Itinerary · 2 days · Utah
2 Days in Capitol Reef National Park: The Perfect Itinerary
Two days is enough to see the best of Capitol Reef National Park without rushing. Here is the day-by-day plan, built around the park's highlights.
Best time to go: Apr–May, Sep–Oct. Closest major airport: Salt Lake City (SLC), about 3.5 hours.
Day 1: The icons
- Morning: Pick fruit in the Fruita orchards (in season). Start early to beat the crowds.
- Afternoon: Buy a pie at the historic Gifford House.
- Evening: Hike to Hickman Bridge.
Day 2: Go deeper
- Morning: Drive the Scenic Drive and Capitol Gorge.
- Afternoon: Walk Cassidy Arch Trail.
Capitol Reef is the perfect stop between Arches and Bryce on a Utah road trip, and it's much less crowded than either.
When to go
The best time to visit Capitol Reef National Park is April–May and September–October.
Best time to visit Capitol Reef, month by month · What to pack
Questions
How many days do you need in Capitol Reef National Park?
Two full days covers the highlights: pick fruit in the fruita orchards (in season) and buy a pie at the historic gifford house on day one, then drive the scenic drive and capitol gorge on day two. Add a third day if you want a long backcountry hike or a slow morning.
When is the best time for this Capitol Reef itinerary?
Go in Apr–May, Sep–Oct, when the park is rated at its best. April, May, September and October offer the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds.
Can you do Capitol Reef in one day?
You can see the highlights in one very full day by doing day one below and skipping day two, but you will miss drive the scenic drive and capitol gorge. Two days is the sweet spot.