White sandstone-domed formations, reminiscent of our nation's capitol, give Capitol Reef its name, as does a nearly 1,000-foot-thick sandstone "reef," the park's spectacular backbone. Capitol Reef National Park is a maze of brilliantly colored cliffs, natural bridges, domes, and stone arches. The Waterpocket Fold, an impressive buckling in the Earth's crust, stretches for 100 miles north and south through the park.
The park has unique features, including orchards, the old Fruita Schoolhouse, and other pioneer structures. Along the Scenic Drive many trails lead to overlooks, remote canyons, natural arches, and slickrock wilderness.
The park's hidden arches, eroded windows and remote canyons created a perfect hideout for outlaws such as Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch over 100 years ago. As rich in beauty as in folklore, colorfully-striped cliffs inspired early Native American inhabitants to refer to the area as the "Land of the Sleeping Rainbow."
See also the Park's News and News Releases for current information. |
| Fees: |
$5.00 for the Scenic Drive. See the Park's Fees and Reservations page for more details. |
| Hours: |
Open daily. See the Park's Operating Hours and Seasons for current information. |
| Visitor Center: |
Open Labor Day to Memorial Day, daily, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; from Memorial Day to Labor Day, daily, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Closed December 25. |
| Facilities: |
Visitor center, pioneer buildings, trails, pictographs, amphitheater, bookstore, restrooms, drinking water, and a campground. |
| Directions: |
The Visitor Center is 11 miles east of Torrey on UT 24. |
| Coordinates: |
Map Coordinates (NAD83): 38 16.954N; 111 14.869W. |
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| Precautions: |
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