Capitol Reef National Park
Drive the three hours from Settler’s Junction for an incredible day trip to this magical park.
Visit Capitol Reef
Explore the intriguing geological features of this remote national park located in Utah’s south-central desert.
If Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, is on your list, Settler’s Junction RV Resort makes a great full-hook-up stop between St. George and Zion before you head into Utah’s red rock country.
Capitol Reef protects the Waterpocket Fold, a nearly 100-mile geologic wrinkle in the earth, along with cliffs, domes, bridges, canyons, orchards, and ancient petroglyphs. It is open year-round, and the park is also known for its exceptionally dark night skies.
Whether you want a scenic drive, a shorter hike, a full day on the trail, or a slower afternoon in historic Fruita, Capitol Reef offers a different side of Utah’s national park country: quieter, wider open, and easy to explore at your own pace.
Things To Do in Capitol Reef National Park
Located about 3 hours from Settler’s Junction RV Resort, Capitol Reef National Park is one of Utah’s most rewarding road-trip destinations. Discover the unique sights it has to offer, from towering cliffs and winding canyons to historic orchards and unforgettable desert views.
Hickman Bridge
A Classic Capitol Reef Hike With Big Payoff
Hickman Bridge is one of the park’s best first hikes. The trail climbs to a dramatic natural bridge and opens up views of the surrounding canyon country along the way.
- Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 400 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
Tip: Start early, especially in spring and fall, since trailhead parking often fills by mid-morning.
Cassidy Arch
A Slickrock Climb to One of the Park’s Best-Known Arches
This trail gives you a more adventurous Capitol Reef experience, with canyon views, slickrock walking, and a striking arch at the end.
- Distance: 3.4 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 670 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
Tip: Wear grippy shoes, carry plenty of water, and avoid this hike in the heat of midday.
Grand Wash
Walk Between Tall Canyon Walls
Grand Wash is a great option for visitors who want the feel of a narrow canyon without a major climb. You can keep it short or stretch it into a longer out-and-back hike.
- Distance: Up to 4.4 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
Tip: Check conditions before you go. Washes and canyon roads can close during storms or flash-flood risk.
Capitol Gorge
History, Canyon Walls, and Waterpockets in One Stop
Capitol Gorge combines an easy canyon walk with a look at the historic Pioneer Register, where early travelers carved their names into the rock. Further in, you can continue to the waterpockets, sometimes called tanks.
- Distance: 2 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
Tip: This is one of the most rewarding shorter walks in the park for families and first-time visitors.
Scenic Drive and Petroglyph Panel
See More of the Park Without a Long Hike
The Capitol Reef Scenic Drive is a 7.9-mile paved road that leads into the heart of the park’s cliffs and canyon country. Along Highway 24 near Fruita, the Fremont Culture petroglyph panel gives visitors a chance to see ancient rock art from the roadside boardwalk area.
- Drive Length: 15.8 miles round trip on the paved drive
- Difficulty: Easy sightseeing
Tip: Allow about 90 minutes for the Scenic Drive, longer if you add stops. Bring binoculars for the petroglyph panel.
Looking for camping near Capitol Reef National Park? Make Settler’s Junction your Southern Utah base for road trips through Utah’s red rock country.
More to explore near Capitol Reef
Staying at Settler’s Junction means you’re surrounded by some of Utah’s most iconic state and national parks — all within an easy drive.
Sand Hollow State Park
Just 15 minutes from the park, offering off-roading, boating, and beach lounging.
Snow Canyon State Park
Less than 40 minutes away, making it an easy road trip for lava flows, red dunes, and scenic hiking trails.
Bryce Canyon
About 1.5 hours away, this epic park is known for unearthly rock formations and dark skies.
Quail Creek State Park
Less than 10 minutes away, placing you at the gateway to world-class fishing, kayaking and calm desert waters.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes
About 1 hour away, leading to miles of red sand and unbeatable OHV access.
Arches National Park
Take a day trip to Arches (4 hours away) to see Utah’s iconic geographic sandstone arches.
Stay Longer, Save More
SAVE UP TO 30%*
Get more out of your lodging near Capitol Reef National Park. Choose an extended RV stay at Settler’s Junction and enjoy extra discounts!
*30% discount applied to typical nightly rates when you stay 7 nights or more.
why choose Settler’s Junction?
For a Capitol Reef road trip, you want a resort that makes the travel days easier. As one of the best places to stay near Capitol Reef National Park, Settler’s Junction offers spacious pull-thru RV sites, full hookups, high-speed Wi-Fi, pet-friendly amenities, and easy access to I-15, along with a pool, sauna, fitness center, and laundry facilities.
OVERSIZED PULL-THRU RV SITES
HI-SPEED WIFI ACCESS
PET-FRIENDLY AMENITIES
SWIMMING POOL & SAUNA
ONSITE FITNESS CENTER
24/7 LAUNDRY FACILITIES
Capitol Reef Road Trip rv park faq
How far is Settler’s Junction RV Resort from Capitol Reef National Park?
Settler’s Junction is about 185–190 miles from Capitol Reef, or roughly 3 hours 15 minutes by road, making it a good fit for a full-day outing or a stop on a larger Southern Utah road trip.
What makes Capitol Reef National Park worth visiting?
Capitol Reef combines scenic driving, hiking, orchards, pioneer history, ancient petroglyphs, and the nearly 100-mile Waterpocket Fold in one park. It is also an International Dark Sky Park, which adds another reason to stay after sunset.
What are the best things to do in Capitol Reef for first-time visitors?
For a first visit, the National Park Service highlights short hikes like Hickman Bridge, the Scenic Drive, the petroglyph panel, the Gifford House, and fruit picking when the orchards are open. Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge are also strong options for an easy-to-moderate day.
Do I need permits or reservations for Capitol Reef National Park?
Most of the park’s popular day hikes do not require permits. Fruita Campground reservations are recommended well in advance, and permits are required for activities like backpacking, canyoneering, rock climbing, and some group uses.
Is Capitol Reef good for RV travelers?
Yes, especially for road-trippers. The paved Scenic Drive is a popular way to see the park, but some spur roads and remote districts are less suitable for larger rigs, and there are no restaurants or gas stations inside the park, so planning ahead matters. Settler’s Junction has all the amenities you need to rest comfortably on your Capitol Reef National Park road trip.
Is Capitol Reef National Park pet-friendly?
Capitol Reef is pet-friendly only in limited areas. Pets are allowed on a leash in developed areas such as campgrounds, certain orchards, some picnic areas, and specific paths near Fruita, but they are not allowed on most hiking trails or in the backcountry.
RV Lodging for Your Capitol Reef National Park Road Trip
If you’re looking for places to stay on your Capitol Reef National Park road trip, Settler’s Junction RV Resort offers a comfortable home base with convenient access to one of Utah’s most striking landscapes. Spend the day driving Scenic Byway 12, exploring Capitol Reef’s scenic overlooks and hiking trails, or taking in the area’s red rock views and dark skies, then return to a full-service resort instead of limiting your stay to basic camping options.