Discover Capitol Reef National Park
Some of Utah's most spectacular landscapes are hiding in plain sight.
Nestled in south-central Utah, Capitol Reef National Park is a remarkable world of towering sandstone cliffs, colorful canyons, natural bridges, and surprisingly green valleys.
At its heart lies the Waterpocket Fold, an enormous wrinkle in the Earth's crust stretching nearly 100 miles through the desert. This extraordinary geological formation helped create the park's dramatic scenery and inspired its unusual name.
Yet Capitol Reef offers more than beautiful rocks. It's also a place where natural wonders and human history come together.
Hickman Bridge: Nature's Magnificent Architecture
Imagine standing beneath an enormous sandstone bridge carved entirely by natural forces.
Hickman Bridge is one of Capitol Reef's most recognizable landmarks, reached by a scenic hiking trail that winds through rugged desert terrain.
The massive natural bridge frames beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, making it a wonderful destination for photographers and adventurous visitors.
Fruita: Orchards in the Desert
Who expects to find fruit trees flourishing in the middle of a red rock wilderness?
The historic Fruita district is one of Capitol Reef's most charming surprises.
Established by pioneer settlers in the 1880s, this fertile valley contains historic orchards producing apples, peaches, cherries, apricots, and other fruits.
Visitors can explore the orchards and, when fruit is ripe and designated for harvest, even pick their own.
Don't miss the historic Gifford House, known for its delicious fruit pies when open for the season.
Scenic Drive: A Journey Through Geological Time
Capitol Reef's Scenic Drive offers a spectacular introduction to its remarkable geology.
The paved route winds past colorful sandstone formations, dramatic cliffs, and fascinating rock layers, with access to side roads leading toward Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge.
Every bend reveals another remarkable scene, particularly when the afternoon sunlight brings out the rich colors of the desert.
Petroglyph Panels: Stories Written in Stone
Long before modern travelers discovered Capitol Reef, Indigenous peoples lived among these canyons.
Along Highway 24, visitors can view remarkable petroglyphs created by people of the Fremont archaeological culture roughly a thousand years ago.
These ancient images offer a fascinating connection to the people and histories of this extraordinary landscape.
Keep Your Capitol Reef Memories Close
Whether your favorite moment was a desert hike, a family photograph, or an unexpected slice of pie in Fruita, Capitol Reef offers stories worth remembering.
A GTK QR Tile connects a physical keepsake to your existing online photographs, travel stories, and favorite experiences, or brings them together on your complimentary GTK QR Page.
A little keepsake for a wonderfully unexpected adventure.
Get To Know People & What They Know About Capitol Reef National Park
GTK® is an independent editorial initiative celebrating individuality, expression, connection, and the things people know.
From geologists and photographers to historians, conservationists, and people whose lives are connected to Utah's remarkable landscapes, Capitol Reef inspires fascinating knowledge and human experiences.
We believe their stories and perspectives deserve to be discovered, shared, and remembered.
Visit GTK.us to discover more about people and what they know.
