Top Reasons to Go

The Waterpocket Fold: See an excellent example of a monocline—a fold in the Earth's crust with one very steep side in an area that is otherwise horizontal. This one's almost 100 miles long.
Fewer crowds: Although visitation has nearly doubled (to more than 1.2 million per year) since 2011, Capitol Reef is less crowded than nearby parks, such as Zion and Bryce Canyon.
Fresh fruit: Pick apples, pears, apricots, and peaches in season at the pioneer-planted orchards at historic Fruita. These trees still produce plenty of fruit.
Rock art: View pictographs and petroglyphs left by Native Americans who lived in this area from AD 300 to 1300.
Pioneer artifacts: Buy tools and utensils similar to those used by Mormon pioneers at the Gifford Homestead.

Plants and Wildlife in Capitol Reef

Getting Oriented

Capitol Reef National Park