The Best Scenic Drives Near Capitol Reef

Southern Utah has a lot going for it: red rock, big sky, and roads that were basically made to be driven. Whether you’re road-tripping through and passing by, or just looking for something to do after breakfast, these are our favorite scenic drives near Capitol Reef. Some you’ve probably heard of, some maybe not. All of them are worth your time.

1. Scenic Byway 12

Might as well start with the obvious one. Scenic Byway 12 is Utah’s premier scenic route — it connects Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon and winds through slickrock canyons, high mountain forests, red desert cliffs, and everything in between. The U.S. Department of Transportation has even designated it an All-American Road, which is a pretty big deal as these things go.

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If you’re starting from Torrey, head south through Boulder and then Escalante. If you have time, pull off and hike down to Lower Calf Creek Falls — you won’t regret it. And when you hit the Hogback, brace yourself: a narrow ridge with steep drop-offs on both sides. It’s the kind of road that makes you grip the wheel just a little tighter. Worth it.

2. Burr Trail

For something with a little more adventure to it, there’s the Burr Trail — a winding 67-mile route through some of the most remote stretches of the park. It starts in Boulder and cuts through the southern end of Capitol Reef. Along the way you’ll pass narrow canyons, petrified sand dunes, and the famous Burr Trail Switchbacks, which drop dramatically down into the Waterpocket Fold.

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It’s a stunning drive and rarely crowded. Bring snacks, water, and a camera. But fair warning: only the first 30 miles are paved. After that it turns to dirt, so a capable vehicle with good clearance is a must, and four-wheel drive is always a smart call out here. Check the latest conditions at the NPS page for the Burr Trail before you go.

3. Cathedral Valley Loop

This one’s gotten more popular in recent years, but it’s still pretty off the beaten path — and for good reason. The Cathedral Valley Loop takes you up into the secluded northern section of Capitol Reef, where you’ll find monoliths like the Temple of the Sun and Moon that honestly don’t look real. And the solitude is real too. It’s also one of the darkest spots in the park after sunset, which makes it excellent for stargazing. If you want a local guide for the area, Meridian Tours runs jeep and stargazing tours out that way.

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You’ll need high clearance — four-wheel drive depending on conditions. Same drill as the Burr Trail: check road conditions at the visitor center before heading out. The NPS keeps current info here. If you’re feeling up for it, this is one of the more rewarding drives in the whole area.

4. Notom–Bullfrog Road

Want something quieter but still want the full Southern Utah experience? The Notom–Bullfrog Road runs along the eastern edge of Capitol Reef, giving you a close-up look at the Waterpocket Fold the whole way. It’s mostly dirt but usually in decent shape for most vehicles. Just watch the weather — it gets muddy fast. The Capitol Reef Visitor Center can give you the latest on conditions.

This drive feels genuinely wild. Empty desert valleys, rocky ridgelines, almost no other cars. It’s the kind of road where you feel like you’re actually discovering something, even when it’s right there on the map. If you have the time and the spirit for it, don’t skip this one.

5. Fishlake Loop

And if you want to cool off completely, head north to Fishlake. This high-elevation drive takes you through alpine lakes, aspen groves, and grassy meadows — about as different from the red rock of Capitol Reef as you can get while still being just up the road. It almost doesn’t feel like the same state. Perfect for a hot summer day or early fall when the aspens are turning.

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Pack a picnic, stop at the lake, and if fishing is your thing, this is one of the best spots in Utah for it. You can even swing by and see Pando, the world’s largest living organism (it’s an aspen grove — yes, really). More on the Fishlake Scenic Drive here.

Hit the Road

There are hundreds of miles of scenic road near Capitol Reef. These five are just our favorites. Pick one, pick all of them, pack some snacks, and go. And if you need a comfortable spot to come back to at the end of the day, we’ve got rooms right in the middle of it all — check availability at the Lodge.