Rolling Out the New Scenic Drive
Posted in: Outdoor adventures on August 30, 2025.
Rolling Out the New Scenic Drive
If you love an easy cruise through big desert scenery, this is your moment. Capitol Reef’s Scenic Drive just finished a careful rehabilitation, so the classic route to Capitol Gorge feels smoother, safer, and more welcoming while keeping every bit of its rugged charm.
Photo courtesy of NPS
The project began on April 29, 2024 and wrapped up on August 25, 2025. Led by the National Park Service in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, the work focused on modernizing a road first built for 1960s visitation, without changing the character of the drive we all come for.
What Changed (and Why You’ll Notice)
Photo courtesy of NPS
Resurfacing & repairs: The full length of Scenic Drive received new pavement and structural fixes, so you get a quiet, comfortable ride from Fruita down to Capitol Gorge.
Safer curves & consistent width: Tight spots were slightly widened (generally to about 20 feet, up to 23 feet in a few locations) to help vehicles pass each other more easily on bends, which is especially helpful for trucks, RVs, and trailers.
Better drainage: Re-lined culverts and improved drainage protect the road from spring runoff and monsoon bursts, which means fewer washouts and a road surface that holds up longer.
Parking & flow upgrades: Key areas—including the Visitor Center, Chimney Rock, and Capitol Gorge, were reorganized and expanded for more capacity and simpler in-and-out movement on busy days.
A Quick Timeline
Photo courtesy of NPS
Spring 2024: Construction begins with phased closures and detours while crews rebuild base layers and drainage.
Late 2024: Portions reopen as paving progresses; finishing work continues at lots and facilities.
Spring–Summer 2025: Final surfacing, striping, and access upgrades come together.
August 25, 2025: The project is complete, and the Scenic Drive to Capitol Gorge is fully open.
Plan Your Drive
Photo courtesy of NPS
From our neck of the woods, Scenic Drive is always a favorite; roll the windows down, watch the cliffs light up, and hop out for short walks and overlooks along the way. With the fresh surface and smarter parking, it’s easier than ever to enjoy the views at an unhurried pace.
Heading this way soon? Make the Scenic Drive part of your itinerary, then circle back to Fruita for pie, orchards, and a sunset that never disappoints. We’ll save you a cozy room and point you to our other must-see stops while you’re here.
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