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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 Jul 2026 · alerts checked Jul 10, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu 27 | Overcast | 91°F | 63°F | 25% |
| Fri 28 | Overcast | 90°F | 68°F | 17% |
| Sat 29 | Rain | 91°F | 70°F | 43% |
| Sun 30 | Heavy drizzle | 82°F | 66°F | 54% |
| Mon 31 | Overcast | 78°F | 66°F | 45% |
| Tue 1 | Drizzle | 80°F | 61°F | 27% |
| Wed 2 | Light rain | 79°F | 61°F | 20% |
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
- Information
Special Use Permits
Special Use Permits are typically needed for activities that benefit a specific group. Examples include: Groups of 40 or more, trips organized by scouting groups, churches, or academic institutions, photography, weddings, and first amendment activities
Details on nps.gov → - Information
Reef Ride Bike Days 2026
For this special event in honor of National Public Lands Day, the Scenic Drive will be closed to motor vehicles for part of the day on Saturday, September 19 and Saturday, September 26, 2026. The road will be closed to vehicles from sunrise to 3 pm to allow for bicycles and pedestrians to enjoy the road at a more leisurely pace. The main road through the park (UT highway 24) - will remain open and unaffected by this closure.
Details on nps.gov → - Park Closure
Annual/Seasonal Canyoneering Closures
The following are closed to entry through 8/31/2026 to protect sensitive resources: the heads of Fivemile Wash & Burro Wash descending east 2 miles; Shinob Canyon + all routes descending into Shinob (including Na-gah, Nighthawk, & Timpie); and Arch Nemesis Canyon, including the route exiting at Capitol Gorge + all direct tributary canyons.
Details on nps.gov → - Caution
Elevated E. Coli levels - Fremont River
Recent water quality testing shows elevated E. coli levels in the Fremont River. Use caution if entering the water. Do not get water in your mouth, do not swim. Wash hands with soap and water.
- Information
Stage II Fire Restrictions
Stage II fire restrictions are in effect until further notice. Campfires including charcoal are not permitted, even in established fire rings. Smoking is only permitted within an enclosed vehicle. Gas or liquid fueled portable camp stoves are still permitted.
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.