Capitol Reef National Park might be the least visited park of Utah’s “Mighty 5” National Parks, but it definitely made my list of top 10 favorite National Parks. Located in Torrey, Utah, Capitol Reef is off the beaten path, but it is well worth making the detour to. From exciting hikes to homemade pies, you will find plenty to do during one day at Capitol Reef National Park and it should be added to any Utah itinerary.
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History of Capitol Reef National Park
The Fremont Native Americans lived in the Capitol Reef area until about the 1200s. After they left (most likely due to drought) the Paiutes arrived in the area. In the late 1800s, more explorers began to explore the area and set up some towns and settlements.
On August 2, 1937, Capitol Reef National Monument was created and placed under the control of Zion National Park. The Civilian Conservation Corps built up the roads in the area, which helped to draw more people to visit. As visitation increased, more facilities were built in the area, and officially became a National Park in 1971.
Best Time To Visit Capitol Reef National Park
Summertime is the most popular time to spend one day at Capitol Reef National Park. However, it can get crowded during this time and hotels are a lot more expensive. If you can, opt to visit in spring or fall. The weather might be a little chillier, but you will have more of the park to yourself and lodging will be cheaper.
How to Get to Capitol Reef National Park
The closest airports to Capitol Reef National Park are Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, and Moab.
Salt Lake City will most likely be the cheapest to fly into, but Moab is the closest airport.
From Las Vegas: Follow the 15-N for 210 miles. Then take the 20-E to the 89-N to the 62 to the 34-E. In total this will take you about 5 hours.
From Salt Lake City: Take the 15-S to the 50-W. Then take the 24-E to the park. This will take about 3.5 hours. This is about a 3-hour and 20-minute drive.
From Moab: Take the 70-W to the 24-W. This is about a 2.5-hour drive.
Transportation Around Capitol Reef National Park
To get around during one day at Capitol Reef National Park, you will need a car. There are no other transportation options within the park.
Hours and Admission
The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Check online for when the Visitor’s Center and the Gifford House Store and Museum are open. It costs $20 to get into the park or free with the America the Beautiful Pass.
Where to Stay in Capitol Reef National Park
TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Search for the best National Park hotels here!
There are not a ton of places to stay in Torrey, Utah but both the Capitol Reef Resort and the Red Sands Hotel are popular options. Many people choose the Capitol Reef Resort because you can opt to stay in teepees or wagons. We opted to stay at the Red Sands Hotel because it was a little bit cheaper at $132/night.
The park also has a few campgrounds you can opt to stay at. Make sure to make reservations in advance if you want to stay in the park.
Shaka Guide
Shaka Guide is a GPS self-guided audio tour that you can download to your phone. Currently, they have one for several of the Utah Parks. They provide great background information about the area. The best part is you do not need the internet to use them.
What to do During One Day at Capitol Reef National Park
Day 1
Gifford House
Hours: 9am-4:30pm, closed 12-12:45pm
Start your one day at Capitol Reef National Park by stopping at the Gifford House. The Gifford House is known for its homemade pies and cinnamon rolls. You can also buy local jams, butter, honey, and other handmade items.
All of the pies are made with fruit from the orchards that are part of the park. You cannot go wrong with whichever pie you choose. During our visit, choices included strawberry rhubarb, mixed berry, apple, peach, and cherry. Each pie is big enough for two people.
Note that the Gifford House is only open from March 14 (pie day) until the end of October. Make sure to check the website for the most accurate information.
Cassidy Arch Trail
Distance: 3.4-miles round trip
The Cassidy Arch Trail was the favorite trail I completed during one day at Capitol Reef National Park. This out-and-back trail winds its way up the cliffside to the top of Cassidy Arch. The hike starts out with a climb of almost 700 feet. It levels out at points, but the hardest part will be the beginning.
Part of the trail has some steep drops and hiking over uneven slick rocks, so make sure you have shoes with good traction and do not attempt this trail if scared of heights. The hike ends on top of Cassidy Arch and offers views of the area.
Grand Wash Trail
Distance: 2.2-miles each way
After the Cassidy Arch hike, you can add on part of the Grand Wash Trail. This trail goes through “The Narrows” section of the park (different from the one at Zion), which contains several slot canyons. You can opt to hike it as far as you feel like, but it goes for 2.2-miles. It is very flat and easy to hike and makes for a great addition to one day at Capitol Reef National Park.
Scenic Drive
Distance: 8-miles each way
After the Cassidy Arch hike, opt to drive the 8-mile scenic drive to your one day at Capitol Reef National Park. This offers awesome views of the Waterpocket Fold and has several lookout stops. Plan to spend an hour stopping along the scenic drive.
Sulphur Creek Trail
Distance: 5.8 miles
If up for an afternoon adventure, opt to hike the Sulphur Creek Trail during your one day at Capitol Reef National Park. This is another strenuous trail and requires lots of climbing over obstacles, hiking through water, and does not have an official trail. Also note that if you do not have someone to pick you up at the end or two vehicles, you will have to hike 3.3 miles back along the main road at the end of the trail.
To start, park in the Sulphur Creek parking lot. From there, you hike along the wash to the stream. Along the hike, you will pass three waterfalls until you eventually get to the visitor’s center. You can read more specific information about the hike here.
If you do not want to commit to the full trail, I recommend the 1.4-mile round trip hike to the third waterfall. To do this, start behind the Visitor’s Center and follow the stream until you hit the waterfall. It is pretty flat, but you may have to cross through some small parts of the stream. You can also opt to hike a little bit past the waterfall to see more of the slot canyon area.
**Do not hike this trail if there is a chance of rain and make sure to check conditions at the Visitor’s Center before embarking on this hike.
Petroglyph Panel
Once you have had your fill of long hikes, head out to the Petroglyph Panel. Here you can see some petroglyphs carved into the mountainside from the ancient people. It is just a short walk from the parking lot to the panel viewing area. This is an easy stop during one day at Capitol Reef National Park.
Goosenecks
Distance: Less Than 0.25-mile
To end your one day at Capitol Reef National Park, drive out to Panorama Point and hike the very short Goosenecks trail. This short hike is just a few steps up a hill from the parking lot. You are rewarded with views of the surrounding area. From here, you can even see the end of the Sulphur Creek hike.
Grab Some Dinner
After a fun one day at Capitol Reef National Park, pick up from dinner from Curry Pizza, a popular spot due to its being on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. They serve Indian food and have some unique Indian-style pizzas. You can also find several locations in Salt Lake City. Another fun place to eat is Chak Balam, a small Mexican food restaurant. You cannot go wrong with either choice.
Tips for Spending One Day at Capitol Reef National Park
- Make sure to pack a lunch to bring with you as there are minimal food options within the park.
- Bring plenty of water as there are minimal places to fill up in the park.
- Make sure to check out what time the Ranger Talks are. There was a good one on the Geology of the area when we were there.
- Visit from June to September for the harvest season.
More Than One Day at Capitol Reef National Park?
If you have more than one day at Capitol Reef National Park, check out these sites and trails.
Chimney Rock Trail
Distance: 3.6-mile loop
The Chimney Rock Trail is a strenuous loop trail popular for its panoramic views of the water pocket folds. A lot of people opt to do this hike at sunset. Expect to climb at least 600 feet to see views of Chimney Rock.
Hickman Bridge Trail
Distance: 1.8-miles round trip
The Hickman Bridge Trail is another popular trail to complete during one day at Capitol Reef National Park. This hike takes you to a natural bridge and offers some views of the canyon. It has about a 400-foot incline and is considered a moderate hike.
Fruit Orchards
Hours: 9am-5pm (fenced), Dawn-Dusk (unfenced)
From June to September, many of the orchards that are part of the park are fruiting. You are allowed to pick any of the ripe fruit and eat it in the orchard. If you want to take any of the fruit with you, you pay when you exit. This is a super fun experience that should be added to your one day at Capitol Reef National Park if visiting during Harvest Season.
Final Thoughts About One Day in Capitol Reef National Park
One day at Capitol Reef National Park makes for a fun time and busy day. If you have more time, make sure to check out nearby Bryce Canyon National Park and spend some time in Moab to see Arches and Canyonlands National Park. You can also head down to Kanab to see the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, to Mesa Verde, or Page, Arizona.
4 thoughts on “One Day at Capitol Reef National Park: Delicious Pies and Gorgeous Views”
We live one state away and still need to plan a visit to this amazing place. The Gifford House sounds like just the kind of place I would love to stop too!
I would love to go hiking at Capital Reef National Park. The trails offer such beautiful views and would love to see the petroglyphs.
We just spent a week in Utah but unfortunately didn’t have the time to visit Capitol Reef National Park. I still really want to go – so will just have to go back and explore this area of the state!
This NP looks so awesome. We’ve done Arches but really want to get down to Utah again and do more of the 5 parks! I love that you give mileage details so I know if my kids can attempt it!