Memorial Day Will Be Here Soon!

Sunscreen? Check. Water? Check. A perfect itinerary of how to maximize your Memorial Day Weekend? Well, it’s about to be double-check because we have some excellent suggestions on how to enjoy every minute of your long weekend. The Lodge At Red River Ranch is only a short drive from Capitol Reef National Park, which as we have highlighted many times before, is one of the most unique and beautiful national parks in Utah. So here are some of our absolute favorite things to do this Memorial Day Weekend.

Photo by Frances Gunn via unsplash.com

Hiking

No list would be complete without mentioning the hiking in Capitol Reef, and there is a wide range of trails available for all levels. These are our top picks for each category:

We recommend Sulfur Creek Waterfall for our beginner hikers, or for those looking to enjoy a meandering trail with beautiful views. Just under 2 miles, it will take less than an hour to complete. The trail runs alongside—and sometimes through—a creek, so we advise bringing waterproof shoes. The elevation, however, is minimal, and the water makes it a great one for hot days. The trail is accessed from the Visitor Center.

For a more moderate hike, Cassidy Arch will never disappoint. It’s 3 miles roundtrip, with some steep elevation on the way up. There’s a little bit of scrambling, and not much shade, but the arch and vistas at the top are some of the best in the park.

The advanced hiker will love Navajo Knobs Trail. It’s 9 miles there and back with 2,000 ft in elevation gain, so it’s not easy. Depending on your own ability, plan to spend 5–7 hours hiking it. But with the highest point of elevation at 7,000 ft, you’re guaranteed some very special scenery.

Regardless of what hike you choose, we’d recommend getting to the trailhead early. The desert can get very hot as early as 9 am, so be sure to bring plenty of water and electrolytes, keep the sun off your neck, and re-apply your sunscreen. Stick to the trails for your own safety and the safety of the nature around you.

Photo by Evan Sanchez via unsplash.com

Camping

If you want to truly immerse yourself in nature, nothing will accomplish that more than sleeping under the stars. Much like your hiking options, Capitol Reef offers several different ways to camp. No matter what you choose, you can’t go wrong—they’re all beautiful.

For a relaxed, easily accessible camping experience, you can book your spot at Fruita Campground near the entrance of the park, not far from the visitor’s center. There’s park benches, bathrooms, and running water. You’ll be in close proximity to fruit orchards (where you can pick your own fruit), green spaces, and the wild deer that peacefully roam the area. You will, however, be sharing the campground with other campers and RVs, which might not be appealing to the more seasoned camper. You can book online here at recreation.gov.

For those who truly want to get away, there are two Primitive Campgrounds in Capitol Reef, which will require a thirst for adventure and a vehicle with 4-wheel drive. They are Cathedral Valley Campsite and Cedar Mesa Campsite, and both have pit toilets, but no running water. They’re first come, first serve, but are free. Before setting out, you should call (435) 425–3791 to check the road conditions.

The advanced camper can request a backpacking permit from the visitor center. This will allow you to camp outside of the campsites, but there will be some rules involved. We only recommend this for seasoned hikers and campers who really know their stuff, but it’s a truly incredible way to experience the park.

But just remember, camping doesn’t have to take up every night of your weekend. There’s no shame in booking a room and a hot shower.

Photo by Tim Foster unsplash.com

Cycling

Capitol Reef takes up 378 square miles. With such a large radius, there is so much to explore beyond the visitor’s center. Cycling is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the park while being able to take in larger sections of its beauty. Here are some excellent routes you can take:

The Scenic Drive is 7.9 mile paved road that includes the Waterpocket Fold and access to Grand Wash Road and Capitol Gorge. Be aware that this is one way, so you’ll have to cycle back, or have a buddy plan to pick you up. You’ll be sharing the road with cars as well, as this is a famous section of the park.

The Burr Trail leads you through, in our opinion, some of the most scenic beauty in the whole state. It’s mostly paved, but about 35% of it is dirt road, so be sure you and your bike are up for it. Spring and fall are the best times to go, so you’ll be hitting the sweet spot if you take on the challenge this Memorial Day. The full length is 67 miles, so you might want to break it up, or coordinate getting picked up part way. It’s not for the beginner, but is worth it for someone with some more cycling experience.

Photo via iStockPhoto

Bonus!

Hiking, camping, and cycling can be challenging, so if you or your loved ones aren’t up for rising early or battling the heat, there’s a walk you can take that’s easy, beautiful, and full of history.

In several places throughout the park you can find ancient petroglyphs. These rock art figures were created by Native American peoples hundreds of years ago, approximately between 600 and 1300 AD. They’re attributed to the Fremont and Ancestral Puebloan people, and depict their lives, customs, and mythologies. You’ll see animals, people, hand prints, and other shapes depicted in unique and abstract geometric forms.

The most accessible petroglyphs are right at the entrance of the park. If you take Highway 24, just east of the Visitor Center, the entrance to the parking lot is clearly marked. A boardwalk runs alongside the walls, and you can see these incredibly preserved markings up close.

Pictures are allowed, but it’s very important you don’t touch the petroglyphs, as the oil from your hands will erode and damage them.

And if you’re up for some more exploring, there is another petroglyph panel located in Capitol Gorge. You can drive down there, but it takes a little more preparation, as there are dirt roads and your car will need to be up for it. Also, you’ll need to pay a $10 toll fee to access that part of the park. But in our opinion, it’s worth it.

So there you have it! Three ideas for how to spend your Memorial Day weekend in the stunning beauty of Capitol Reef National Park. And if you’re staying with us, be sure to stop by our front desk for pamphlets, maps, and even more insider knowledge of how to enjoy the park.