Utah Est. 1971

Capitol Reef National Park

Canyon Desert

241,904 Acres

1.4 million/year Annual Visitors

$20 Entry Fee

March through May, September through October Best Time to Visit

Park Closure: Annual/Seasonal Canyon Closures +2 more Details

National Park Service National Park

Established as a national park in 1971 after being a national monument since 1937, Capitol Reef protects a 100-mile fold in the earth's crust called the Waterpocket Fold. The historic Mormon settlement of Fruita sits at the center of the park, its orchards still bearing fruit that visitors can pick in season.

Things to Do Fun Facts

Our Capitol Reef Articles

National Parks

25 Things to Do in Capitol Reef National Park

21 min read

Educational Resources

12 Amazing Facts About Capitol Reef National Park

14 min read

When to Visit Capitol Reef

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Month-by-Month Conditions

Tap any month for details

Month

High

Low

Crowds

Roads

Jan

93°

68°

Low

Open

Feb

90°

65°

Light

Open

Mar Best

82°

56°

Heavy

Open

Apr Best

72°

45°

Peak

Open

May Best

61°

32°

Peak

Open

Jun

53°

23°

Light

Open

Jul

50°

20°

Low

Open

Aug

53°

23°

Low

Open

Sep

61°

32°

Low

Open

Oct

72°

45°

Low

Open

Nov

82°

56°

Low

Open

Dec

90°

65°

Low

Open

Best months to visit Crowd level (low to peak)

Campgrounds in Capitol Reef

Backcountry Camping

A free backcountry permit, available at the visitor center, is required for camping outside of campgrounds. Capitol Reef offers many hiking options for serious backpackers...

First-come, first-served

Fruita Campground

$25/night

The 71 site Fruita campground is the only developed campground in the park, offering picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, water and a dump station. A...

71 sites Reservable The campground is open year round. Campsites are reservable year-round; visit www.recreation.gov to make...

Reserve a Site

Group Campsite

$125/night

The Group Campsite is a secluded site located near the Fruita Campground and can accommodate a maximum of 40 people. It may be reserved through...

1 sites Reservable

Reserve a Site

Primitive campsites at Cathedral Campground

$0/night

It is located approximately halfway on the Cathedral Valley Loop Road. About 36 miles (57.9 km) from the visitor center, this primitive, no-fee campground has...

6 sites Reservable