Exploring Capitol Reef National Park: Utah’s Hidden Gem and 5 Must-Do Hikes

In: Trail Notes

Did you know that Capitol Reef National Park is the least visited park? Among the five major national parks in Utah? With less than 1 million visitors annually, it draws far fewer crowds compared to Zion, which sees over 2 million visitors each year. The absence of a lodge within the park and the limited hotel options in nearby towns often lead international tourists to skip Capitol Reef when exploring Utah. However, its stunning red rock landscapes make it a hidden gem, truly one of Utah’s best-kept secrets.

After spending considerable time exploring Zion, the Grand Canyon, and Bryce Canyon, I had the opportunity to visit Capitol Reef. My first impression was of the mesmerizing trails, petroglyphs, and fascinating artifacts. Mormon pioneers once called Capitol Reef home, and archaeologists have uncovered various artifacts from the Fremont culture in the area. The Fremont people, believed to have lived here between AD 600 and 1300, were hunter-gatherers who supplemented their diet with crops like corn, beans, and squash, planted along what would later become the Fremont River. Pictographs and petroglyphs from this period can still be found throughout the park. Capitol Reef’s geologic features are equally impressive, with around 10,000 feet of sedimentary strata—layers of rock dating back to the Cretaceous Period (about 270 million years ago). One of the park’s most recognized landmarks, Capitol Dome, is made of Navajo Sandstone from the Jurassic Period and resembles the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. For me, visiting Capitol Reef in the fall is the perfect time—its sunny weather, similar to spring, offers ideal conditions for exploring the spectacular trails.

5 Best Day Hikes in Capitol Reef National Park

Hickman Bridge: This natural bridge offers a three-for-one experience: a short hike with a moderate level of effort rewards you with not only Hickman Bridge itself but also the smaller Nels Johnson Bridge and the ruins of a Fremont pit house. A fun and rewarding hike!

Cathedral Valley: For a remote and awe-inspiring experience, head to Cathedral Valley. Wander among the Temples of the Sun, Moon, and Stars, and the Walls of Jericho. After marveling at these stone monoliths, explore Glass Mountain—a hill of shimmering crystals—or the giant Gypsum Sinkhole.

Goosenecks Overlook: Take a quick hike to a stunning viewpoint overlooking Sulphur Creek, where tight, winding turns of the creek cut through layers of colorful rock 800 feet below.

Cassidy Arch: The Cassidy Arch Trail is 3.5 miles round-trip. Starting from Grand Wash about three-quarters of a mile from the parking area, the trail ends above the arch, providing excellent photo opportunities. There are no official routes to reach the base of the arch.

Frying Pan Trail: This 3.5-mile, strenuous trail offers breathtaking views and could easily be considered an extension of either the Cohab Canyon or Cassidy Arch trails. The scenery is nothing short of stunning.