How to Spend 24 Hours in Capitol Reef National Park

With only one day to explore Capitol Reef National Park, making the most of your time means knowing where to go, and when. This hour-by-hour itinerary is designed to help you experience the park’s natural beauty, historic sites, and iconic landscapes without feeling rushed. From sunrise viewpoints to canyon walks and a local favorite for dinner, here’s how to see the best of Capitol Reef in just 24 hours.

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6:30 a.m. — Sunrise at Panorama Point

Set your alarm and get to Panorama Point just before sunrise (timing will vary depending on the time of year). This quick stop off Highway 24 offers sweeping views of the Waterpocket Fold glowing in golden morning light. It’s one of the must see in Capitol Reef National Park spots and only a few minutes from Torrey, so you can easily fit it in before the park gets busy.

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7:15 a.m. — Visitor Center & Plan for the Day

Head to the Capitol Reef Visitor Center right after sunrise. Pick up a park map, check the weather, and confirm that the dirt spur roads to Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge are open. The rangers will help you fine-tune your timing for the day, which is especially helpful if this is part of a longer Capitol Reef National Park 2 day itinerary.

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7:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. — Hike Hickman Bridge

Drive east on Highway 24 to the Hickman Bridge trailhead and start your hike before the heat sets in. This 2-mile round-trip trail is one of the best introductions on what to see in Capitol Reef National Park: panoramic views, Capitol Dome, and the massive Hickman natural bridge. Plan on about two hours to enjoy the scenery and take photos.

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10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Fruita Historic District

Make your way back toward Fruita for a mid-morning break.

• Gifford House: If you’re visiting spring through late fall, stop in for a fresh-baked mini pie or local trinkets. (Pro tip: buy your pie now so you have dessert ready for lunch!)
  
• Orchards: If the season is right, pick fresh fruit—cherries in early summer, peaches later on, apples in fall.

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12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. — Picnic Lunch in the Park

Skip the restaurant crowds and enjoy lunch surrounded by Capitol Reef’s scenery. You can:

• Pack a picnic from breakfast leftovers or grab supplies from a grocery store in Torrey before you head into the park.
  
• Use the shaded picnic tables in Fruita for a relaxing meal with orchard views.
  
• Pair sandwiches or wraps with your Gifford House pie for a sweet treat.
  

This keeps you inside the park so you can get back to exploring faster—and it’s an easy way to make your one-day itinerary more efficient.

1:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Scenic Drive & Canyon Walks

Head south from Fruita onto the paved Scenic Drive.

• Head south from Fruita onto the paved Scenic Drive, which offers incredible red rock scenery in every direction. Along the way, keep an eye out for viewpoints like Fern’s Nipple, a distinctive dome-shaped formation visible from several pullouts.
  
• Continue to Capitol Gorge (note: the pavement ends here, and you’ll drive a short stretch of graded dirt road) and then take the easy, mostly flat 1-mile hike through the canyon to the Pioneer Register—names etched in the rock by early settlers. If you’re up for it, continue a short climb to the natural “tanks” before heading back. This block of the day is where you’ll see some of the most dramatic geology in Capitol Reef, making it a must see in Capitol Reef National Park.

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5:00 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. — Fremont Petroglyphs & Sunset at Sunset Point

In the late afternoon, when the sun starts to drop and temperatures cool, stop to view the Fremont Petroglyphs along Highway 24. The short boardwalk makes the short walk fairly easy, while you admire centuries-old carvings of human figures, animals, and abstract symbols etched into the cliff face.

Afterward, make the quick drive to Sunset Point and walk the short trail for one of the most spectacular views in the park. As the sun dips low, the cliffs glow brilliant shades of red and orange—an absolute must see in Capitol Reef National Park. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your sightseeing before heading to dinner.

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6:30 p.m. — Dinner at Broken Spur Steakhouse

After a full day exploring,, head back to Torrey and enjoy a hearty dinner at the Broken Spur Steakhouse. Located inside the Broken Spur Inn, the restaurant is known for hand-cut steaks and homestyle sides. No need to dress up, just bring your appetite.

8:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. — Stargazing

If the skies are clear, drive a short distance out of Torrey or back toward the park for stargazing. Capitol Reef’s designation as an International Dark Sky Park means you’ll see an incredible spread of stars, planets, and - if you’re lucky, the Milky Way.

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Where to Stay: Broken Spur Inn

For comfort, convenience, and a true western atmosphere, book your stay at Broken Spur Inn. You’ll enjoy:

• Cozy rooms or unique covered wagon accommodations
  
• A complimentary hot breakfast to fuel another day of adventure
  
• An indoor pool and hot tub for post-hike relaxation
  
• On-site steakhouse so you can end your day without another drive

With thoughtful planning, even a single day in Capitol Reef can deliver the kind of experience that stays with you. Sweeping views, quiet trails, and a real sense of place. Staying at the Broken Spur Inn makes it easy to start early, explore, and end your day with a great meal and a comfortable place to rest. Whether Capitol Reef is your main destination or just one stop on a longer journey, this itinerary helps you make the most of every hour.