Located in south-central Utah in the heart of red rock country, Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden treasure filled with cliffs, canyons, domes, and bridges in the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline (a wrinkle on the earth) extending almost 100 miles.
Current Alerts
- CautionMonsoon Season & Flash Floods
Heavy rains can cause sudden flooding, especially in canyons and washes. Do not drive or hike through flood waters. Get to high ground and wait for floods to subside. Some roads may close temporarily; closures are posted at the visitor center.
More info → - CautionElevated E. Coli levels - Fremont River
Recent water quality testing shows elevated E. coli levels in the Fremont River. Use caution if entering the water. Do not get water in your mouth, do not swim. Wash hands with soap and water.
- InformationStage II Fire Restrictions
Stage II fire restrictions are in effect until further notice. Campfires including charcoal are not permitted, even in established fire rings. Smoking is only permitted within an enclosed vehicle. Gas or liquid fueled portable camp stoves are still permitted.
- Park ClosureAnnual/Seasonal Canyoneering Closures
The following are closed to entry through 8/31/2026 to protect sensitive resources: the heads of Fivemile Wash & Burro Wash descending east 2 miles; Shinob Canyon + all routes descending into Shinob (including Na-gah, Nighthawk, & Timpie); and Arch Nemesis Canyon, including the route exiting at Capitol Gorge + all direct tributary canyons.
More info → - InformationReef Ride Bike Days 2026
For this special event in honor of National Public Lands Day, the Scenic Drive will be closed to motor vehicles for part of the day on Saturday, September 19 and Saturday, September 26, 2026. The road will be closed to vehicles from sunrise to 3 pm to allow for bicycles and pedestrians to enjoy the road at a more leisurely pace. The main road through the park (UT highway 24) - will remain open and unaffected by this closure.
More info →
Source: National Park Service.
Upcoming Events
- Junior PaleontologistWed Aug 26 2026Ripple Rock Nature Center is located less than one mile down the Scenic Drive.
- Star TalkThu Aug 27 2026The Gifford House is located 1.2 miles (1.9 km) south of the Capitol Reef Visitor Center, along the Scenic Drive.
- Star TalkFri Aug 28 2026The Gifford House is located 1.2 miles (1.9 km) south of the Capitol Reef Visitor Center, along the Scenic Drive.
- Star TalkSun Aug 30 2026The Gifford House is located 1.2 miles (1.9 km) south of the Capitol Reef Visitor Center, along the Scenic Drive.
- Telescope ViewingWed Sep 02 2026Meet at the Gifford House lawn. The Gifford House is located one mile (1.6 km) south of the visitor center on the Scenic Drive.
- Telescope ViewingThu Sep 03 2026Meet at the Gifford House lawn. The Gifford House is located one mile (1.6 km) south of the visitor center on the Scenic Drive.
- Telescope ViewingFri Sep 04 2026Meet at the Gifford House lawn. The Gifford House is located one mile (1.6 km) south of the visitor center on the Scenic Drive.
- Special Kids ProgramSat Sep 05 2026The Ripple Rock Nature Center is located ~3/4 mile down the Scenic Drive from the visitor center.
- Special Kids ProgramSat Sep 05 2026The Ripple Rock Nature Center is located ~3/4 mile down the Scenic Drive from the visitor center.
- Evening ProgramSat Sep 05 2026The Fruita campground amphitheater is located near Loop C of the Fruita campground. The campground is two miles (3.2 km) south of the visitor center on the Scenic Drive.
- Special Kids ProgramSun Sep 06 2026The Ripple Rock Nature Center is located ~3/4 mile down the Scenic Drive from the visitor center.
- Special Kids ProgramSun Sep 06 2026The Ripple Rock Nature Center is located ~3/4 mile down the Scenic Drive from the visitor center.
- Heritage Starfest 2026Fri Sep 11 2026
- Reef Ride Bike Days 2026Sat Sep 19 2026Bike ride is along the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, starting just past the Fruita Campground.