Hidden Gem
Capitol Reef National Park
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Trip length
- 2–3 days
- Budget
- $200–$700
- per person · excl. airfare
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
HikingBackpacking
Park entrance: $20 (Entrance - Private Vehicle) · source: NPS
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.
Highlights
- Waterpocket Fold
- Historic Fruita orchards
- Slot canyons & petroglyphs
Photos
Photos via Wikimedia Commons under their respective licences.
Map
Trails (5)· Easy–Moderate
- View →Upper Spring Canyon TrailRepresentative9.8 mi1,086 ft gainEasy~3.8 h
- View →Lower Spring Canyon TrailRepresentative7.4 mi909 ft gainEasy~2.9 h
- View →Sulphur Creek TrailRepresentative5.9 mi1,302 ft gainEasy~2.6 h
- View →North Beas Lewis Flat RoadRepresentative3.5 mi79 ft gainModerate~1.2 h
- View →Frying Pan TrailRepresentative2.7 mi722 ft gainEasy~1.3 h
Getting there
- CNY Canyonlands Field (Moab) · 87 mi
- CDC Cedar City Regional · 109 mi
- SGU St. George Regional · 151 mi
Straight-line distances to nearby airports. Airfare and drive times are not included.
Permits & access
No permit required
No permit for most day hiking; a free backcountry permit is recommended for overnight — check the official site.
Official permit & conditions ↗Last verified 7/24/2026