I do not know why Capitol Reef National Park keeps eluding me. I first drove through this National Park in 2016 during a ten-day family trip to The Mighty Five. When my wife and I were planning our return trip to Utah, I was determined to make this stop an overnight stay.
Capitol Reef is a convenient stop as one makes their way to each of The Mighty Five National Parks, starting in either Zion or Moab. Below is the route we traveled, in both directions, while taking Scenic Byway 12. You will be treated to breathtaking views of Utah as you pass through Red Rock, Bryce, Escalante, and the Dixie National Forest. I would highly recommend this route to anyone planning a trip to Utah.
During our first visit to Capitol Reef, we stopped for a few hours and enjoyed the views at Panorama Point, The Visitor Center, drove along Scenic Drive, and ended our time with a hike to Hickman Natural Bridge. The canyon colors and green trees along the Fremont River that flows next to Highway 24 provide a unique contrast to the typical Utah desert landscape. It was a brief visit, but I fell in love with this area.
As I was planning our return, I wanted to stay within the National Park, in the heart of the Fruita Historic District. With much perseverance, I reserved a campsite at the Fruita Campground, the only developed campground in the National Park. There are 71 sites with no hookups. As we were staying for one night, this would not be an inconvenience. Potable water and a dump station are available. Reservations are required from March 1 – October and are accepted six months ahead of time. One night would not be enough time to take in all this area has to offer, but I was thrilled to be surrounded by the beauty of this National Park.
We would make our way to Fruita from Moab, stopping at Goblin State Park before arriving. Goblin is 12 miles off of Highway 24. If time allows, you should consider stopping as you pass right by it. There is an entrance fee but it is worth the cost. There is a campground within Goblin so you may want to consider staying for one night. I would imagine it would be an unforgettable experience and the night sky would be incredible.
Arriving at the campground later than desired, we set up camp and headed to the Gifford Homestead for fresh homemade pie. Unfortunately, they were sold out. If you want to enjoy their iconic pies, you must arrive early.
The Gifford House was home to Dewey Gifford till 1969, when he sold his home and land to the National Park Services. As you walk through the house, you will be taken back in time to the early 1900s when it was built by the first settlers. Today, the building sells handmade items made by local artisans and craftsmen, including jams, jellies, locally baked fruit pies, and homemade ice cream.
As the campground sits along the Fremont River and in the Fruita Historic District, you are encompassed by approximately 1,900 fruit trees planted by the original Latter-day Saints pioneers. These orchards are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, known as the Fruita Rural Historic District. Arriving from the desert of Moab, it was a pleasant change in scenery.
From the campground, you can hike the Fremont River Trail. The trail runs along the river and showcases the orchards and the original irrigation system. You will also come across horse and deer grazing in the nearby orchards. If you are fortunate, you might spot a bighorn sheep in the nearby cliffs.
After dinner, we headed out to fuel the truck and found ourselves in Torrey at the Chuck Wagon General Store for ice cream out of the freezer case. We enjoyed this while sitting outside admiring the small town. With sunset approaching, we headed to Sunset Point. We parked at Panorama Point as the road to Sunset Point is not paved, with a signpost stating a maximum vehicle length of 17’. Not willing to take a chance or venture out of my comfort zone, we made the safe choice and took in the views from Panorama Point. While enjoying the landscape, I watched several cars driving on the dirt road leading to Sunset Point. Curious about road conditions, I approached a family that had just driven off. They assured me I would not have a problem as they drove it in a car and I had a truck. The dirt road was about .75 miles and was not challenging. You end up at the parking area for Goosenecks Overlook. From that point, you can hike out to Sunset Point, about .2-miles. There are no words to describe the views from this viewpoint. Hopefully, the pictures do it justice. I am glad I ventured from my comfort zone to enjoy the sunset from this overlook.
We wished we could stay longer, but the next day it was time to pack up and head to Escalante. I was up early, determined to be one of the first to get pies at the Gifford House before we left. Thankfully, I secured two pies, which we enjoyed with coffee at the camper.
I intend to return to Capitol Reef to explore this area some more. If you consider visiting, I would suggest a minimum of two to three full days here. There are so many off-road, unpaved roads to explore. One road I would have enjoyed had we had more time is Notom-Bullfrog Road. I might need a dose of confidence as well, as this road takes you along the Strike Valley. If you continue, you can take the Burr Trail Switchbacks and continue to Boulder, UT. However, I need to read up on this before I consider it. Here is a link if you are interested in learning more: https://www.nps.gov/glca/planyourvisit/driving-the-burr-trail.htm.
If you have taken this road, please let me know. I am interested in knowing how difficult this is. Can someone with no experience handle this in a Chevy Silverado?
Here is my growing list for my next visit:
Not-Bullfrog Road
Chimney Rock Trail
Cassidy Arch Trail
Capitol Gorge Trail
Savvy-Traveler 