Parks / Arizona and the Utah Canyons
Capitol Reef
Stop 16 of 51 on the loop. Stay in Torrey UT, give it 2 nights, and plan the day around UT-12 / Scenic Drive.
- State
- UT
- Stay in
- Torrey UT
- Nights on this route
- 2
- Month on this route
- May
- Don't miss
- UT-12 / Scenic Drive
- Getting here
- 112 mi from Bryce Canyon City UT, about 2 h 47 min.
- Next stop
- Arches, 156 mi, about 3 h 10 min.
About the Park
Located in south-central Utah in the heart of red rock country, Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden treasure filled with cliffs, canyons, domes, and bridges in the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline (a wrinkle on the earth) extending almost 100 miles.
Description from the National Park Service.
Where to Stay
On this route you sleep in Torrey UT. Gateway towns have more lodging, groceries and fuel than the park itself. If you want an in-park lodge instead, the busiest parks book up as early as 13 months out.
Entrance Fees
- $20 Private Vehicle
- $15 Motorcycle
- $10 Per person (walk or bike in)
An $80 America the Beautiful annual pass covers entry at every national park; on a trip like this it pays for itself after three parks. Fees from the NPS, checked 2026-10-18.
Nearby Parks
- Bryce Canyon about 59 mi as the crow flies
- Arches about 103 mi as the crow flies
- Canyonlands about 103 mi as the crow flies
Official site: https://www.nps.gov/care/. Route data checked 2026-10-19.