As summer heat wanes and the leaves start to change, Capitol Reef enters one of its best seasons. September and October bring cooler mornings, crisp evenings, and a splash of golden cottonwoods in the Fremont River valley. The crowds diminish, the light softens, and the trails open for long, relaxed days of exploration. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to visit, fall is it.

Photo courtesy of Galyna Andrushko via Shutterstock

Why Fall Is Perfect for Hiking

In July and August, daytime highs can make long hikes exhausting. By mid-September, though, the weather balances out: warm enough to be comfortable, cool enough for longer distances. Early mornings are crisp, afternoons are pleasant, and evenings call for a sweater instead of a sunhat. With fewer visitors than in summer, you’ll find parking at trailheads easier and trails less crowded. Even the risk of flash floods decreases as the monsoon season ends and drier skies return.

Trails Worth Exploring This Season

Fall hiking in Capitol Reef isn’t about conquering the most challenging trails — it’s about enjoying the park during its most inviting season. Here are some of the best options:

• Hickman Bridge Trail: A short but stunning hike (about two miles round trip) that passes by Fremont River overlooks before reaching a natural stone arch. Cooler fall temperatures make this an ideal late-morning walk.
• Grand Wash: Wide, sheer canyon walls and peaceful sandy washes make this trail memorable. Cottonwoods at the bottom of the wash start turning golden by late September, adding a splash of autumn color.
• Cohab Canyon: A moderate climb near Fruita, this trail weaves through narrow canyons and up to expansive overlooks of the orchards and river valley. The mix of rock and fall leaves makes it a favorite for photographers.
• Capitol Gorge: A leisurely walk along a historic pioneer road. Petroglyphs, water pockets, and striking canyon walls make this a perfect choice for late in the day, when the light is soft and golden.

Photo courtesy of Juan Carlos Munoz via Shutterstock

Fall Colors in Fruita

The Fruita Historic District, just inside the park entrance, is always worth a visit — but in fall it becomes something special. Cottonwoods and willows along the Fremont River change from green to bright yellow, framing the red rock cliffs in autumn gold. The pioneer-era orchards also add to the charm. While 2025’s harvest season was largely lost to a hard spring freeze that wiped out most of the crop, the orchards remain open for strolling, and the Gifford House stays stocked with pies and jams that carry on the Fruita tradition.

Photo courtesy of Wirestock Creators via Shutterstock

Planning Tips for September and October

• Timing: Early mornings and late afternoons are the most comfortable for longer hikes. Midday is still warm, but manageable.
• Gear: Layers are essential. Temperatures can swing widely between morning and evening.
• Crowds: Weekdays are the quietest. Even on weekends, you’ll find far fewer visitors than in Zion or Arches National Park.
• Colors: Peak foliage in Fruita and the Fremont River corridor usually runs late September through early October — but the exact timing shifts year to year.

The Lodge Connection

One of the best parts about hiking Capitol Reef in the fall is knowing you have a cozy home base just minutes away. Guests at The Lodge at Red River Ranch often start their mornings with a hot drink on the porch, go into the park for a refreshing daytime hike, and come back in the evening to relax by the fire or soak in the hot tub. With the trailheads so close, you don’t have to rush — you can enjoy the best of the park at a leisurely pace, the way fall was meant to be experienced.

Photo courtesy of Joseph Sohm via Shutterstock

Plan Your Visit

Fall is fleeting in the high desert, but it’s also unforgettable. Whether you’re walking beneath cottonwoods in Fruita, climbing toward Hickman Bridge, or exploring a canyon at sunset, you’ll see Capitol Reef at its most colorful and inviting.

Make The Lodge at Red River Ranch your base this fall, and discover why September and October are the hidden gems of Utah’s hiking season.

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.

Get current road info from NPS
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Read the project summary

As the sun dips below the cliffs of Capitol Reef, a whole new world begins to emerge. The red rock fades to shadow, the air cools, and slowly, one by one, the stars reveal themselves.

Photo: Photo courtesy of NPS

If you’ve only ever seen the night sky from a city or suburb, then the first time you look up in Capitol Reef might be a little overwhelming. The Milky Way stretches from horizon to horizon, thick with light. Planets glow like lanterns, and if you look closely, you can watch satellites tracing their paths across the dark. This is why Capitol Reef has been recognized as one of the best places in the world to view the night sky, and why protecting it is so important.

What Does It Mean to Be a Dark Sky Park?

Back in 2015, Capitol Reef National Park received the Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park designation, the highest level given by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). The park spent years auditing and adjusting its lighting so that artificial light is shielded and directed downward, rather than spilling into the sky; night-sky–friendly fixtures jumped significantly during the designation process. Rangers expanded programming and outreach as well (NPS news release; NPS: Night Sky; DarkSky announcement). These are the kinds of actions IDA looks for when certifying parks (NPS: Dark Sky Park FAQs).

Photo: Photo courtesy of NPS

Those efforts paid off. With its designation, Capitol Reef joined a global network of parks and communities committed to protecting the natural night. For guests, it means you can experience the kind of starlight our ancestors took for granted: brilliant, unfiltered, and humbling.

Why Stargazing Is Getting Harder Everywhere Else

Step outside in Salt Lake City, Denver, or Los Angeles, and you’ll see only a handful of stars. That’s because over 80% of Americans—and 99% of people in the U.S. and Europe—can no longer see the Milky Way from home (TIME; National Geographic). Globally, about one‑third of humanity lives under skies so bright that the Milky Way has disappeared completely (WIRED).

Photo: Photo by 21 Ariels via Shutterstock.com

This glow, known as skyglow, isn’t just a stargazer’s headache; it also impacts ecosystems. Migrating birds lose their way, nocturnal animals change their hunting behavior, and even plants can be affected by too much light at night (National Geographic). For humans, the loss is cultural as much as scientific. For thousands of years, people navigated by the stars, used them to mark seasons, and found inspiration in their patterns. Losing the night sky means losing part of our story.

What You’ll See in Capitol Reef

Here, the view is truly extraordinary. On a clear night, the Milky Way spreads across the desert sky, filled with stars that seem close enough to touch. Depending on the season, you may see bright constellations like Orion, spot planets such as Jupiter or Saturn, and watch meteor showers streak across the sky. Park rangers and astronomy volunteers often host special events, setting up telescopes and guiding visitors through the constellations—part of Capitol Reef’s night‑sky programming that’s been going strong for years (Visit Utah: Dark Skies in Capitol Reef).

Photo: Photo courtesy of NPS

Best of all, you don’t need expensive equipment to be amazed. Even with the naked eye, Capitol Reef provides one of the clearest windows to the universe you’ll ever find. Bring binoculars or a small telescope and you’ll pick out lunar craters, Jupiter’s bands, and even the pale glow of distant galaxies.

Where to Go for the Best Skies

The beauty of Capitol Reef is that almost anywhere you look up, the view is incredible. But a few locations stand out as favorites for stargazers:

• Fruita Campground — Right in the heart of the park. Roll out of your tent or camper and you’re immediately under the stars. It’s a great option if you want convenience without sacrificing dark skies.
• Panorama Point — Just off Highway 24, this overlook is easy to reach and gives you a sweeping view of the horizon. Perfect for catching the Milky Way rising or setting.
• Cathedral Valley — For the adventurous, this remote backcountry area offers some of the darkest, most pristine skies in Capitol Reef. If you want solitude with your stargazing, this is the place to go.
• Torrey, Utah — The gateway town to Capitol Reef, Torrey became Utah’s first certified Dark Sky Community in 2018. Even from town you’ll see more stars than most places in the country, and its commitment to night-sky protection makes it a great base for exploration.

Beyond the park, the surrounding community also plays a part in the story. In 2018, the town of Torrey, Utah, became the state’s first certified Dark Sky Community, underscoring just how much this region values its night skies (USU Extension: Economy of a Dark Sky Town).

Why Protecting Dark Skies Matters

Preserving night skies isn’t just about the view. It’s about protecting habitats, honoring cultural traditions, and creating chances for people to reconnect with wonder. Tourism is part of the equation, too: “astrotourism” is a rapidly growing travel trend as more people seek places where the stars still shine brightly (Condé Nast Traveler). We can all help keep Capitol Reef dark: use fully shielded fixtures, choose warm bulbs, and turn off lights when they aren’t needed (DarkSky lighting guide).

The Lodge Connection

For guests at The Lodge at Red River Ranch, the dark‑sky experience doesn’t end at the park gate. Step outside your room and the stars are already blazing overhead. Take a peaceful walk to the hot tub and watch as more stars emerge with each passing minute. Because The Lodge is far from big‑city glow—and keeps outdoor lighting low and warm—your eyes adjust quickly, giving you an authentic dark‑sky experience without ever getting in the car.

And of course, being just minutes from Capitol Reef means you can spend the day exploring red‑rock canyons and then settle in for an evening of stargazing. For many guests, that combination—rugged landscape by day, endless stars by night—is what makes Capitol Reef unforgettable.

Plan Your Visit

Capitol Reef’s skies remind us what the night used to be: natural, brilliant, and endless. They’re part of the park’s identity, as essential as the domes of Navajo sandstone or the orchards in Fruita. And they’re waiting for you.

Make The Lodge at Red River Ranch your home base, and experience for yourself what makes Capitol Reef not only one of Utah’s most underrated parks, but also one of the best places in the world to see the stars.

As more people try to complete their summer plans, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially after months of seeing social media flooded with long entrance lines, overflowing parking lots, and crowded trails at the country’s most popular national parks. However, we at the Lodge at Red River Ranch know a better way to spend your time. Just down the road from us is Capitol Reef National Park in Utah, one of the state’s best-kept secrets. With towering cliffs, winding canyons, and unforgettable vistas, Capitol Reef offers all the beauty of Utah’s “Mighty Five,” and all without the crowds.

Photo by Kelly vanDellen via Shutterstock.com

Here, you can slow down, explore at your own pace, and still have plenty of time to enjoy a nice glass of wine before bidding the sun farewell in one of the many nearby restaurants.

1. Capitol Reef’s Scenic Beauty Without the Crowds

When people search “best time to visit Capitol Reef,” the answer is pretty much always “now.” Even at its busiest, this park feels open and accessible. Capitol Reef welcomed 1.42 million visitors in 2024, its highest ever, according to KUER News. That’s still a fraction of the nearly five million who poured into Zion National Park. What does that mean for you? Easier parking, slower mornings, and uncrowded trails, especially in the further reaches of the park.

Popular Capitol Reef attractions, such as the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, Cathedral Valley, and Hickman Bridge, offer world-class red-rock scenery comparable to that of other parks, with a quarter of the crowd. Whether you’re capturing sunrise over the Navajo Knobs or enjoying a calm mid-day hike through Grand Wash, you’ll notice the difference: a lot less noise, a lot more space, and more time to enjoy what you came to see.

Photo by Kelly vanDellen via Shutterstock.com

From The Lodge, you can be at the park’s visitor center in under 15 minutes, which means you can start your day before most travelers have even finished breakfast in other towns.

2. Capitol Reef’s Fruita Orchards, Gifford Homestead, and the Best Pie in Utah

If you search “things to do in Capitol Reef,” you’ll see plenty of mentions of the Fruita Historic District. Settled in the late 1800s, this desert oasis is home to pioneer-era orchards that continue to produce apples, peaches, and pears in season.

Photo by Nick Fox via Shutterstock.com

Right at the heart of Fruita is the Gifford Homestead, famous for small-batch fruit pies that visitors rave about (visitor video). They bake 32 dozen pies a day, and they’re usually sold out by early afternoon. Trust us, you’ll want to grab yours before heading out for an afternoon hike. Many guests at The Lodge start their day with a scenic orchard stroll, then stop at Gifford’s for pie before venturing deeper into the park (NPS: Gifford Homestead).

Harvest season in Capitol Reef adds another layer of charm; grab a basket, and you can pick your own fruit right from the trees. It’s a slice of living history you won’t find in other Utah national parks.

3. Hiking, Backcountry Drives, and Rugged Adventure in Capitol Reef

If you’re the type to search for “Utah Backcountry Hikes,” you’ll find that this park is a dream for explorers. The geology here is dominated by the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile-long wrinkle in the Earth’s crust (Utah.com). It’s a place for hikers, photographers, and anyone who loves a good off-the-beaten-path experience.

Favorites in Capitol Reef include Cassidy Arch, named after outlaw Butch Cassidy, and Sulphur Creek, where you can wade through shallow water and navigate through slot canyons. In the northern area, Cathedral Valley has towering monoliths and remote dirt-road drives that feel like visiting another planet — and if you’re interested, visit a nearby “planet” while you’re here: Mars on Earth.

Photo by piksik via Shutterstock.com

Staying at The Lodge makes it easy to tailor your trip; spend one day getting in your steps, and the next, cruising the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive with plenty of places for photos that your friends will think are AI-generated.

4. Best Lodging Near Capitol Reef for Day Trips and Adventures

Another reason this is the best place to stay near Capitol Reef National Park is its location. The Lodge is just minutes from the park entrance in Torrey, Utah, yet far enough from Highway 24 to ensure quiet nights. It also serves as an ideal base camp for exploring more of the area; Bryce Canyon, Goblin Valley State Park, Grand Staircase–Escalante, and even Moab’s Arches and Canyonlands are all accessible for easy day trips.

Whether you’re road-tripping Utah’s Mighty Five or making Capitol Reef your main focus, The Lodge offers the perfect blend of comfort, character, and convenience.

5. Plan Your Visit

Capitol Reef might be called “underrated,” but once you’ve been here, you’ll understand why so many visitors return year after year. It’s a park that rewards slowing down. Savor a pie in the shade of the orchard, watch shadows stretch across the cliffs at sunset, and stand in awe under a sky filled with more stars than you thought possible.

Make The Lodge at Red River Ranch your home base and see for yourself why Capitol Reef National Park is Utah’s most underrated national park.

Southern Utah offers a lot: red rocks, vast skies, and open roads. One of the best ways to enjoy this scenery is from your car, truck, or bike. Whether you’re road-tripping across the country or just looking for something to do after breakfast at the lodge, these are our favorite scenic drives near Capitol Reef. We’ve picked some local favorites, including well-known spots and hidden gems; each one is truly worth your time.

1. Scenic Byway 12

Let’s start with the most obvious choice. 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. It’s even been designated an All-American Road by the U.S. Department of Transportation, which is quite an honor.

Photo by Donald Giannatti via Unsplash.com

If you’re starting in Torrey, head south through Boulder and then Escalante. If you have the time, stop and visit Lower Calf Creek Falls—it’s a hike you won’t forget. And when you reach the infamous Hogback, prepare for a narrow ridge with steep drop-offs on both sides. Try not to look down too much; it’s a drop that seems to go on forever.

2. Burr Trail

For a bit of adventure, try driving the Burr Trail, a winding 67-mile route taking you through some of the most remote parts of the park. It begins in Boulder and goes through the southern part of Capitol Reef. Along the way, you’ll see narrow canyons, petrified sand dunes, and the famous Burr Trail Switchbacks, which plunge dramatically into the Waterpocket Fold.

Photo by Intricate Explorer via Unsplash.com

This drive is stunning and usually not crowded. Bring snacks, water, and a camera. The journey is beautiful, but not as smooth as Highway 12—only the first 30 miles are paved, with the rest transitioning into a dirt road. So, it’s essential to start in a capable vehicle with good clearance; four-wheel drive is always a smart choice. For the latest info, check out this link.

3. Cathedral Valley Loop

This trail is a bit more off the beaten path but has gained popularity recently. The Cathedral Valley Loop takes you to the secluded northern part of Capitol Reef, where you can see impressive monoliths like the Temple of the Sun and Moon. It also offers some of the park’s best solitude, making it a peaceful escape. Additionally, it’s known for its extremely dark skies, perfect for stargazing. If you’re not familiar with the night sky or want a local perspective, visit Meridian Tours to schedule jeep or stargazing tours.

Photo by Robin Canfield via Unsplash.com

You’ll need a high-clearance vehicle, possibly with four-wheel drive. As with the Burr Trail, check road conditions at the visitor center before heading out. For the most current updates, visit this link. If you’re feeling adventurous, this drive is highly rewarding.

4. Notom–Bullfrog Road

Looking for a quieter experience but still want to enjoy Southern Utah? Try the Notom–Bullfrog Road. It runs along the eastern edge of Capitol Reef, offering a close-up view of the Waterpocket Fold. The road is mostly dirt but usually in good condition for most vehicles. Just watch the weather because it can get muddy quickly. Checking with the Capitol Reef Visitor Center for recent updates is always a good idea.

This drive feels wild, with empty desert valleys, rocky ridgelines, and very few cars. It’s a fantastic way to experience the feeling of discovery, even when everything’s marked on the map. If you have the time and spirit, this is a must-visit.

5. Fishlake Loop

If you want to cool off, head north to Fishlake. This high-elevation drive passes by alpine lakes, aspen groves, and grassy meadows—completely different from the red rocks of Capitol Reef. It’s almost hard to believe they’re so close. It’s perfect for hot summer days or early fall.

Photo by Strauss Western via unsplash.com

Bring a picnic, stop by the lake, and if you’re into fishing, this is one of the top spots in the state. You can even visit Pando, the world’s largest living organism (an aspen grove, and yes, it’s real). To see more on this quick trip, click here.

Hit the Road

There are hundreds of miles of scenic roads near Capitol Reef. These five are just our favorites. Pick one or all, pack some snacks, load up, and hit the road.

And if you’re looking for the perfect basecamp, The Lodge at Red River Ranch is right in the middle of it all: comfortable rooms, stunning views, and access to a network of scenic drives nearby. See for yourself.

Capitol Reef boasts a multitude of hikes for people of all ages and fitness levels. Two short yet rewarding trails that the whole family can enjoy are Goosenecks Point and Sunset Point. Make them one of your first stops in Capitol Reef when visiting the park!

Photo via iStockPhoto.com

Two Great Overlooks, One Convenient Location!

Access both hikes from the Panorama Point parking lot off SR–24, the park’s main road that runs from the nearby town of Torrey. Follow the signs for Goosenecks Point and turn onto a washboard gravel road. (The road is less than a mile long but does get a little rough in spots; however, most cars should not have any trouble.) The dirt road will take you to a small circular parking lot. The Goosenecks Point trail is on the right, and the Sunset Point trail is on the left. Both trails are clearly marked by signs.

Goosenecks Point Trail is a short, uphill climb to a well-marked trail, less than .5 mile out and back, featuring stunning views of the canyon carved by Sulphur Creek. This trail doesn’t get many visitors, so you can enjoy the breathtaking views in peaceful solitude.

Sunset Point Trail is a similarly easy yet rewarding hike, at a mere .3 miles. The overlook offers jaw-dropping views of Capitol Reef’s iconic red rock formations, including Chimney Rock and Navajo Knobs, with the Henry Mountains in the distance. As the name suggests, the best time to visit the overlook is at sunset, when the fading light transforms the dramatic landscape into something from another world.

For stunning panoramic views of Capitol Reef’s mesmerizing landscape, don’t miss these two family-friendly trails! And for nearby accommodation with quick access to the park, check out The Lodge at Red River Ranch.

Memorial Day was on Monday, which means it’s now “officially” unofficially the start of summer! We hope you had a great weekend with plenty of good food, and time with family and friends. But if not, don’t worry. Summer is here! And it’s time to start planning for a great summer trip in Southern Utah! And it just so happens that we at the Lodge at Red River Ranch have some suggestions to help get you started!

Photo by Fabien Bazanegue via unsplash.com

Start with the Parks

If you’re heading to Southern Utah, then you gotta do some of the national parks. There are five totally awesome parks here: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Captiol Reef, and Arches. And each one is absolutely worth visiting. But in case you’re short on time, here’s our top picks for what you should see first:

• Zion – Zion is the crown jewel of Utah’s park system. So it’s well worth putting it at the top of your list. With soaring cliffs, deep slot canyons, iconic views, and an unforgettable grandeur, Zion is a place unlike any other. We recommend that you hike Emerald Pools, drive the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway and Tunnel, and stop by Kolob Canyon. We’ve written a deep dive on Zion National Park here, so check that out for more details.
• Capitol Reef – Zion might be the crown jewel, but Capitol Reef is Utah’s hidden gem. With shear sandstone cliffs, dramatic unheavals of stone, towering monoliths, and inviting orchards, Capitol Reef is a paradise carved in rock. We suggest driving down into the Waterpocket Fold, hiking to Cassidy Arch, picking fresh fruit, and stopping by the Gooseneck Overlook. We have an in-depth guide for Capitol Reef too. Start there.
• Moab Parks – Moab is located right next to Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. Which makes it very convenient if you want to combine both parks into one great summer trip. Natural arches and bridges abound in Arches, and in Canyonlands… deep canyons, strange spires, and breath-catching overlooks. It’s a two-for-one park combo that offers some of the best geology in Southern Utah. We’ve also got a Canyonlands and an Arches guide for you.

Photo by Jeremy Bishop via unsplash.com

Cool Down with a Splash

If you’re looking to beat the heat a little, you’re in luck! There are TONS of great places to boat, swim, and fish in Southern Utah. If you are planning something for July or August, a water-based vacation makes a lot of sense. It’s the perfect way to cool down with a splash. Think about visiting a couple of these places:

• Lake Powell – this is the water-sports “Mecca” of Southern Utah. The lake is impressively huge, and dramatically scenic. Hang out by the water, explore the labyrinthine network of flooded canyons on personal watercraft, fish for carp and lake trout, or heck, get yourself a houseboat for the weekend. Oh and be sure to visit the incredible Rainbow Arch.
• Green River – the Green River is responsible for carving out much of the canyons of Southern Utah. And you can get front-row seats to the erosive power changing the landscape by rafting down the river through one of the various canyons of Canyonlands National Park. You’ll also get to see the park from a whole new perspective, looking up the cliff walls instead of down. Plus you get to splash around in the water! Our pick? We recommend taking a few days to raft Stillwater Canyon.
• Fish Lake – this might be the best spot to fish in all of Utah! Fish Lake is abundantly stocked, has a great alpine location, and is super close to Capitol Reef National Park. (It’s also basically our next-door neighbor!) In addition to all that great fishing, you can hike, ride and explore nearby Fishlake National Forest and Johnson Reservoir. And while you’re there, say hello to our friend Pando.

Photo by NeONBRAND via unsplash.com

Become an Off-Road Warrior

Not into boating or roadtrips? And doing lots of hikes in the national parks isn’t your thing either? No problem. Maybe you want to explore the wilderness of Southern Utah via motorcycle, Jeep or other OHV. Then go ahead and check these spots out:

• Coral Pink Coral Dunes – this is an amazing little state park that seems custom-made for dirt bikes and dune buggies. You can play in the sand all day long, camp nearby, and play again the next day. Plus it’s a really scenic area. Here’s a little more info on the park.
• White Rim Road – this is one of our favorite backcountry roads in the state. Be prepared, you’ll need a 4WD, high-clearance vehicle to tackle the tough terrain, and there are plenty of hazardous spots that will require a certain level of skill. But you’ll never beat those views of Canyonlands and the Green River. If you’re into backcountry adventure, we suggest you put this one on your “must do” list. You can get more info here.
• Burr Trail – this trail is also pretty remote, but you won’t need to fear for your life while driving it. Any high-clearance vehicle should do fine on the graded gravel road. The trail will take you through the best part of the Waterpocket Fold in Capitol Reef. You can get some more in-depth information here.

Photo by Camille Couvez via unsplash.com

Time to Start Planning

Hopefully something on this very, very short list grabbed your attention. Summer in Southern Utah is a blast, and now’s the best time to start thinking about your plans. Happy trails!

There are a ton of great hikes in Capitol Reef National Park. And we love them all! We also love recommending our favorite ones here on our blog. And today, we’re recommending a less-popular, but still fantastic, trail off the Scenic Route called Golden Throne.

A view of Golden Throne from the trail. Photo by Red River Ranch.

Golden Throne

Golden Throne is a fairly prominent rock formation in the Capitol Reef landscape. It can be seen clearly from inside and around the park. Just look for a large, sandstone monolith that’s not-quite-white-and-sort-of-yellow. You can’t miss it. And if you want to get a closer look at Golden Throne, you can hike to the base of it, on the Golden Throne trail. You’ll also get to see some pretty great views of Capitol Gorge too!

Views of Capitol Gorge on the Golden Throne trail. Photo by Red River Ranch.

The Trail

The trailhead for Golden Throne can be found near the end of the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive. You’ll have to pay the toll – $20 – to enter the Scenic Drive. (Incidentally, this is the only area of Capitol Reef that charges an entrance fee.) Drive to the end of the route, and pull off at the Capitol Gorge hiking area. You’ll see the sign for Golden Throne in the parking lot.

The hike to Golden Throne is strenuous, with steep elevation changes. But it does reveal spectacular panoramic views, and puts you near the base of Golden Throne, so you can get a better look at this impressive monolith. And if you’re into rock climbing, there are some fantastic routes on the monolith. The trail loops around so there is no back-trekking required. The Golden Throne loop is two-miles long.

Since Golden Throne is one of the less popular trails, we advise you to take all the necessary safety precautions. Bring plenty of drinking water, good shoes, and preferably, a friend!

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.

Heading to Arches National Park this spring break? We’ve written about Arches pretty in-depth over here, so check out that as you make plans. But we wanted to pitch three hikes that you should definitely check out while you’re in the park. One is super easy, one is moderate, and one is pretty darn strenuous, but they’re all awesome!

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Hear Us Out: Skip the Hike to Delicate Arch.

Ok, so as you know, Delicate Arch is the most famous arch in Arches, and probably the most famous Arch in the United States. As a result, everybody and their cousin hike to it every day of the year. So you can picture it during spring break. (And if you really, really want to, you totally can. We’ve even got a blog post covering the trail to Delicate Arch for you to check out.) But there is another way to see the famous landmark that doesn’t involve a long desert trek. So if you’re not feeling like you have it in you to hike the three-miles roundtrip, then go to the Delicate Arch Viewpoint instead. All the views, half the calories.

To get to the Delicate Arch Viewpoint, drive past the Delicate Arch trailhead until the road ends. There is a half-mile paved, handicap-accessible trail that will take you to a great overlook of the arch. And you’ll get to see what those who hike to the arch miss – Delicate Arch in the context of the larger landscape. Plus, the hike to the viewpoint is way easier.

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Make a Deal with the Devil’s Garden

“But what if I, like, really want to hike?” we hear you ask. We get that. And you’re in luck. Becasuse you can head to the Devil’s Garden Primitive Loop Trail. It’s located beyond Landscape Arch – the longest arch in the world, by the way, see it while it lasts – and will lead you into the largest concentration of natural arches and bridges in the world!

It’s seven miles roundtrip, so it’s not for the faint of heart or those with medical conditions. (And since it is a strenuous and remote hike, you should read this guide first before you venture out. Please take safety seriously.) Plan on spending at least half a day on the trail. Also, when you are about to make the return trip on the other side of the loop, you will see a little half-mile detour to Dark Angel. You’ve come all this way, you should go see this huge monolith.

Photo by Intricate Explorer via unsplash.com

Tower Arch, the Great Granddaddy of Arches

If you’re willing to drive over 8-miles of washboard dirt roads, then you will find the trailhead to Tower Arch. It’s a moderate 2.6-mile roundtrip trail to Tower Arch, and it’s one of the most secluded spots in Arches National Park. And for our money, it’s also one of the coolest. Plus, it’s huge! In a way that none of the other arches are. You will feel very small.

Just as a side note: We like to think of Delicate Arch as the quintessential arch of Arches National Park (and that may be the case today) but it was actually Tower Arch, as seen in 1922 by Alex Ringhoffer, that started the process for Arches to become a national monument in 1929. So you can thank Tower Arch for your whole spring break vacation to this great national park! Enjoy!