“In the middle of nowhere, you’ll find everything.”
Capitol Reef doesn’t shout. It doesn’t dazzle or show off. But give it a minute, and it will quietly, completely astonish you. With cliffs the color of rusted copper, ghost towns frozen in time, and a fruit orchard tucked into a desert oasis, this place is a study in beautiful contradictions.
Tucked in the heart of Utah’s “Mighty Five,” Capitol Reef is often the least visited, but that just means you get more of it to yourself. It’s a park of hidden stories: of ancient oceans and sandstone cathedrals, of Fremont petroglyphs and Mormon orchards, of uranium mines and sun-scorched solitude.
This self-guided audio tour leads you deep into this rugged, red-rock wilderness. Drive at your own pace while the app plays stories, history, and tips exactly when you need them.
Here, the stone doesn’t just rise – it remembers. Twin Rocks and Chimney Rock stand like sentinels above a desert that once held an ocean. At Goosenecks, the Earth folds in on itself, carving deep scars into the land. The Castle watches from above, a craggy crown atop a kingdom of rust and gold.
Then, like a dream, Fruita appears. Apple orchards bloom where red cliffs burn. Deer wander old farm roads. And just beyond, secrets hide in plain sight: a uranium mine carved into sandstone, ancient symbols etched by the Fremont people, a gorge so narrow you can touch both sides at once.
You don’t just visit Capitol Reef. You drift through it. Each curve reveals another contradiction. Wild yet tender. Empty yet full of stories.
One last stop: the Behunin Cabin, a one-room home where 13 people somehow made do. It’s tiny, tough, and tells you everything you need to know about life in Capitol Reef.
Quick note before you go: Yes, this place is remote. Yes, it’s wild. But that’s exactly why it stays with you.
NOTE: Learn more about the road conditions, admission fees, and other pertinent information here.
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Capitol Reef National Park Map
Where To Start?
Starting Point: 79 E 1600 S, Torrey, UT 84775, USA
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
Audio Story Highlights
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Welcome to Capitol Reef
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Twin Rocks
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Chimney Rock
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Goosenecks Overlook
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The Fluted Wall
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The Castle
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Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center
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Ripple Rock Nature Center
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Historic District
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The Mail Tree
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Gifford Homestead
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Fruita Barn
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Cohab Canyon & Trailhead (Return to Car)
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Danish Hill
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Oyler Mine
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Slickrock Divide
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Capitol Gorge trailhead
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Fruita Schoolhouse
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Petroglyphs
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Hickman Bridge Trail
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Capitol Dome
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"Grand Wash Trailhead "
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Behunin Cabin
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Alt:Sunset Point
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"Alt:Cassidy Arch Trailhead "
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"Alt:Pioneer Register "
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
Capitol Reef National Park is renowned for its Waterpocket Fold, a nearly 100-mile long warp in the Earth’s crust.
The Scenic Drive is the best route for experiencing Capitol Reef’s stunning landscapes, with numerous viewpoints and pull-offs.
The park’s name is derived from the white domes and cliffs resembling the U.S. Capitol building and a “reef” of rock that was challenging to navigate.
The park features unique rock formations like the Chimney Rock, the Castle, and the Goosenecks.
Visitors might encounter wildlife such as mule deer, desert bighorn sheep, and a variety of bird species.
The Fruita district was settled by Mormon pioneers and features historic orchards, homesteads, and the Gifford Homestead, where you can buy fresh fruit and pies.
The best time to visit for pleasant weather is during the spring and fall when temperatures are moderate.
Visitors should stick to designated trails, carry enough water, and be aware of the desert environment’s challenges.
The Visitor Center provides information on the park’s geology, history, and trails, along with maps and exhibits.
Some of the most picturesque viewpoints include Panorama Point, Sunset Point, and Goosenecks Overlook, all offering breathtaking vistas of the park’s landscapes.
Yes, visitors are welcome to pick fruit from the historic orchards in season, and there’s also a store where you can purchase fresh fruit and pies.
The best time to capture photographs with soft, warm lighting is during the golden hours, which are typically around sunrise and sunset.
Inclusions and Exclusions
App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours.
Easy to use: Stories play automatically by GPS. Hands-free. Get HELP all day: Call, Chat, or Email.
Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Valid for multiple visits up to 1 year after purchase.
Interactive audio stories: Experience local history and culture through clear, concise narratives from experienced narrators.
At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos, snacks, hikes. Go at your own pace.
Offline use: No cell signal or wifi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction.
Don’t miss a thing: Full itinerary, travel tips, professionally narrated videos, text, and hidden gems.
Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks.
Entry tickets or reservations to any attractions along the route.
Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station.
