Capitol Reef.
Our Itinerary.
Welcome to our suggested itinerary for Capitol Reef National Park. We at the Lodge at Red River Ranch have three recommendations for you, depending on how long you plan to be in the area.
Start Here. Make a Selection.
Options are tailored to the total number of nights you’ll be spending with us.
Two Nights. Three Days.
A Taste of Capitol Reef.
Most of our guests can only come to Capitol Reef for a couple of days. And we get it, there’s a lot to see in Southern Utah. So if you’re planning on a two-night stay, here’s how to get the most out of your trip.
Day One.
You Have Arrived.
Drive to Capitol Reef.
Most people come down from Salt Lake City – since it’s the nearest airport. The drive down should take you about 4 hours.
Visit the Visitor Center.
If you get here soon enough in the day, we recommend driving into Capitol Reef, just to get a feel for things. Stop by the Visitor Center, talk to the rangers, and watch their educational film. You can find out more about the Capitol Reef Visitor Center here.
Hike to Goosenecks Overlook.
(Easy | 0.2-miles roundtrip)
On the way out of the park, you should stop at Goosenecks Overlook. It offers beautiful views of Sulphur Creek Canyon far below. It’s a great introduction to Capitol Reef and a very easy hike.
Check-in to Accommodations.
Whether you’re staying at the Lodge, or somewhere else nearby, it’s time to check-in and get some rest.
Day Two.
Cassidy Arch.
Get a Good Breakfast.
It is the most important meal of the day, after all. Breakfast at the Lodge is served from 7:30am to 9:30am.
Plan for Lunch.
Have us pack you a sack lunch, or stop by Torrey on your way into the park and pick up picnic foods. You’ll be hungry later.
Return to Capitol Reef.
Take the Scenic Road.
The Capitol Reef Scenic road will take you further into the park, offering even more spectacular scenery. It’s a toll road and will cost you ten dollars for a week’s worth of access. There are a couple of offshoots to the main road, one of them will lead you to Cassidy Arch. (The turnoff is clearly marked.)
Hike to Cassidy Arch.
(Moderate | 3.5-miles roundtrip)
This is one of our favorite hikes in the park. A relatively steep climb will lead you to Cassidy Arch – named after the outlaw, Butch Cassidy – and stunning views of the park. The trail is moderately strenuous, with a large increase in elevation.
Break for Lunch.
Feel free to eat your picnic on the top of Cassidy Arch. Nothing bets a meal with a view. Just remember to bring your trash back with you.
Visit the Gifford House.
The historic homestead of Fruita, the Gifford House now serves as a museum and gift shop. It’s got lots of treats for sale, like homemade ice-cream. The perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Have Dinner in Torrey.
Check out this page for dining recommendations
Day Three.
Hickman Bridge.
Eat and Get Packed.
Eat some breakfast, pack up, and check out. There is still time for one last adventure in Capitol Reef.
Stop by the Petroglyphs.
About a mile from the visitor center is an impressive collection of Native American rock art (and a few additions by early settlers.) A half-mile boardwalk trail allows for easy viewing.
Hike to Hickman Bridge.
(Moderate | 2-miles roundtrip)
Hickman Bridge is a moderately easy hike located just off the main throughway of the park. Short sections can be steep, but overall the trail is relatively flat. One mile in and you will see a fantastic natural bridge.
Time to Say Goodbye.
If your path leads you that way, consider taking beautiful Scenic Byway 12 through the Escalante-Grand Staircase National Monument for more of breathtaking Southern Utah.
Got More Time?
That’s our two-night, three-day itinerary.
But if you’ve got more time to spend in Capitol Reef, try one of these other itineraries.
Three Nights. Four Days.
All the Hits.
Three days allows you time to see a bit more of Capitol Reef. This itinerary is like the perfect playlist, complete with grand overviews, slot canyons, and a healthy dose of hiking.
Day One.
You Have Arrived.
Drive to Capitol Reef.
Most people come down from Salt Lake City – since it’s the nearest airport. The drive down should take you about 4 hours.
Visit the Visitor Center.
If you get here soon enough in the day, we recommend driving into Capitol Reef, just to get a feel for things. Stop by the Visitor Center, talk to the rangers, and watch their educational film. You can find out more about the Capitol Reef Visitor Center here.
Hike to Goosenecks Overlook.
(Easy | 0.2-miles roundtrip)
On the way out of the park, you should stop at Goosenecks Overlook. It offers beautiful views of Sulphur Creek Canyon far below. It’s a great introduction to Capitol Reef and a very easy hike.
Check-in to Accommodations.
Whether you’re staying at the Lodge, or somewhere else nearby, it’s time to check-in and get some rest.
Day Two.
Cassidy Arch.
Get a Good Breakfast.
It is the most important meal of the day, after all. Breakfast at the Lodge is served from 7:30am to 9:30am.
Plan for Lunch.
Have us pack you a sack lunch, or stop by Torrey on your way into the park and pick up picnic foods. You’ll be hungry later.
Return to Capitol Reef.
Take the Scenic Road.
The Capitol Reef Scenic road will take you further into the park, offering even more spectacular scenery. It’s a toll road and will cost you ten dollars for a week’s worth of access. There are a couple of offshoots to the main road, one of them will lead you to Cassidy Arch. (The turnoff is clearly marked.)
Hike to Cassidy Arch.
(Moderate | 3.5-miles roundtrip)
This is one of our favorite hikes in the park. A relatively steep climb will lead you to Cassidy Arch – named after the outlaw, Butch Cassidy – and stunning views of the park. The trail is moderately strenuous, with a large increase in elevation.
Break for Lunch.
Feel free to eat your picnic on the top of Cassidy Arch. Nothing bets a meal with a view. Just remember to bring your trash back with you.
Visit the Gifford House.
The historic homestead of Fruita, the Gifford House now serves as a museum and gift shop. It’s got lots of treats for sale, like homemade ice-cream. The perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Have Dinner in Torrey.
Check out this page for dining recommendations
Day Three.
Burro Wash.
Return to Capitol Reef.
Stop by the Petroglyphs.
About a mile from the visitor center is an impressive collection of Native American rock art (and a few additions by early settlers.) A half-mile boardwalk trail allows for easy viewing.
Drive into the Waterpocket Fold.
Continue driving along Highway 24 and enjoy the variety of sandstone which makes Capitol Reef so spectacular. After about 20 minutes, you’ll see the turnoff for the Notom-Bullfrog Road, take this road south. One of the first trailheads you will encounter will be Burro Wash.
Hike Burro Wash.
(Strenuous | 8-miles roundtrip)
Burro Wash is a large canyon system, composed of several “slots” and well as more open regions. There is frequently water to be found in the canyon, which may require wading or swimming. The trail is considered to be moderately strenuous.
Revisit the Gifford House.
Reward yourself with more treats after a long day of adventuring.
Have Dinner in Torrey.
Day Four.
Chimney Rock.
Eat and Get Packed.
Eat some breakfast, pack up, and check out. There is still time for one last adventure in Capitol Reef.
Hike Chimney Rock.
(Moderate | 3.5-miles roundtrip)
Chimney Rock is one of the iconic features of Capitol Reef. And every time you’ve entered the park, you’ve driven past it. The hike will lead you to a wonderful overlook of Chimney Rock, Sulphur Creek Canyon, and the Waterpocket Fold.
Time to Say Goodbye.
If your path leads you that way, consider taking beautiful Scenic Byway 12 through the Escalante-Grand Staircase National Monument for more of breathtaking Southern Utah.
Need Something Else?
That’s our three-night, four-day itinerary.
But if you need a little more, or a little less, try one of these other itineraries.
Five Nights. Six Days.
See Sights Unseen.
For the adventurer who wants to see everything, from the lonely monoliths of Cathedral Valley, to the twisting switchbacks of the Burr Trail. This is the Capitol Reef most people miss out on.
Day One.
You Have Arrived.
Drive to Capitol Reef.
Most people come down from Salt Lake City – since it’s the nearest airport. The drive down should take you about 4 hours.
Visit the Visitor Center.
If you get here soon enough in the day, we recommend driving into Capitol Reef, just to get a feel for things. Stop by the Visitor Center, talk to the rangers, and watch their educational film. You can find out more about the Capitol Reef Visitor Center here.
Hike to Goosenecks Overlook.
(Easy | 0.2-miles roundtrip)
On the way out of the park, you should stop at Goosenecks Overlook. It offers beautiful views of Sulphur Creek Canyon far below. It’s a great introduction to Capitol Reef and a very easy hike.
Check-in to Accommodations.
Whether you’re staying at the Lodge, or somewhere else nearby, it’s time to check-in and get some rest.
Day Two.
Cassidy Arch.
Get a Good Breakfast.
It is the most important meal of the day, after all. Breakfast at the Lodge is served from 7:30am to 9:30am.
Plan for Lunch.
Have us pack you a sack lunch, or stop by Torrey on your way into the park and pick up picnic foods. You’ll be hungry later.
Return to Capitol Reef.
Take the Scenic Road.
The Capitol Reef Scenic road will take you further into the park, offering even more spectacular scenery. It’s a toll road and will cost you ten dollars for a week’s worth of access. There are a couple of offshoots to the main road, one of them will lead you to Cassidy Arch. (The turnoff is clearly marked.)
Hike to Cassidy Arch.
(Moderate | 3.5-miles roundtrip)
This is one of our favorite hikes in the park. A relatively steep climb will lead you to Cassidy Arch – named after the outlaw, Butch Cassidy – and stunning views of the park. The trail is moderately strenuous, with a large increase in elevation.
Break for Lunch.
Feel free to eat your picnic on the top of Cassidy Arch. Nothing bets a meal with a view. Just remember to bring your trash back with you.
Visit the Gifford House.
The historic homestead of Fruita, the Gifford House now serves as a museum and gift shop. It’s got lots of treats for sale, like homemade ice-cream. The perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Have Dinner in Torrey.
Check out this page for dining recommendations
Day Three.
The Burr Trail
Get Ready.
Grab breakfast, plan ahead, and get lunch supplies.
Return to Capitol Reef.
Stop by the Petroglyphs.
About a mile from the visitor center is an impressive collection of Native American rock art (and a few additions by early settlers.) A half-mile boardwalk trail allows for easy viewing.
Drive into the Waterpocket Fold.
Continue driving along Highway 24 and enjoy the variety of sandstone which makes Capitol Reef so spectacular. After about 20 minutes, you’ll see the turnoff for the Notom-Bullfrog Road, take this road south.
Cedar Mesa Primitive Campground.
About an hour after you turn down the Notom-Bullfrog Road, you’ll arrive at this campground. Stop and stretch your legs, have a snack and admire the view.
Drive the Burr Trail Road.
(62-mile loop)
The Burr Trail is the perfect way to experience the Waterpocket Fold, the southern section of Capitol Reef. There are lots and lots of opportunities to hike and explore, so be sure to stop frequently, take some selfies, and take your time on this fantastic scenic route. Our favorite part? Driving the switchbacks up the mountain.
Take a load off in Boulder.
The Burr Trail will spit you out in the town of Boulder, Utah. Have something to eat, look around, and stop by the Anasazi State Park Museum for a bit of historical context.
Back to Torrey.
The views aren’t over yet. Drive down Boulder Mountain back to Torrey, and stop to look back at the Waterpocket Fold from the scenic overlooks. You just drove through that.
Day Four.
Grand Wash.
Get Ready.
Grab breakfast, plan ahead, and get lunch supplies.
Return to Capitol Reef.
Hike the Grand Wash.
(Moderate | 2.2-miles one way)
Grand Wash is a fairly easy trail through a deep canyon, with steep cliffs on each side. Stories abound about Butch Cassidy hiding out in this canyon. Consider parking a car on both sides of the trail, to shuttle back and forth.
Picnic in the Campground.
Throw a frisbee around, sit in the sun and eat lunch. Just don’t feed the deer.
Revisit the Gifford House.
Indulge again in some more homemade treats. While you’re there admire the antiques and maybe walk around the corner to check out the Blacksmith Shop.
Have Some Downtime.
Check out a gallery or two in Torrey, read a book, or take a nap. Then have a nice dinner and maybe catch a movie.
Day Five.
Cathedral Valley.
Get Ready.
Grab breakfast, plan ahead, and get lunch supplies.
Return to Capitol Reef.
Drive the Cathedral Valley Loop.
(57-mile loop)
It can be a little tricky to find the right turn off, depending on which direction you want to do the loop. We suggest clockwise. You may want to refer to this map for help.
Upper South Desert Overlook.
(Easy | 0.5-miles roundtrip)
This beautiful overlook showcases the remote wonder of the South Desert. It’s an easy walk and is a good chance to stretch your legs at the half-way point.
Temples of the Sun and Moon.
About three-quarters of the way around the loop, you’ll find the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon. These lonely sandstone monoliths are the main attractions in Cathedral Valley. They rise dramatically from the surrounding desert, looking like, well, cathedrals. Be sure you have your camera with you.
Back to Torrey.
Complete the Cathedral Valley Loop. Finish driving the through the desert scenery and make it back in time for dinner.
Day Six.
Hickman Bridge.
Eat and Get Packed.
Eat some breakfast, pack up, and check out. There is still time for one last adventure in Capitol Reef.
Hike to Hickman Bridge.
(Moderate | 2-miles roundtrip)
Hickman Bridge is a moderately easy hike located just off the main throughway of the park. Short sections can be steep, but overall the trail is relatively flat. One mile in and you will see a fantastic natural bridge.
Time to Say Goodbye.
If your path leads you that way, consider taking beautiful Scenic Byway 12 through the Escalante-Grand Staircase National Monument for more of breathtaking Southern Utah.
Don’t Have This Long?
That’s our five-night, six-day itinerary.
But if you don’t have this much time, try one of these other itineraries.