Capital Reef, in my opinion is one of the most underrated parks. It seems that of all the parks of the “Big 5” in Utah; Zion, Bryce, Arches, and Canyonlands, Capital Reef is the one you hear the least about.

I was not expecting much upon my arrival to Capital Reef, but that all changed once I actually explored the area. There is a ten mile scenic drive you can take in the park. Make sure you take that drive! The drive alone is gorgeous, but if you have the time and energy, definitely take a few of the hikes that are offered.

Many people have heard of the infamous hikes in Zion National Park, the adrenaline-filled trail Angels Landing and the Narrows. Well, there are two hikes in Capital Reef that are very similar to these hikes. The Cassidy Arch trail in the Grand Wash is very similar to Angels Landing in Zion. This trail is pretty strenuous, shooting you up this cliff ending with an arch at the top with amazing views of the gorge. Very beautiful and worth it! It’s not as scary but you are walking along a cliff with similar views.

Then there is a trail called the Grand Wash with a point half way through it actually called, the Narrows. Looking very similar to the actual Narrows in Zion. The only exception, is your walking through a dry riverbed instead of wadding through the water as you do in Zion. So if you don’t like swimming or getting wet but always wanted to see the Narrows, this is definitly second best.

Both of these trails are at the exact same trailhead, both duable in one day if you start early. These trails are located right off the scenic ten mile drive at the Grand Wash turn. Make sure you check these two hikes out as they are very worth doing.

If you’re looking for another hike, at the very end of the ten mile scenic drive there is another hike that looks like the Narrows, but you lead to pools of water and kind of go back in time. There are petroglyphs along the way and at the end of the hike, you head up a cliff for .2 miles to these pools. There is not much water in the area, so it’s special seeing pools of water in the middle of a desert. The drive is epic as well! Even if you drive to the trail head its worth it, and the trail is only one mile to the pool, giving you just a two miles RT hike!

Capital Reef is a pretty large park, offering much opportunity for dirt roads, longer hikes, and just a chance to really get off the beaten path. There is only one campground in the park, but there is plentiful camping in near-by areas, free campsites and actual campgrounds.

If you’re looking for a topo for this area, you can get it here. Or a guide to Capital Reef here. 

Not far from the entrance of Capital Reef where the visitor center is, about six miles west of the 24, there is a decent spot for free camping. There was an abundant amount of people camping there so headed west just two more miles and found an outlet with no one! It’s not hard to find free camping near Capital Reef! Plus, you can take advantage of the free apple picking right in the park. Went for two rounds on this one.

Hope you get to see this park. It’s very much underrated and this park is now one of my favorite parks. Thank you for reading!

Sincerely,

Livingonthedirt/Shelly