So the summer solstice is coming up this Sunday, June 21, which means Capitol Reef is about to get about as much daylight as it knows what to do with. Around here, that is a little under fifteen hours of sun.

Which sounds like a gift. And it is. But it is also Southern Utah in late June, so the gift comes wrapped in heat and a pretty firm reminder to use your head.

The trick is not to do more just because the day is longer. The trick is to do the day better.

The edges of a summer day are where Capitol Reef does some of its best work. Photo by Mario Castro via Unsplash.

Use The Edges

The National Park Service says summer months in Capitol Reef are hot, with temperatures near 100 degrees, and recommends carrying at least one gallon of water per person per day. It also recommends hiking early in the morning or late in the day. That is good advice. It is also the whole plan.

Start early. Take the Scenic Drive while the air is still reasonable. Walk Grand Wash or Capitol Gorge before the canyon walls start holding heat like an oven with opinions. If you want a shorter overlook, Sunset Point is only 0.4 mile one way, which makes it a pretty good evening candidate when the cliffs start catching the last light.

Then let the middle of the day be the middle of the day. Find shade. Drink water. Check the Capitol Reef conditions page. Eat something cold if you can manage it. There is no prize for proving you can out-stubborn June.

June gives you a long evening. That is worth saving some energy for. Photo by Zoshua Colah via Unsplash.

A Few Practical Things

As of the park’s June 16 update, Capitol Reef is fully open. The park itself is open 24 hours a day, the Visitor Center is open 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the Gifford House is open 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Scenic Drive, Grand Wash, Capitol Gorge, Pleasant Creek, and Goosenecks roads are all listed as 2WD right now.

The backcountry is a different animal. Notom-Bullfrog and Burr Trail are listed as high-clearance or 2WD depending on the section, Cathedral Valley is high-clearance country, and conditions can change fast if weather moves through. The park’s recorded line is 435-425-3791. Press 1, then 4 for road conditions, or 5 for the fruit hotline.

And watch the sky. Summer storms can put water through washes and narrow canyons in a hurry, sometimes from rain that fell somewhere else. If storms are threatening, save the slots and washes for another day. They will still be there. They are rocks. Waiting is one of their better skills.

The Reward

Do it right and a solstice day in Capitol Reef feels pretty generous. Morning light on the cliffs. A quiet stretch in the heat of the afternoon. Apricots ripening in Fruita. Then that long, slow evening when the red rock starts changing color and you remember why you put up with the thermometer in the first place.

Go early. Rest well. Go back out when the day starts to loosen its grip.

That is the summer plan. Simple enough, which is usually the best kind.

So here’s one of the better tricks for visiting Capitol Reef in June: don’t spend the whole day trying to beat the sun at its own game. The sun is very good at that game. Instead, get your hiking and wandering done early, take the hot hours seriously, and save a little energy for the evening.

Because June evenings in Capitol Reef can be pretty hard to beat.

The park is open 24 hours a day, which is useful information if you are the sort of person who likes red cliffs at sunset, cool air after a warm afternoon, or stars. And if you are not that sort of person yet, Capitol Reef may change your mind. It has a way of doing that.

Capitol Reef after dark is not just the park with the lights off. It is its own thing. Photo by Kelly vanDellen via Shutterstock.

Look Up For A Minute

Capitol Reef was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2015, and the National Park Service says the park still offers some of the best night-sky viewing opportunities in the western national parks. That is the official version. The unofficial version is simpler: go stand somewhere dark and look up.

That is usually enough.

There is a Heritage StarFest coming later this year too, on September 11 and 12, hosted by Capitol Reef National Park and the Entrada Institute. That is worth putting on a calendar if you like telescopes, ranger programs, and people who can point at a sky full of stars and actually know what they are pointing at (a skill we admire, since our own method is mostly “that bright one over there”).

But you do not have to wait until September to enjoy the dark. Summer nights are already doing the work. The cliffs hold the last light for a while, the heat finally loosens its grip, and the sky starts filling in above you.

Start with sunset if you want. The stars will handle the next part. Photo by Nature’s Charm via Shutterstock.

Make It Easy On Yourself

The practical stuff still matters. Bring a flashlight or headlamp, but use it carefully so you are not ruining your own night vision (or anybody else’s). Bring water, because Southern Utah does not stop being dry just because the sun went down. And if you are driving anywhere outside the main paved areas, check the park conditions page first. As of the park’s latest update, the Scenic Drive, Grand Wash, and Capitol Gorge roads are listed as passable for standard two-wheel-drive vehicles, while some backcountry roads still need high clearance or four-wheel drive.

The Visitor Center is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. right now, and the Gifford House is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., so your daytime planning is pretty straightforward. Morning for the park. Afternoon for shade. Evening for the show overhead.

A Good Way To End The Day

We’ve said it before, but Capitol Reef is not just a checklist park. You do not have to conquer it. Sometimes the best thing you can do is sit still long enough for the place to start changing around you.

So take the morning hike. Get the pie if the Gifford House still has what you want. Drink more water than seems necessary. Then, when the day finally starts to settle down, go outside and look up.

Worth it.

By March, the trails at Capitol Reef have had a long winter to themselves. The summer crowds are still months away, the air is crisp and clear, and the desert light — that low, warm, golden quality you only get in the shoulder seasons — makes every walk feel a little more special than it would in the peak of summer. So if you’re planning a spring trip to Southern Utah, here are our picks for the trails worth putting at the top of your list.

Hickman Bridge Trail

1.8 miles round trip | ~400 ft elevation gain | Moderate

This is the classic Capitol Reef hike. And honestly, it earns the title. The trail winds through a narrow wash and up slickrock terrain to a 133-foot natural sandstone arch that’s pretty hard to believe until you’re standing under it. In March, the low-angle light makes the red rock absolutely glow, and you’ll likely have the trail almost entirely to yourself. The creek crossing near the beginning can run a bit higher than usual with early snowmelt — just a good thing to know before you head out. Worth every step.

Photo by Leslie Cross via unsplash.com

Cohab Canyon Trail

1.7 miles one way | ~440 ft elevation gain | Moderate

Named for the Mormon polygamists — or “cohabitants” — who allegedly hid in this canyon from federal marshals in the 1880s, Cohab is one of those trails that rewards you quickly. The initial climb is steep but short. Once you’re in the canyon, the trail opens into a narrow red-walled passage full of character. Come out the other side and you’ve got expansive views across the park, looking back down over Fruita and the Fremont River valley. March mornings up here are among the finest Capitol Reef has to offer.

Grand Wash

4.4 miles round trip | ~100 ft elevation gain | Easy

Grand Wash is one of Capitol Reef’s great easy hikes — a flat, level walk through a dramatic canyon with sheer walls that tower 800 feet on either side. In spring, the wash can carry a little water from snowmelt, which adds sound and life to what is normally a dry corridor. Watch for raptors overhead — the high walls are prime hunting and nesting grounds for falcons and ravens throughout March and April. It’s a perfect option on a slower morning, and ideal for families with young kids.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Rim Overlook & Navajo Knobs

9.4 miles round trip to Navajo Knobs | ~2,240 ft elevation gain | Strenuous

This is the big one. The trail starts at the same trailhead as Hickman Bridge, then climbs steadily above the canyon floor to a series of rim viewpoints with sweeping panoramas of the Waterpocket Fold, the Henry Mountains, and the southern expanse of the park. Most hikers turn around at the Rim Overlook (4.4 miles round trip), which is rewarding on its own. The full route to Navajo Knobs adds even more extraordinary terrain. In March, conditions are typically excellent — cool, clear, uncrowded. Plan on a full day and bring more water than you think you need.

Fremont River Trail

2.0 miles round trip | ~25 ft elevation gain | Easy

Sometimes the best hike is the one that asks the least of you. The Fremont River Trail follows the river through the Fruita Historic District — shaded by cottonwoods, alongside moving water, with the orchards and old pioneer homesteads right there. In March, the first wildflowers start showing up along the south-facing banks, and bird activity in the riparian zone picks up noticeably as migration gets going. It’s a perfect morning walk before breakfast. A lovely way to ease into the park on your first day.

Photo by Annie Spratt via unsplash.com

A Few Things to Know Before You Hike in March

• Layers are essential — March mornings can be cold, sometimes below freezing before sunrise. You’ll warm up fast once you’re moving and the sun is up, but starting a hike without the ability to add warmth on shaded stretches can make for a rough beginning. Pack a light fleece and a wind shell at minimum.
• Check trail conditions — Early March can bring lingering wet or icy conditions on north-facing trails and higher elevation routes. The Capitol Reef Visitor Center rangers are genuinely helpful for pointing you toward trails in the best shape on any given day. Stop in before you head out.
• Flash flood awareness — Slot canyons and wash-bottom trails are beautiful in spring, and they can be dangerous when rain falls upstream. Check the weather before heading into any canyon or wash, and keep in mind that storms forming over the high country can send water rushing through terrain that looks perfectly dry at your feet.

Get Out There

The Lodge at Red River Ranch is within 10 to 20 minutes of all of these trailheads by car. Come back for a long lunch, rest up, then head back out for the afternoon light. That’s the rhythm of a good spring day in Capitol Reef. And if you haven’t got a place to land yet, we’ve got rooms and we’d love to have you.

Most people think about Utah’s national parks in summer — and honestly, there’s a reason for that. Long days, warm temps, school breaks. June and July make obvious sense. But we’ve always believed the best kept secret in Southern Utah isn’t a trail or a slot canyon. It’s a month. And that month is March.

March is the sweet spot. The summer crowds haven’t shown up yet. The park is quiet. The light is extraordinary — those long golden hours of soft desert sun that make photographers very happy. And the desert is right in the middle of waking up, which means some of the most dynamic scenery Capitol Reef has to offer all year.

Photo courtesy of Red River Ranch

The Crowds (Or Lack Thereof)

The most practical reason first: in March, you basically have Capitol Reef to yourself. The park gets its heaviest traffic from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and visitation has grown a lot over the past decade. But in early spring, the parking areas are calm, the trails are wide open, and there’s no line at the Gifford House.

If you’ve ever wondered what Capitol Reef felt like before it got more widely discovered — March is your window. For guests at the Lodge, that quieter pace makes a real difference. You can linger at a trailhead, stop in the middle of the Scenic Drive without anyone behind you, sit on the porch at dusk and hear nothing but the wind moving through the cottonwoods.

The Weather: Surprisingly Good

March mornings and evenings run cool — typically between 35°F and 55°F — and warm up pleasantly through the middle of the day, often hitting the low 60s or higher. That’s ideal hiking weather. You’ll want layers, especially for early starts, but you won’t need the full July sun-protection-and-water-hauling strategy. Snow is possible early in the month, especially at higher elevations, but it tends to be brief — and honestly, a little snow only makes the red rock more dramatic when it comes.

March also brings some of the best skies of the year. Weather systems are still moving through, and stormy afternoons can produce the kind of cloud formations over the cliffs that stop you mid-trail. If you’re into photography (and you really should be, out here), this is prime season.

Photo courtesy of Red River Ranch

What’s Coming to Life

The desert doesn’t stay dormant forever, and March is when the awakening starts. Down in the Fremont River corridor and the lower elevation washes, you’ll catch the first wildflowers of the season. The orchards in the Fruita Historic District begin to bud. The cottonwoods that have stood bare all winter show the faintest blush of green. It’s a subtle transformation, but it feels remarkable against all that permanent orange and red sandstone.

Wildlife gets more active too. Mule deer show up at lower elevations where the early grass is coming in. Raptors are moving through on migration. Bird activity along the river picks up noticeably as resident species get going for spring. It’s a good time to slow down and pay attention to what’s moving around you.

The Trails Are at Their Best

A lot of Capitol Reef’s best hikes are just more enjoyable in March than in summer — you’re not fighting the heat, and you can actually cover some ground. The Cohab Canyon Trail, the Rim Overlook, Grand Wash — all excellent in spring conditions. The longer backcountry routes like the Cathedral Valley Loop get more accessible as the muddy roads from winter dry out through the month. If Capitol Reef’s backcountry has been on your list, late March is one of the better times to attempt it.

Come See It for Yourself

March is one of our favorite times of year at the Lodge. The Fremont River runs clear and quick with snowmelt from the high country. The landscape has a freshness to it that summer doesn’t quite match. Evenings are cool enough to make a fire feel right. Mornings are still and quiet and extraordinarily clear.

If you haven’t visited in early spring before, we’d really encourage you to give March a serious look. A lot of guests who try it once find it becomes their favorite time to come back. Book your stay here — we’d love to have you.

Fall is honestly one of our favorite times to be out in Capitol Reef. September and October bring cooler mornings, those long golden afternoons, and a stretch of yellow cottonwoods down in the Fremont River valley that’s hard to beat. The crowds thin out, the light goes soft and low, and the trails open up for the kind of long, unhurried days that are hard to pull off in July. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to finally get out here — this is it.

Photo courtesy of Galyna Andrushko via Shutterstock

Why Fall Works So Well for Hiking

July and August out here can be brutal. Daytime highs make anything beyond a short morning walk pretty uncomfortable pretty fast. But by mid-September the whole picture changes — warm enough to be out all day, cool enough to actually cover some ground. Early mornings are crisp. Afternoons are pleasant. Evenings call for a sweater instead of another sunscreen application. And with the summer crowd gone, you’ll actually find parking at the trailheads. Even the flash flood risk drops off as monsoon season wraps up and the skies dry out.

Trails Worth Checking Out This Season

Fall hiking in Capitol Reef really isn’t about testing yourself on the hardest routes — it’s about enjoying the park when it’s at its most comfortable. Here are some of our favorites for this time of year:

• Hickman Bridge Trail: About two miles round trip, passing Fremont River overlooks before you reach a natural stone arch. Short enough to do at a relaxed pace, and the cooler temps make it a great late-morning walk.
• Grand Wash: Wide, sheer canyon walls and sandy washes that just invite you to slow down. By late September the cottonwoods at the bottom of the wash start turning, and that splash of gold against all that red rock is pretty great.
• Cohab Canyon: A moderate climb out of Fruita that winds through narrow canyon passages and up to good overlooks of the orchards and river valley. The mix of rock and fall leaves makes it a favorite for photographers (and really for anyone paying attention).
• Capitol Gorge: A leisurely walk along a historic pioneer road. Petroglyphs, water pockets, canyon walls — and in the fall afternoon light, the whole thing just glows. Save this one for late in the day.

Photo courtesy of Juan Carlos Munoz via Shutterstock

Fall Colors in Fruita

The Fruita Historic District — just inside the park entrance — is worth a visit any time of year. But in fall it’s something else. The cottonwoods and willows along the Fremont River go from green to bright yellow, framing the red cliffs in a way that gets all the love from anyone who sees it. The orchards add to it too. 2025 was a rough year for the harvest — a hard spring freeze came through early and took out most of the crop — but the orchards are still open for strolling, and the Gifford House stays stocked with pies and jams that carry on the Fruita tradition just fine.

Photo courtesy of Wirestock Creators via Shutterstock

A Few Things Worth Knowing Before You Go

• Timing: Early mornings and late afternoons are the sweet spots for longer hikes. Midday is still warm, but totally manageable.
• Gear: Layers are your friend. The temperature swing from morning to evening in the desert is real.
• Crowds: Weekdays are the quietest. But even on fall weekends, you’re looking at a fraction of the traffic you’d find at Zion or Arches.
• Colors: Peak foliage in Fruita and along the Fremont corridor usually runs late September through early October — but the exact timing shifts year to year, so keep that in mind.

Photo courtesy of Joseph Sohm via Shutterstock

Fall is fleeting out here, but it’s also really good. Walk under the cottonwoods in Fruita, climb up toward Hickman Bridge, wander Capitol Gorge at sunset. And if you need a place to come back to at the end of the day, we’ve got rooms a few minutes up the road at the Lodge — warm enough in the evenings that a fire sounds about right.

Artificial Intelligence is everywhere. It’s been embraced by every major tech company. But the problem with AI is that it’s not always accurate. (Although sometimes pretty hilarious.) And all this low-quality AI slop flooding the web could be ruining your vacation.

Photo by Mitchell Luo via unsplash.com

How AI Works. Very Simplified.

Here’s the problem: Large Language Models (LLMs) are the type of AI that are used to scour the web and generate text about any subject. They work kind of like the auto-complete function on your phone. And to be fair, it is very impressive technology. However, since it’s mostly concerned with making grammatically correct, complete sentences and paragraphs, it will often just “make up” whatever is convenient for the article it has been asked to write. This phenomenon is called “hallucinating.” And when you search on Google for travel ideas and it summarizes what the internet says about that location, you can get a lot of hallucination. And it can be even worse when you visit a travel site that has used AI to generate itineraries.

Photo by Red River Ranch via Midjourney. An AI-generated image of a man that is upset that his AI-generated itinerary ruined his AI-generated vacation. Plus, he’s probably upset that he has three feet.

So How Bad Is It?

A recent study found the following when looking at a representative sample of AI travel itineraries:

• 90% of AI-generated travel itineraries include at least one error, according to the research.
  Over half (52%) suggest visiting at least one attraction, restaurant or cafe outside of its opening hours.
• Nearly one in four (24%) recommend going to at least one restaurant, cafe or attraction that is permanently closed or closed until further notice.
• 30% of errors include a references to a Michelin-star restaurant.
• 1 in 4 (25%) of itineraries display a lack of logical planning, requiring travelers to backtrack or take unnecessary detours in order to reach places.

That can make for a pretty inconvenient, increasingly frustrating, and often more costly trip. So what can you do about it?

Photo by nps.gov. The National Park Service is your friend.

Find the Right Sources.

It can be a nightmare to try to determine what is AI-generated slop and what is good, old fashioned travel advice. So start with the prime sources as much as possible. Since the guests at the Lodge at Red River Ranch are coming to tour Southern Utah (and if you’ve read this far in the article we are assuming you’re also interested in a trip to Southern Utah) they should visit the official web pages of the national parks for all the most important information. Here’s the pages for Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Capitol Reef.

Then check out the official tourism website for the state, or city, that you wish to visit. For us, that website is visitutah.com.

And finally, rely on established brands that have been writing travel itineraries for years. The Lonely Planet website, National Geographic guide books, Frommer’s, etc. There is no guarantee that they won’t switch to AI, but they have a lot of brand-equity built into their continued reliability. Which means hopefully they fact-check things.

Photo by Red River Ranch.

And What About The Lodge? You Have Itineraries.

We do have itineraries, thanks for noticing! And we worked hard to make sure that they are accurate. You can check them out here. We also have about a billion blog articles which you can read here. All of which can help you build a better vacation.

And no, we don’t use AI to write anything on our website. We do it all by hand! But… we did use AI to make the main image on this blog post. It seemed fitting to use AI to make an image of a guy messing up his vacation by using AI to plan his trip.

The 4th of July has landed on a Friday this year, giving us a four day week and a weekend packed with good weather, good food, and good company. It’s shaping up to be an excellent bank holiday, and we at The Lodge at Red River Ranch have the perfect recommendation on how to maximize your Independence Day. 

Just a five minute drive down the road from us is the locally famous Torrey Apple Days, a hometown festival tradition dedicated to the celebration of American Independence. The event runs from July 4th – July 5th, with activities starting in the evening on the 4th and running all day on the 5th. 

Photo via unsplash.com

Friday, July 4th, 2025

No one wants to cook on vacation. If you stop by the Torrey Pavillion, you can help yourself to a free dinner. Starting at 5 pm, and provided by the Torrey Town Council, it’s a great way to rub elbows with the locals while you plate up. 

Call it a night or pop into the local church to see an hour long patriotic program with the American Legion. 

Once it gets dark, you can attend the Star Party by Torrey Dark Skies. In a world of increasing light pollution, it’s becoming harder and harder to appreciate the night skies and clearly view the constellations. In and around Torrey Utah, we’re lucky to have limited light pollution and the ability to see some incredible stars. This is what Torrey Dark Skies is all about, giving you the opportunity to see the planets and Milky Way in full splendor. Catch them in the Town Park.

Next, get some good sleep, because the real fun begins Saturday. 

Photo via unsplash.com

Saturday, July 5th, 2025

The day kicks off with a 7am 5K. Considering how hot it can get in July, you’ll be glad of the early start. The entry fee of $35 covers the cost of organizing the race, and includes your own Apple Days t-shirt. Meet at the Town Hall to suit up and stretch. It’s a friendly race with friendly people, and the reward is an endorphin boost and lunges full of beautiful fresh air. 

You can refuel at the local church breakfast fundraiser, which is available from 6:30 to 9 am, and offers all the characteristics of a hearty American breakfast. Pancakes, bacon, sausage, eggs—all the classics. Your money goes towards funding the church youth group’s camping and educational extracurriculars, so rest assured it’s going straight to supporting the community. 

By 10am we’ve reached the most celebrated part of Torrey Apple Days (and our personal favorite): the parade. Crowds fill both sides of Main Street, with people claiming their spots with blankets and camping chairs. No seats are provided, and it’s first come first served, so you might want to plan ahead and get there early. 

The parade has everything a parade should have. Cheerleader routines, classic cars, fire engines, cowboys, horses, floats, sports teams, beauty pageant winners, and the mayor, just to list a few. And of course, lots and lots and lots of candy. Bring a basket (or a pillowcase) to collect all the goodies. 

The parade lasts about an hour, but the fun continues. Local venders set up shop in Town Park selling everything from handmade jewellery to quilts, photography to wood carvings. Food trucks are also in operation, with tons of tasty 4th of July themed treats. Apple pie anyone? There is also a carnival for the little ones, with games, activities, and bouncy houses just for them.

For those who enjoy a good competition, be sure to check out the Pie Eating Contest. It starts at 12pm, and always draws a large crowd. If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, you can enter it yourself. The winner walks away with $100 and enough pie to keep anyone satisfied for the rest of the year. 

If that seems like a good prize, we can do even better. Make you way to the canal on Main Street for the Apple Derby. You can pick up your apple from the Chuckwagon store, also located on main. If you’ve never done an derby before, don’t worry, it’s very simple. The fastest apple down the canal wins! 

The prizes include a TV, youth bikes, a yeti cooler, gift certificates, and much more. It’s largely the luck of the draw, but you never know, you apple could come out in front. The derby starts at 3 pm, but you’ll want to have picked up your apple and have checked in before that. 

From this point in the day it will be very hot, so we recommend a break. A shower, or a nap even, to escape the heat of the day will be just what the doctor ordered. Our rooms at Red River Ranch have plenty of AC and soft towels, and since it’s only a quick drive away from Torrey Apple Days, it’s the ideal location for a regroup. 

For a relaxing evening, 7 am is Bingo at the Torrey Pavillion. For something a bit more lively, wander down to the The Big Apple for live music and dancing. Hosted by Borderline, you’re sure to experience the full gambit of small town charm and friendliness, as well as great music. Beginning at 8:30, it’s angled more towards teens and adults than little ones, and continues to 11 pm. 

But no 4th of July celebration would be complete without fireworks. In full patriotic spirit, the final event of the evening will be a full fireworks display, the perfect ending to a perfect day. 

And there you have it. Your own guide to Torrey Apple Days, and a chance to celebrate the 4th in true American fashion. Pick and chose your activities, or do them all. Either way it’s going to be a fantastic weekend. Happy 4th of July!

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!

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.