Can’t-Miss Attractions in Capitol Reef National Park

When people search for things to do in Capitol Reef National Park, they’re often surprised by how much there actually is to explore. Capitol Reef doesn’t advertise itself the way Utah’s other national parks do, but that’s part of what makes it special. The park stretches nearly 100 miles, blends geology with living history, and offers a mix of iconic stops and quieter places that most visitors miss.

Below are the best things to do in Capitol Reef National Park.

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Explore the Fruita Historic District (More Than Just a Photo Stop)

Fruita is the heart of Capitol Reef and one of the most unique areas of any national park. Unlike scenic viewpoints that exist purely for sightseeing, Fruita is a preserved pioneer settlement where orchards are still actively maintained.

Things most visitors don’t realize:

• The orchards were planted by settlers in the late 1800s and are still productive today
• Fruit picking is allowed in season and operates on an honor system
• The landscape blends farmland, cliffs, and riverbanks in a way you won’t see elsewhere in Utah

The Gifford Homestead is also located here and is worth stopping for early. Their pies (made fresh daily by The Broken Spur Inn & Steakhouse) sell out regularly, especially during peak travel months.

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Walk to Hickman Bridge (One of the Best Payoff-to-Effort Hikes in Utah)

Hickman Bridge is one of the most photographed natural features in the park, but what makes it special is how accessible it is.

• 1.8 miles round trip
• Gradual elevation gain
• Massive 133-foot natural stone bridge
  
  

The trail delivers wide canyon views that change dramatically with the light. It’s consistently recommended as one of the best things to do in Capitol Reef for first-time visitors because it delivers a big experience without requiring a full hiking day.

Want more hiking recommendations? Visit our blog on the 12 Best Hikes in Capitol Reef.

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Drive the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive (Then Go a Little Farther)

Many visitors stop at overlooks along Highway 24 and assume that’s the full scenic drive experience. It’s not.

The official Scenic Drive runs through the heart of the park and offers:

• Massive monoliths and domes up close
• Access to short hikes like Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge
• A feeling of scale that photos don’t capture

If road conditions allow, continuing past the paved section provides even more solitude and a deeper look at the park’s geology.

For travelers researching things to do in Capitol Reef Utah, this drive is essential.

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Understand the Waterpocket Fold (It’s What Makes the Park Different)

Capitol Reef exists because of the Waterpocket Fold, a nearly 100-mile-long geologic wrinkle in the Earth’s crust. It’s one of the longest exposed monoclines in North America.

Why this matters for visitors:

• It creates the park’s dramatic cliffs, domes, and narrow canyons
• It explains why the park feels more layered and varied than others
• It’s the reason landscapes change so quickly as you move through the park

This geological feature is what separates Capitol Reef from parks that feel more uniform, and it’s one reason things to do in Capitol Reef National Park feel more exploratory than checklist-based.

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Visit the Fremont Petroglyphs (Right Off the Road)

You don’t need to hike miles to see ancient history here. The Fremont petroglyph panels are visible from a short boardwalk along Highway 24.

What makes them special:

• Created between AD 600–1300
• Clear depictions of human figures, animals, and symbols
• Easily accessible without disrupting your itinerary

For travelers looking for things to do near Capitol Reef National Park without adding time or effort, this is a rare and meaningful stop.

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Take a Day Trip Beyond the Park Boundaries

Some of the most memorable things to do near Capitol Reef are just outside the park itself.

A few standout options:

• Burr Trail – a remote, scenic route with slot canyons and layered rock formations
• Cathedral Valley – massive monoliths in a wide-open desert setting (high-clearance vehicles recommended)
• Goblin Valley State Park – a surreal landscape often compared to Mars

These spots pair naturally with a Capitol Reef visit and are often overlooked by travelers focused only on the major parks so they tend to be quieter.

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Why Capitol Reef Rewards Travelers Who Slow Down

Capitol Reef is laid out differently than many national parks. Key sights are spread out, crowds are lighter, and the best moments often happen outside the middle of the day. Travelers who slow their pace tend to notice things others miss.

Staying nearby makes it easier to:

• Visit Fruita early or late, when the orchards and cliffs are quiet
• Explore short hikes without feeling rushed
• Return midday to rest, then head back out as temperatures cool
• Experience dark skies and stargazing after sunset

Because of this, many visitors searching for things to do in Capitol Reef National Park realize after arriving that the park works best when you allow time for flexibility rather than packing everything into a single afternoon.

Want an itinerary for visiting Capitol Reef? Check out our blog on how to spend 24 hours in Capitol Reef National Park.

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Where to Stay to Experience It All

Being close to the park makes a noticeable difference when exploring Capitol Reef.

If you’re planning your visit, the Broken Spur Inn & Steakhouse in Torrey offers comfortable lodging just minutes from the park entrance, on-site dining, complimentary breakfast, and an easy base for exploring everything Capitol Reef has to offer.

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