Gifford House and Pendleton Barn. Photo: NPS Photo
- Entrance
- $20 per car
- Nonresident fee
- None
- Park annual pass
- $35, U.S. residents
- Payment
- Card or cash
Work out the cost for your group
About Capitol Reef
Located in south-central Utah in the heart of red rock country, Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden treasure filled with cliffs, canyons, domes, and bridges in the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline (a wrinkle on the earth) extending almost 100 miles.
Things to do
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Bicycle Touring
Bicycling touring in Capitol Reef offers opportunities to explore paved and unpaved roads throughout the park.
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Driving the Burr Trail
Drive the scenic Burr Trail from Glen Canyon's Bullfrog district, along the bottom of Capitol Reef, through Grand Staircase, to Boulder, UT.
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Hike Cathedral Valley
Explore Cathedral Valley by foot. These hikes are accessible only by rough unpaved roads.
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Hike a Strenuous Trail
Hike a strenuous trail to view dramatic geologic formations and spectacular vistas.
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Hike an Easy or Moderate Trail
Hike an easy or moderate trail to see panoramic views or to experience a deep sandstone canyon.
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Hike in the South (Waterpocket) District
Get to know the South (Waterpocket) District on foot by hiking an easy trail or strenuous backcountry route.
Photos
Hickman Bridge Photo: NPS Photo 
Strike Valley Photo: NPS Photo 
Capitol Reef Visitor Center with "The Castle" Photo: NPS Photo 
Capitol Reef Peach Orchard Photo: NPS Photo
Entrance fees
| Type | Price | Valid for | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private vehicle | $20 | 7 days | All year |
| Per person, 16 and over | $10 | 7 days | All year |
Park annual pass
Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle or motorcycle and all its occupants or riders.
A park's own annual pass is sold to U.S. citizens and residents only. A U.S. resident who holds one covers everyone in their private vehicle, including nonresident passengers.
Reservations
NPS lists no entry reservation for this park as of October 26, 2026. Campgrounds and tours may still need booking.
Weather and seasons
Weather is posted daily; check at the park visitor center for weather updates. Do not enter into narrow canyons if there is a threat of rain or if rain has been falling in the area. Rain and snow may also make dirt roads impassable to vehicles.
Hours
Capitol Reef is a 24 hour park, open all day, every day. The visitor center is open daily, except for some major holidays. Visitor center hours vary, call 435-425-3791 and follow the prompts for current visitor center information.
Getting there
From I-70: Take exit 149, then take UT-24 west toward Hanksville; continue for 43.8 miles (70.5 km). Turn right to continue on UT-24 west and continue for 37.3 miles (60 km). From I-15: take exit 188 then US-50 east toward Scipio. Left on UT-50; continuing 0.7 miles (1.1 km). Turn right onto US-50 east; continue for 24.4 miles (39.3 km). Turn right onto UT-260 south and continue 4.2 miles (6.8 km), then right on UT-24 for 71.3 miles. UT-12: North on highway 12 to Torrey, UT. Right onto UT-24.
Campgrounds
- Backcountry Camping
- Fruita CampgroundBook on Recreation.gov
- Group CampsiteBook on Recreation.gov
- Primitive campsites at Cathedral Campground
- Primitive campsites at Cedar Mesa Campground
Visitor centers
Alerts
- Caution: Elevated E. Coli levels - Fremont River and Sulphur Creek
- Caution: Monsoon Season & Flash Floods
