Finishing out our national parks that comprise the Utah Mighty Five is Capital Reef National Park. To be honest–this turned out to be one of my favorites! Visiting Capitol Reef National Park with kids was such a fun experience that I already can’t wait to go back.
Capitol Reef National Park with kids
all about Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef first became a National Monument with 37,711 acres on August 2, 1937. In 1958 it gained an additional 3,000+ acres, but didn’t become a national park until December 18, 1971. The current size of the park after many changes and additions over the years is 243,921 acres.
where does the name Capitol Reef come from?
The word “capitol” comes from the monumental Navajo sandstone domes that reminded early explorers of a capitol building dome. The “reef” reference is because this area had difficult terrain to travel over for early explorers and visitors, much as an oceanic reef creates a barrier to travel.
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what makes Capitol Reef National Park special?
Personally, I think the thing that makes visiting Capitol Reef with kids so special and unique is the history. The Fruita District is where we spent most of our time in the park and we loved it! Explorers didn’t come to the Capitol Reef area in 1872, although there were indigenous peoples in the area for thousands of years before that. When groups did start settling in the area they built communities based on short season farming and grazing. Those orchards have been replanted and are still producing today! If you visit Capitol Reef in growing season you can visit some of these orchards and pick your own fruit. Fruit that you eat while in the orchard is free–or you can pay per pound based on the honor system. Find out more information and what is in season when by clicking on this link.
what hikes are good for kids?
There are several marked trails and backcountry hiking options in Capitol Reef. You know the abilities of your family best so make sure to do your research and download maps ahead of time. Below are some of the easiest hikes to do with kids with the biggest “rewards”–aka. view or historical significance.
- Capitol Gorge, 1 mile easy: Features a deep canyon, historic Pioneer register, and a short climb to waterpockets or “tanks”
- Goosenecks Overlook, .1 mile easy: Short walk to an overlook with impressive canyon views
- Sunset Point, .4 mile easy: Easy walk perfect for sunset hikes
- Hickman Bridge, .9 mile moderate: Hike to a 133-foot natural bridge with canyon views
Must-dos in Capitol Reef National Park with Kids:
- Stop by the visitor center
- Pick fruit when in season
- Explore the Scenic Drive
- Eat at the Gifford House
- See the Fremont Culture petroglyphs
where should you stay near Capitol Reef National Park?
Capitol Reef is the most remote of the Utah Mighty Five, being far off the beaten path. Don’t let that stop you from visiting though! Fruita Campground is the only developed campground in Capitol Reef National Park. In recent years has regularly filled to capacity. It has no hookups and no showers available, however there is an RV dump and potable water fill station, as well as restrooms with running water and flush toilets that makes camping in Capitol Reef National Park with kids a little easier. Fruita Campground is open year round and requires reservations from March 1 to October 31.
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There are many camping alternatives in BLM land surrounding Capitol Reef National Park. There are both Dispersed and Developed camping options, as well as private campgrounds that are within an hour of the park. More information can be found by clicking here.
There are also many accommodation options in Torrey, Utah, 11 miles west of Capitol Reef National Park on Highway 24. These range from simple motels to five star resorts to private home vacation rentals. In the off season you’ll find incredible deals! We definitely recommend that you take advantage of staying nearby and plan more than one day at Capitol Reef National Park with kids, if you can.
what else do you need to know about visiting Capitol Reef National Park with kids?
Capitol Reef is a great national park to visit with kids! There are so many activities to do, even for the most inexperienced hikers. If you have little explorers who aren’t as keen to get dirty and sweaty hiking all day, they’ll love what Capitol Reef has to offer. You don’t want to miss the Fremont Culture petroglyphs that are along Utah State Route 24. These are accessible by two wooden boardwalks without hiking or strenuous climbing. If you bring binoculars you’ll be able to see even more of these incredible drawings.
| Read: Visiting Arches National Park with Kids |
Your whole family will also love the activities that make Capitol Reef so unique, such as picking fruit from the orchards in season and picking up a pie from the Gifford Homestead in the Fruita District. Before you head to the Gifford Homestead, be sure to stop by the park Visitor Center. Here you can check out the exhibits, as well as pick up your Junior Ranger booklets.
| Read: Best Hikes in Zion and Tips for Visiting with Kids |
Once you have your booklets, you can fill them out while checking out the Scenic Drive. The Scenic Drive costs $20, unless you have a park pass. In 2024 the Scenic Drive will be having some work done and will likely impact the following: The entire Scenic Drive will close for construction from approximately April to October 2024. The visitor center parking lot will also be impacted and will be partially closed in the spring or fall. The Chimney Rock parking lot will also be closed in either the spring or fall. Note that this time period will not be at the same time as the Scenic Drive closure. The Fruita Campground will remain open except from June 3 through June 14, 2024. During this time period, the campground will be repaved and no reservations are available.
Have you ever been to Capitol Reef National Park in southern Utah before?
