Capitol Gorge and Pioneer Register is a scenic drive and hike in Capitol Reef National Park. The drive takes you through a narrow canyon surrounded by towering cliffs, and offers views of striking rock formations and colorful geological features.

One of the most popular hikes is the Pioneer Register, a relatively easy hike that can be done in about an hour. The trail leads through a narrow canyon with towering walls, and offers views of colorful rock formations and petroglyphs. The Pioneer Register is a particularly interesting feature, as visitors can see the names and dates of pioneers who traveled through the area in the late 1800s. The hike is a great way to experience the natural beauty and history of Capitol Reef National Park.

Capitol Gorge & Pioneer Register

Capitol Scenic Drive is a beautiful scenic drive that takes you through Capitol Reef National Park, one of Utah's most stunning and underrated national parks. This drive offers a unique experience as it allows you to explore the park's different geological features, including colorful canyons, towering cliffs, and striking rock formations. The drive is approximately 25 miles long, and it offers numerous viewpoints and overlooks where you can stop, get out of your car, and take in the breathtaking views.

One of the highlights of the drive is the Capitol Gorge Road, which takes you through a narrow canyon with towering cliffs on both sides. The Capitol Scenic Drive is a must-do for anyone visiting Capitol Reef National Park, offering stunning views and unforgettable experiences.

Capitol Scenic Drive

Cassidy Arch is a popular hiking trail in Capitol Reef, named after the infamous outlaw Butch Cassidy, who is rumored to have used the area as a hideout.

The trailhead is located off of the scenic drive and is marked by a small parking lot. The hike is about 3.5 miles round trip and has an elevation gain of about 650 feet. The trail is considered moderate, but hikers should be prepared for some steep sections and rocky terrain.

The highlight of the Cassidy Arch trail is the impressive natural arch that spans over 100 feet and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The trail winds through a canyon before opening up to a panoramic vista of red rock formations and the distant Waterpocket Fold.

The Cassidy Arch is a great spot for taking photos and is a popular destination for sunset hikes. The trail is best visited in the cooler months, as summer temperatures can be sweltering.

Trail details on AllTrails

Cassidy Arch

Cathedral Valley Loop is an epic drive through the less-explored northern part of Capitol Reef National Park. The 58-mile unpaved loop takes you through the rugged terrain of the park's Cathedral Valley, which is home to some of the most stunning natural wonders in the area.

The loop drive is recommended for high-clearance vehicles due to the rough terrain, and it is best to travel the road during the dry season. The road itself takes about 4 hours, about with all the detours and stops it can be a full-day experience, which is totally worth it!

The loop features several points of interest, including the iconic monoliths known as the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon. Other highlights include the Glass Mountain, a massive deposit of selenite crystals, and the stunning Bentonite Hills. You can also take a short hike to the Upper Cathedral Valley Overlook, which provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Overall, the Cathedral Valley Loop drive is a must if you want to go a bit off the beaten path to experience the natural beauty of Capitol Reef National Park.

General guide

Cathedral Valley Loop

Gifford Homestead is a historic pioneer home located in the Fruita Historic District of Capitol Reef National Park. The homestead was originally built by Calvin Pendleton and later sold to the Gifford family in the early 1900s. The Giffords used the home as a residence and for various agricultural purposes, including orchards and farming.

Today, Gifford Homestead serves as a visitor center and gift shop for the park, offering the opportunity to learn about the history of the homestead and the families who lived there. The gift shop sells a variety of locally made items, including pies, jams, and other goods made from fruit grown in the Fruita orchards. In addition, the homestead offers educational programs and demonstrations throughout the year, such as butter-making and bread-baking.

You can also explore the orchards and gardens surrounding the homestead and enjoy the picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.

NPS official page

Gifford Homestead

Goblin Valley is a state park located in southeastern Utah, known for its unique landscape of hoodoos, or mushroom-shaped rock formations, scattered across a valley floor. The formations are made of Entrada sandstone, and are believed to be around 170 million years old. The park offers various hiking trails and rock scrambling opportunities for visitors.

One of the most popular trails at Goblin Valley is the Goblin's Lair Trail, which leads to a large cave that was formed by the erosion of the sandstone. Other notable trails include the Carmel Canyon Trail, which provides views of the surrounding mesas and buttes, and the Curtis Bench Trail, which takes you to the top of a mesa for panoramic views of the park. In addition to hiking, you can also camp overnight at Goblin Valley, stargaze, and explore the valley's unique rock formations.

Website

Goblin Valley

Hickman Natural Bridge is a popular hiking destination in Capitol Reef National Park, known for its stunning geological features and scenic beauty. The trail to Hickman Natural Bridge is a moderate 2-mile long. The hike starts from a parking area along Scenic Drive and follows the canyon bottom upstream.

The natural bridge itself is an impressive sight, stretching 133 feet across a narrow canyon and rising 125 feet above the floor. It was formed by erosion over thousands of years, as water gradually wore away the sandstone walls of the canyon. You can walk under the bridge and explore the alcoves and archways on either side.

We recommend visiting Hickman Natural Bridge in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is low in the sky and the colors of the rock formations are at their most vibrant.

Hickman Natural Bridge

Lower Calf Creek Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The trail to the falls is 6 miles round trip and follows Calf Creek through a scenic canyon. 

Along the way, you will see ancient petroglyphs and pictographs on the canyon walls, as well as a variety of plants and wildlife. The trail is relatively easy and is suitable for hikers of all ages and skill levels. At the end of the trail, hikers are rewarded with the sight of the beautiful Lower Calf Creek Falls, which drops 126 feet into a pool of emerald green water.

You can swim in the pool beneath the falls, so we recommend grabbing your bathing suite for quite a refreshing experience in hot summer days.

Lower Calf Creek Falls

Panorama and Sunset Points are two popular viewpoints in the park that offer stunning panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape.

Panorama Point is right at the parking lot, but you will need a short hike to get to the Sunset Point.

Panorama & Sunset Points

The Petroglyph Panels in Capitol Reef National Park are a fascinating attraction if you are interested in history and ancient rock art. The panels consist of hundreds of petroglyphs, or rock carvings, created by the Fremont people over a thousand years ago. The petroglyphs depict a variety of figures and symbols, including animals, people, and abstract designs. Many of the figures are believed to have been created for religious or ceremonial purposes, and the panels are considered sacred by some Native American tribes. You can see the petroglyphs up close by taking a short hike to the panel site or viewing them from a distance using binoculars.

The petroglyphs are located in a beautiful and rugged desert landscape, adding to the allure of this unique attraction. You can also learn more about the history and culture of the Fremont people at the nearby Capitol Reef Visitor Center, which features exhibits and displays on the park's rich human history.

The Petroglyph Panels offer a fascinating glimpse into the past and are a great stop for visitors to Capitol Reef National Park.

Petroglyphs Panels

Upper Cathedral Valley Overlook is a stunning viewpoint of Cathedral Valley, a remote and rugged section of the park that is known for its towering sandstone monoliths and colorful rock formations.

It is quite a detour from the rest of attractions, but it offers an awe-inspiring panoramic view of Cathedral Valley, making it well worth the extra driving time.

To reach the overlook, you have to drive along the unpaved Cathedral Valley Loop Road, which is recommended for high-clearance vehicles. The overlook is a short hike from the parking area, and the trail offers some incredible views of the surrounding landscape. The overlook itself is perched atop a rocky outcrop, and you can take in sweeping vistas of Cathedral Valley and the nearby Henry Mountains. 

The best times to visit the overlook are early morning and late afternoon, when the light is most favorable for photography and the temperatures are more moderate.

Upper Cathedral Valley Overlook

Roman

New Zealand

Italy

Switzerland

Iceland

Chile

Indonesia

France

Mexico

Canada

Ukraine

Spain

United States

Finland

Argentina

Denmark

Greece

Netherlands

Australia

Estonia

Sri Lanka

Poland

Türkiye

Slovenia

Hungary

Austria

Georgia

Dominican Republic

Slovakia

Czechia (Czech Republic)

United Arab Emirates

Egypt

Moldova

Holy See (Vatican)

Russia

Portugal

I’d pick Red Sands Hotel for a stay with a spa. The views are part of the appeal.

The Grand Circle hosts some of the most bizarre landscapes on Earth, all just a few hours apart. From tiny beautiful canyons like Antelope to the Grand Canyon itself, with tons of outworldly places in between — this road trip will blow your mind.

A modern and stylish hotel located in the charming town of Torrey, Utah, just a short drive from Capitol Reef National Park. The hotel features spacious and comfortable guest rooms, each with contemporary decor and amenities such as flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi.

You can enjoy a range of on-site amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, fitness center, and restaurant serving American cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients. The hotel also offers a variety of meeting and event spaces, making it an ideal choice for business travelers and groups.

With its convenient location, stylish accommodations, and excellent amenities, Red Sands Hotel is a great choice for travelers seeking a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Red Sands Hotel

Embark on the ultimate road trip with all the parks and regions of the Grand Circle.

Full Grand Circle

Not as grand, but still a circle, with the most stunning parks of Utah and Arizona.

Small Circle

Less crowded but equally stunning, Capitol Reef’s cliffs, canyons, domes, and bridges tell a geological story millions of years in the making. The scenic drive and fruit orchards offer a serene experience.

Red Sands Hotel

How this stay fits your trip

Before booking

Grand Circle routes to compare