could not have had a better time. The staff is friendly, helpful, and will make your trip to Capitol Reef National Park that much more special. We could not recommend this location more if you are looking for a luxurious hotel stay in town.
- Cougar Ridge (Luxury): https://cougarridge.com: As far as we are concerned, this is the nicest place to stay in town. We got married here and we could not have had a better time. The staff is friendly, helpful, and will make your trip to Capitol Reef National Park that much more special. We could not recommend this location more if you are looking for a luxurious hotel stay in town.
- Capitol Reef Resort (Moderate): https://capitolreefresort.com: While we have not stayed here, many of our wedding guests did. It came highly recommended and delivered an excellent option for a variety of family types. Not only that- in addition to traditional hotel rooms, they offer unique lodging, such as covered wagons and tippees! Over the 50 guests that we knew that stayed here all had positive things to say about the entire resort.
- The Noor Hotel (2 Star Hotel): https://thenoorhotel.com: We stayed at The Noor Hotel for our first visit to Capitol Reef. We selected this hotel because of its competitive pricing and was impressed by the service, care, and accommodations the entire time we stayed here. I feel comfortable recommending this hotel to any/all guests who are focused on being budget friendly while still having a nice and enjoyable place to stay. Bonus points to the fact there is a Mexican Restaurant and gas station on property!
Places to Eat:
- La Cueva Restaurante & Bar (Mexican) (https://cafelacueva.com): The first restaurant Grace and I visited in Capitol Reef and we continue to visit every time we’re in town. Delicious mexican food and huge margaritas, what more could you want?
- Rim Rock Restaurant (American – Fine Dining) (https://therimrock.net/the-rim-rock-restaurant): If you’re looking for a nicer restaurant. Look no further. This restaurant has stunning views of the Utah red rocks and is perfect for celebrations. For example, we had our wedding rehearsal dinner here!
- Rim Rock Patio (American – Casual) (https://therimrock.net/the-rim-rock-patio): Sometimes featuring live music, this is a perfect place to enjoy sunset and a slice of pizza after a day of adventuring. We’ve enjoyed this spot many times over our multiple trips to Capitol Reef and the patio is a “can’t miss” when the weather is right.
- Capitol Burger Food Truck: Often found near the Chuck Wagon General Store. These burgers are perfect for someone looking for a quick bite. The owner of the food truck is a former Michelin star chef, following a passion to deliver delicious burgers at a reasonable price. I highly recommend a stop if you get a chance. Fun Fact: They catered our wedding.
- Autentico Street Tacos Food Truck: Another fantastic food truck option in Torrey Utah. We love their delicious tacos so much. They also catered our wedding 🙂
Other Considerations:
- Capitol Reef is a big park with other sections to explore. If you’re feeling adventurous and your car can handle a bit of off-roading, consider visiting the Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon. Be warned – make sure weather conditions are good and you have a full tank of gas!
- Torrey, UT is a wonderful small town full of small businesses worth checking out. Check out some antique shops and the Chuck Wagon General Store.
- Want to feel like John Wayne? Consider a horse back trail through Torrey, UT. Multiple groups organize tours.
- Outside of the national park, consider visiting destinations among the Thousand Lakes.
Vibe Check:
If it wasn’t clear above, Capitol Reef has a special place in Grace and my hearts. Capitol Reef was our first national park together, it was the start of our first adventure together, and it’s where we were married. We love this park!
We think Capitol Reef is under-appreciated compared to the rest of Utah’s Mighty 5. Which admittedly is part of its charm. It’s quieter than most parks and it’s more beautiful than most too. The community that surrounds the park, treats guests well and will always make time for those visiting. We have nothing but positive words for this beautiful red rock oasis. We’re incredibly biased, but we think anyone that visits can easily find something to do and enjoy in Capitol Reef NP.
P.S. Seriously, get the pie! 🙂
Cassidy Arch (3.5 miles) – Strenuous
This hike packs a punch over a relatively short distance. Including nearly ~1000 feet elevation gain, this hike may be difficult for some hikers, but is well worth it, if up for the challenge. At the end of the hike’s trail, you will be face to face with the iconic Cassidy Arch and be given a unique photo opportunity, showing you standing on top of the archway. Additionally, if interested, you can also repel down the arch through organized groups.
Grace’s Review: 5 Stars
Will’s Review: 5 Stars
Hickman’s Ridge (2 miles) – Moderate
Shorter and easier than Cassidy Arch,this iconic hike is every bit breathtaking and is well worth the effort. It can be difficult to secure parking in the lot, so plan ahead.
Will’s Review: 5 Stars
Grace’s Review: 5 Stars
A MOST IDEAL 24 HOURS IN CAPITOL REEF:
730 AM: Drive the iconic Capitol Reef Scenic Drive (en route to first hike)
8AM: Cassidy Arch Hike – 3.5 miles total (out & back)
- Trailhead for flat Grand Wash trail is also here, in case you have time to also tag this on.
10:30AM: GET PIES! Located in the heart of the park, you can grab a pie from the shop and enjoy it in the nearby orchards with the beautiful canyon walls around you!! Pies are first come, first served and opens at 9AM – definitely get there before noon to not miss your favorite flavor! We love strawberry rhubarb!
11:30AM: Hickman’s Bridge Hike – 2 miles total (out & back)
- Right around the corner from pies, located in the center of the national park!
- This one is much easier than Cassidy Arch – don’t miss it! Has a huge arch and great vistas of the national park as well.
2:00PM: Late Lunch / Early Dinner
Grab a beer + pizza on the patio of Rim Rock Cafe
And/or swing across the street to get a margarita from La Cueva!
Sunset: Hike Sunset Point (0.3 miles)
This is barely a hike and just a flat stroll but THIS IS THE KEY THING YOU NEED TO DO IN CAPITOL REEF!!! It is SO beautiful and has the BEST views of the national park and it is magic at sunset! This is where Will & I did our vows!!
Bonus Nighttime: Capitol Reef is one of the few dark sky national parks – don’t miss getting a great view of the stars if there’s not a full moon!