National Park · UT
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef is quietest in January and February and busiest in May.
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.
1.4M recreation visits a year on average (2023–2025)
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Pick a month to visit Capitol Reef
This week
7-day forecast
| Day | Conditions | High | Low | Precip chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 18 | Overcast | 63°F | 43°F | 10% |
| Mon 19 | Overcast | 67°F | 44°F | 4% |
| Tue 20 | Overcast | 66°F | 46°F | 13% |
| Wed 21 | Drizzle | 69°F | 53°F | 84% |
| Thu 22 | Heavy showers | 59°F | 53°F | 94% |
| Fri 23 | Light drizzle | 60°F | 48°F | 75% |
| Sat 24 | Clear | 58°F | 47°F | 14% |
Forecast data by Open-Meteo
Source: Open-Meteo
Weather
Monthly climate normals
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precip |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 41°F | 21°F | 0.6" |
| February | 47°F | 26°F | 0.5" |
| March | 57°F | 34°F | 0.5" |
| April | 65°F | 39°F | 0.5" |
| May | 74°F | 48°F | 0.7" |
| June | 86°F | 58°F | 0.3" |
| July | 91°F | 65°F | 1.0" |
| August | 88°F | 63°F | 1.1" |
| September | 80°F | 55°F | 0.9" |
| October | 66°F | 43°F | 0.9" |
| November | 51°F | 30°F | 0.5" |
| December | 40°F | 21°F | 0.4" |
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, CAPITOL REEF NP, UT US
Know before you go
Fees & hours
- Entrance fee
- $20 — An entrance fee is charged per vehicle.
- Hours
- Capitol Reef is a 24 hour park, open all day, every day. The visitor center is open daily, except for some major holidays. Visitor center hours vary, call 435-425-3791 and follow the prompts for current visitor center information.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Caution
Monsoon Season & Flash Floods
Heavy rains can cause sudden flooding, especially in canyons and washes. Do not drive or hike through flood waters. Get to high ground and wait for floods to subside. Some roads may close temporarily; closures are posted at the visitor center.
Details on nps.gov → - Caution
Elevated E. Coli levels - Fremont River and Sulphur Creek
Recent water quality testing shows elevated E. coli levels in the Fremont River and Sulphur Creek. A warning advisory has been issued by the Utah DEQ. Use caution if entering the water. Do not get water in your mouth, do not swim. Wash hands with soap and water.
Source: NPS Data API
FAQ
Capitol Reef questions
When is the best time to visit Capitol Reef?
Capitol Reef is least crowded in January, February, and December. May is the busiest month, so visiting outside it means thinner crowds and easier parking.
How much does it cost to visit Capitol Reef?
Entrance to Capitol Reef costs $20 (An entrance fee is charged per vehicle.).
When is Capitol Reef busiest?
Capitol Reef is busiest in May, when crowds rate 10/10 (peak). Expect full parking lots and longer waits; arrive early or choose a quieter month.
How crowded is Capitol Reef during holidays and fee-free days?
Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July) and official NPS fee-free days typically bring peak crowd conditions to Capitol Reef. Arrive before 8 AM or after 3 PM to secure parking and avoid peak trail congestion.