Capitol Reef National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour

Welcome to the Capitol Reef National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour

Discover the hidden gem of Utah’s national parks! This self-guided driving tour takes you through the colorful, awe-inspiring Capitol Reef. This park is home to hundreds of millions of years of history and tons of fantastic hikes and vistas. Plus, dig into the long, surprising history of the park’s human inhabitants, from the ancient tribes to the Mormon pioneers scraping out a living in one of the most remote parts of America.

About the Tour

Your tour of Capitol Reef begins in the town of Torrey, heading east on Route 24. Here, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the unique landscape that has made the Reef famous. As you approach the park itself, you’ll get a crash course in the park’s history and the tribes who once lived here.

The first significant landmarks you’ll encounter are the Twin Rocks and Chimney Rock. In these iconic formations, you’ll first hear about how to identify the different geologic layers you’ll see throughout the Reef. After that, you’ll come to Panorama Point and Gooseneck Overlook, two phenomenal vistas offering incredible views. Don’t forget to snap some photos!

The Fluted Wall is next, offering a glimpse back 240 million years into the past. Then, turn your gaze upward to gape at the awe-inspiring Castle, a natural fortress overlooking the park.

You’ll then arrive at the Visitor Center and the official entrance to the most scenic part of the Reef. This road will take you past the Ripple Rock Nature Center (a favorite among the younger travelers) and the Fruita Historic District. This remnant of an old Mormon pioneer town makes for some fascinating exploration!

From there, you’ll continue toward Danish Hill, a spot that offers some of the best views of the whole park and is a popular place to spot wildlife to boot! You’ll pass Oyler Mine next, where workers once harvested uranium. Continuing from there, you’ll hear all about the Paiute tribe and their traditions and legends before arriving at the Capitol Gorge Trailhead, one of the most popular hikes in the whole park.

Next, you’ll head back up north and have a chance to check out some ancient petroglyphs left behind by the Reef’s earliest inhabitants. Then there’s the Hickman Bridge Trail, a beautiful hike that ends by a stunning natural bridge.

Finally, you’ll see the Behunin Cabin, one of the most remote residences in this already remote location, and then arrive at the park’s east entrance. The tour concludes here.

Starting Point: Torrey Pioneer Schoolhouse, Torrey, UT 84775