{"id":"nps-care","slug":"capitol-reef-national-park","name":"Capitol Reef National Park","designation":"National Park","category":"national-park","categoryLabel":"National Park","agency":{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov"},"managedBy":[{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov","unitCode":"CARE","designation":"National Park","sourceId":"nps-care"}],"states":["UT"],"stateNames":["Utah"],"location":{"lat":38.2821653131,"lon":-111.247048378},"bbox":[-111.4233,37.5986,-110.8624,38.5344],"acres":{"value":245017,"kind":"gis-estimate","source":"Computed from the simplified boundary","note":"Approximate. The managing agency publishes official acreage."},"firstProtected":null,"established":null,"administrations":[],"designationHistory":[],"summary":"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.","summarySource":"National Park Service","guide":{},"trConnection":null,"trConnections":[],"trTypes":[],"links":{"official":"https://www.nps.gov/care/index.htm","social":{},"recreationGov":null,"alltrails":null,"alltrailsExplore":"https://www.alltrails.com/explore?b_tl_lat=38.5344&b_tl_lng=-111.4233&b_br_lat=37.5986&b_br_lng=-110.8624","recreationGovSearch":"https://www.recreation.gov/search?q=Capitol%20Reef%20National%20Park","directions":"http://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/directions.htm"},"images":[{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C82E3C7-1DD8-B71B-0B4181834EE46AED.jpg","title":"Gifford House and Pendleton Barn","alt":"Wingate Sandstone cliffs behind historic barn and farmhouse","caption":"Windgate sandstone towers above historic Fruita farms and homes","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C82E4FB-1DD8-B71B-0B8614194A6D08FA.jpg","title":"Hickman Bridge","alt":"A hiker stands beside Hickman Bridge, a natural sandstone bridge","caption":"Hickman Bridge, a natural sandstone bridge, is a popular hike in the park.","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C82E601-1DD8-B71B-0BCB6A40DE28B1CB.jpg","title":"Strike Valley","alt":"Exposed layers of rock in the Waterpocket fold","caption":"The Strike Valley shows colorful layers in the Waterpocket fold.","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C82E740-1DD8-B71B-0B6FC6B644FB96D0.jpg","title":"Capitol Reef Visitor Center with \"The Castle\"","alt":"Cliffs known as \"The Castle\" tower above the Capitol Reef Visitor Center","caption":"The Capitol Reef Visitor Center sits below cliffs known as \"The Castle\".","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C82E9BB-1DD8-B71B-0B30AEA8D8052350.jpg","title":"Capitol Reef Peach Orchard","alt":"Fruit tree with peaches in front of red sandstone cliffs","caption":"The Capitol Reef Orchards, planted in the pioneer era, remain a popular place for visitors today.","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"}],"activities":["Arts and Culture","Cultural Demonstrations","Astronomy","Stargazing","Biking","Road Biking","Camping","Backcountry Camping","Car or Front Country Camping","Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)","Group Camping","RV Camping","Canyoneering","Climbing","Rock Climbing","Fishing","Food","Picnicking","Guided Tours","Self-Guided Tours - Walking","Self-Guided Tours - Auto","Hands-On","Citizen Science","Arts and Crafts","Volunteer Vacation","Hiking","Backcountry Hiking","Front-Country Hiking","Off-Trail Permitted Hiking","Horse Trekking","Horse Camping (see also camping)","Horseback Riding","Living History","First Person Interpretation","Junior Ranger Program","Wildlife Watching","Birdwatching","Park Film","Museum Exhibits","Shopping","Bookstore and Park Store","Gift Shop and Souvenirs"],"topics":["Archeology","Ruins","Arts","Painting","Photography","Colonization and Settlement","Commerce","Trade","Explorers and Expeditions","Farming and Agriculture","Ranches","Industry","Mining","Military","Native American Heritage","Religion and Spirituality","Churches","Schools and Education","Science, Technology and Innovation","Social Movements","Voting Rights and Suffrage","Transportation","Roads, Routes and Highways","Westward Expansion","Homesteading","Women's History","Ancient Seas","Animals","Birds","Cats (wild)","Elk","Fish","Canyons and Canyonlands","Climate Change","Dunes","Foothills, Plains and Valleys","Plateaus and Mesas","Forests and Woodlands","Coniferous Forests","Deciduous Forests","Fossils and Paleontology","Dinosaur","Petrified Wood","Geology","Mineral Deposits","Glaciers","Grasslands","Night Sky","Astronomy","River and Riparian","Rock Landscapes and Features","Arches","Scenic Views","Thickets and Shrublands","Trails","Unique Species","Rare","Endangered","Volcanoes","Waterfalls"],"fees":[{"title":"Entrance - Private Vehicle","cost":"20.00","description":"An entrance fee is charged per vehicle."},{"title":"Entrance - Motorcycle","cost":"15.00","description":"Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers."},{"title":"Entrance - Per Person","cost":"10.00","description":"Admits one individual with no car. Typically used for bicyclists and pedestrians."},{"title":"Commercial Entrance - Per Person","cost":"10.00","description":"Commercial Road-Based Tours are required to obtain a Commercial Use Authorization before visiting Capitol Reef.\n\nWhen visiting the park, the tour must then pay the separate entrance fee at the visitor center (or through pay.gov).\n\nTours with vehicle capacity of 15 or less should apply for a CUA in the \"Guided Interpretive Tours\" category. Tours of this size fall under the Guided Activities entry fee structure."},{"title":"Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus","cost":"100.00","description":"Commercial Road-Based Tours are required to obtain a Commercial Use Authorization before visiting Capitol Reef National Park.\n\nWhen visiting the park, the tour must then pay the separate entrance fee at the visitor center (or through pay.gov).\n\nVehicle capacity of 16 seats or greater: $100.00 entrance fee"},{"title":"Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach","cost":"100.00","description":"Commercial Road-Based Tours are required to obtain a Commercial Use Authorization before visiting Capitol Reef National Park.\n\nWhen visiting the park, the tour must then pay the separate entrance fee at the visitor center (or through pay.gov).\n\nVehicle capacity of 16 seats or greater: $100.00 entrance fee"},{"title":"Commercial Entrance - Per Person","cost":"10.00","description":"Guided Activities include all types of guided services, such as bike and motorcycle tours, hiking guides, photography classes, hiking shuttles, and road-based commercial tours with vehicles <16 capacity.\n\nGuided activity groups are charged the per person fee of $10.00 per client, excluding the trip leader or guide. If a client has an America the Beautiful Resident pass (annual, senior, access, etc.) it covers 4 people in the group. (Non-resident annual passes cover only the pass owner.)"}],"passes":[{"title":"Annual Entrance - Park","cost":"35.00","description":"Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle or motorcycle and all its occupants or riders."}],"hours":[{"name":"Capitol Reef National Park","description":"Capitol Reef is a 24 hour park, open all day, every day. The visitor center is open daily, except for some major holidays. Visitor center hours vary, call 435-425-3791 and follow the prompts for current visitor center information.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"All Day","monday":"All Day","thursday":"All Day","sunday":"All Day","tuesday":"All Day","friday":"All Day","saturday":"All Day"},"exceptions":[]}],"directions":"From I-70: Take exit 149, then take UT-24 west toward Hanksville; continue for 43.8 miles (70.5 km). Turn right to continue on UT-24 west and continue for 37.3 miles (60 km). From I-15: take exit 188 then US-50 east toward Scipio. Left on UT-50; continuing 0.7 miles (1.1 km). Turn right onto US-50 east; continue for 24.4 miles (39.3 km). Turn right onto UT-260 south and continue 4.2 miles (6.8 km), then right on UT-24 for 71.3 miles. UT-12: North on highway 12 to Torrey, UT. Right onto UT-24.","weatherInfo":"Weather is posted daily; check at the park visitor center for weather updates. Do not enter into narrow canyons if there is a threat of rain or if rain has been falling in the area. Rain and snow may also make dirt roads impassable to vehicles.","contacts":{"phone":"435-425-3791","email":"care_information@nps.gov"},"visitorCenters":[{"name":"Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center","description":"Capitol Reef National Park visitor center sits at the intersection of UT-24 and the Scenic Drive.","url":"http://www.nps.gov/care","lat":38.2914727474,"lon":-111.262039763}],"campgrounds":[{"name":"Fruita Campground","description":"The 71 site Fruita campground is the only developed campground in the park, offering picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, water and a dump station. A $25 nightly fee is charged. It is open year-round. Campsites are reservable year-round; visit www.recreation.gov to make a reservation. Reservations are accepted 6 months ahead of time. The busy season is mid March through October when the campground is typically fully booked. In the winter, there is less demand and it is easy to secure a campsite.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/fruitacampground.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/272245","sites":71},{"name":"Group Campsite","description":"The Group Campsite is a secluded site located near the Fruita Campground and can accommodate a maximum of 40 people. It may be reserved through www.recreation.gov up to one year in advance. The Fruita Group Campsite is open from mid-April to mid-October. It is closed every Tuesday and Wednesday nights for maintenance. The nightly rate is $125.","url":"","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251709","sites":1},{"name":"Backcountry Camping","description":"A free backcountry permit, available at the visitor center, is required for camping outside of campgrounds. Capitol Reef offers many hiking options for serious backpackers and those who enjoy exploring remote areas. For more information on possible backpacking routes, route descriptions and maps are available on our hiking and backpacking page.","url":"","reservationUrl":null,"sites":0},{"name":"Primitive campsites at Cathedral Campground","description":"It is located approximately halfway on the Cathedral Valley Loop Road. About 36 miles (57.9 km) from the visitor center, this primitive, no-fee campground has 6 sites, each with a picnic table and fire grate. There is a pit toilet, but no water available. The campground is open year-round; however, visitors should check road conditions with the Capitol Reef Visitor Center prior to planning an overnight stay. The campground is at ~7,000 feet (2,133 m) in elevation, No reservations; first-come, first-served.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/primitive-campgrounds.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":6},{"name":"Primitive campsites at Cedar Mesa Campground","description":"It is located approximately 23 miles (37.0 km) south of Utah State Highway 24 on the Notom-Bullfrog Road and is at 5,500 feet (1,676 m) in elevation. This primitive, no-fee campground has five sites, each with a picnic table and fire grate. There is also a pit toilet, but no water is available. The campground is open year-round, but visitors should check with the Capitol Reef Visitor Center for road conditions prior to planning an overnight stay. No reservations; first-come, first-served.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/primitive-campgrounds.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":5}],"thingsToDo":[],"nearby":[{"slug":"dixie-national-forest","km":49},{"slug":"grand-staircase-escalante-national-monument","km":53},{"slug":"fishlake-national-forest","km":101},{"slug":"bryce-canyon-national-park","km":113},{"slug":"canyonlands-national-park","km":119},{"slug":"manti-la-sal-national-forest","km":125}],"hasBoundary":true,"boundarySource":{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division","url":"https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2224545"},"sources":[{"name":"NPS Data API","url":"https://developer.nps.gov/api/v1/parks?parkCode=care"},{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division boundaries","url":"https://services1.arcgis.com/fBc8EJBxQRMcHlei/arcgis/rest/services/NPS_Land_Resources_Division_Boundary_and_Tract_Data_Service/FeatureServer/2"}],"editorialStatus":"draft","synced":"2026-11-09T02:12:45.609Z","alerts":[{"source":"NPS","kind":"Information","title":"Visitor Center Holiday Hours and Closures","text":"The Capitol Reef visitor center will have shortened hours or be closed for the following holidays: November 25 closing at 1 pm. November 26, closed. December 24 and 25, closed. December 31 closing at 1 pm. January 1, closed.","url":null,"updated":"2026-11-06 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-4B1BC2B9-6B0F-4BDC-AB26-2E84CA86A612"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Information","title":"Special Event: September 19 and 25, 2027 Scenic Drive temporary closure","text":"Reef Ride Bike Days: For this special event the Scenic Drive will be open to bicycles and pedestrians only for part of the day on Saturday, September 18 and Saturday, September 25, 2027. The road will be closed to vehicles from sunrise to 3pm to allow for bicycles and pedestrians to enjoy the road at a more leisurely pace. The Fruita area and main road through the park (UT highway 24) - will remain open and unaffected by this closure.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/reef-ride-bike-days.htm","updated":"2026-10-06 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-E3399C63-736C-4261-95F8-DB559A6AEF79"}],"url":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/sites/capitol-reef-national-park/","boundaryUrl":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/boundaries/capitol-reef-national-park.geojson"}