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Plan your next hiking vacation to Capitol Reef National Park with MountainBased Adventures!
Protecting a “wrinkle” in the earth’s crust known as the Waterpocket Fold, Capitol Reef National Park is the least visited in Utah due to its remote location. The Fruita Historic District of the park is a fascinating intersection between human and geologic timelines. It has acted as an oasis and a pathway through the maze of sandstone along the Fremont River, hosting the Fremont Peoples over 11,000 years ago, the explorations of John C. Fremont, and the Mormon settlers of the lake 1800’s.
Capitol Reef is a rare gem to treasure while it remains a quieter spot, until it garners the greater attention it deserves! You’ll have the chance to explore this park as we travel between Arches and Bryce Canyon National Parks on our Utah Mighty Five itinerary.
Experience all five of Utah's National Parks in just five days. The sandstone formations, dramatic coloration, and spectacular hiking trails will leave you awe-inspired.
Experience all five of Utah's National Parks in just five days from March through October! This lodging and hiking trip will allow you to see Utah's greatest gems.
A guided tour of Capitol Reef National Park is a great way to fully experience the park and all it has to offer. Our local Utah guides will lead you on the most scenic and interesting trails in the park, such as the Fremont River trail, Hickman Bridge trail or Cohab Canyon trail, and provide you with valuable information about the park’s history, geology, plant and animal life along the path. If you get lucky, you might even see a marmot! On a Capitol Reef hiking tour, you’ll also have the opportunity to see rare petroglyphs painted on the canyon walls of the Fremont River, which can be difficult to find on your own. In addition, our tours offer a sense of safety as the guide is trained in first aid, which is especially important given the park’s remote location. MountainBased has received multiple TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards as a top tour company in the Utah National Parks, including Capitol Reef National Park. We would love to have join one of our small group hiking tours!
Capitol Reef National Park is a geological and cultural treasure located in south-central Utah. The park is named after the white sandstone dome formations that resemble the United States Capitol building, and the “reef” refers to the rocky cliffs that form a barrier to travel through the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline (a wrinkle on the earth’s surface).
The area now known as Capitol Reef National Park has a long and varied history. The first humans to inhabit the area were Native Americans, including the Fremont culture. The Fremont people left behind petroglyphs and pictographs (rock art) that can still be seen in the park today. In addition to its rich Native American history, Capitol Reef National Park is home to the historic Fruita Rural Historic District. Fruita was settled in the late 1800s by Mormon pioneers who were seeking to establish a farming community in the desert. The pioneers built irrigation systems and planted orchards, and Fruita became known for its delicious fruit, including apples, peaches, and pears.
The park is also home to a diverse array of flora and fauna. The high desert climate supports a variety of plants, including cactus, yucca, and Joshua trees. Wildlife in the park includes mule deer, desert bighorn sheep, pronghorns, and a variety of birds. Geologically, Capitol Reef National Park is a treasure trove of information about the earth’s history. The park is located in the Waterpocket Fold, a belt of rocky cliffs and ridges that were formed by the collision of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. This collision caused the land to fold and lift, creating the stunning cliffs and rock formations that can be seen in the park today.
Capitol Reef National Park is a beautiful and fascinating place with a rich history and diverse natural surroundings. It is a must-see destination for anyone interested in geology, history, or the natural world. The Fruita Rural Historic District, with its historic orchards and the Gifford House museum, offers a unique glimpse into the park’s history and the lives of the pioneers who settled in the area.
*Based on weather data from the National Park Service
Month | High (°F) | Low (°F) | Precip (in) |
---|---|---|---|
January | 41 | 20 | 0.52 |
February | 47 | 26 | 0.54 |
March | 58 | 34 | 0.48 |
April | 65 | 39 | 0.51 |
May | 74 | 48 | 0.63 |
June | 87 | 58 | 0.35 |
July | 91 | 65 | 1.05 |
August | 88 | 63 | 1.14 |
September | 80 | 55 | 0.97 |
October | 66 | 43 | 0.85 |
November | 51 | 31 | 0.51 |
December | 40 | 21 | 0.35 |