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National park: Capitol Reef, UT

Capitol Reef: 2 Days of Fruita, Slickrock and Canyon Walks

A natural bridge, a pioneer gorge and a cliff-top arch

Juniper trees in the foreground with distant red-brown cliffs under a colorful cloudy sunset sky
Photo: NPS / Emily Van Ness
Length
2 days
Difficulty
Moderate
Best months
Apr–May, Sep–Oct
Budget
$$

Two relaxed days in Capitol Reef's Fruita corridor: Hickman Bridge, the Scenic Drive and Capitol Gorge, then Cassidy Arch, petroglyphs and the historic orchards. One Torrey hotel base and easy meals.

  • Hike to Hickman Bridge, a 133-foot natural bridge
  • Drive the Scenic Drive and walk Capitol Gorge to the Pioneer Register
  • Climb to the top of Cassidy Arch
  • Fremont petroglyphs and the Fruita orchards
  • Sunset at Panorama Point

The story

Capitol Reef is a long wrinkle in the Utah desert, a 100-mile fold of tilted rock that NPS calls the Waterpocket Fold, with a pioneer orchard village tucked into its middle. Two days is enough for the Fruita corridor, where the best sights sit within a few miles of the visitor center.

Day one pairs the short climb to Hickman Bridge with the Scenic Drive and a stroll down Capitol Gorge, where pioneers carved their names into the canyon wall. After a late lunch in Torrey, catch the sunset glow at Panorama Point. Day two starts early for Cassidy Arch, the park's classic strenuous hike, then eases into Fremont petroglyphs and the Fruita orchards before a final lunch in Torrey.

Both nights are at the Broken Spur Inn in Torrey, about a 15 to 20 minute drive from the visitor center, so there is no packing up in between. Spring and fall are the comfortable seasons; summer afternoons are hot and monsoon season brings flash-flood risk.

Day by day

Day 1

Hickman Bridge, Scenic Drive and Capitol Gorge

Hike to the natural bridge, drive the Scenic Drive to Capitol Gorge, then lunch in Torrey and catch the sunset.

Must do
Hike8:00 AM · 2 h

Hickman Bridge Trail

Start with the park's best short hike. The trail climbs from the Fremont River past juniper and slickrock, with Capitol Dome in view, to a 133-foot natural bridge that NPS describes as formed by flowing water. It is steep in places but short; going early keeps the sun off the climb. The trailhead is on UT-24, about 2 miles east of the visitor center.

Large rounded white sandstone dome above the Fremont River, with green grass and red cliffs, seen from the Hickman Bridge Trailhead
Photo: NPS
Distance
1.8 mi
Elevation gain
400 ft
Route
Out and back
Difficulty
Moderate
Dogs allowed
No
Trailhead
Hickman Bridge Trailhead on UT-24, about 2 miles east of the visitor center
Distance note
NPS lists 0.9 mi one way with a 400 ft elevation change (one-way basis); round trip is about 1.8 mi. Trailhead coordinates are from OpenStreetMap.
Hickman Bridge Trailhead
Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, UT 84775
Season: Typically open year-round; check current conditions.
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Hickman Bridge Trailhead (new tab)
Sources (4)
Scenic drive10:15 AM · 45 min

Scenic Drive

A 7.9-mile paved road runs south from the visitor center along the face of the Waterpocket Fold, past the Fruita orchards and cliff walls streaked with desert varnish, with numbered NPS roadside stops. It is a dead-end, so you return the same way. NPS allots about an hour and a half round trip for the drive plus the two dirt spurs; this plan takes the Capitol Gorge spur and walks the trail.

A road runs alongside red sandstone cliffs on the Scenic Drive
Photo: NPS
Time
About 1.5 hours round trip including the Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge spurs (NPS), before hiking
Best time
Morning or late afternoon
Reservation needed
No
Length note
7.9 miles paved; dirt spurs usually suitable for passenger cars and RVs up to 27 feet (NPS)
Capitol Reef National Park's Scenic Drive
Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, UT 84775
Season: Typically open year-round; the drive and its dirt spurs can close for snow, mud or flash floods; check current conditions.
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Capitol Reef National Park's Scenic Drive (new tab)
Sources (3)
Must do
Hike11:00 AM · 1 h 30 min

Capitol Gorge Trail to the Pioneer Register and the Tanks

At the end of the dirt Capitol Gorge Road, a flat, easy trail follows a narrow wash between tall walls. About half a mile in, names and dates left by pioneers, prospectors and surveyors are carved into the north wall, and the trail continues to the Tanks, small natural pools in the sandstone. Do not add your own name; defacing the Register is illegal.

Photo: NPS / J. Frank
A man crouches beside a still pool of water in tan sandstone on the Capitol Gorge Trail
The Capitol Gorge Trail features the Tanks, natural pools that form in the sandstone.. Photo: NPS / J. Frank
Signatures carved into the reddish canyon wall at the Pioneer Register
Pioneers and explorers left their mark on the canyon wall. Defacing the Register is illegal.. Photo: NPS/ C. Roundtree
Distance
2 mi
Elevation gain
80 ft
Route
Out and back
Difficulty
Easy
Dogs allowed
No
Trailhead
End of Capitol Gorge Road (dirt spur off the Scenic Drive)
Distance note
NPS lists 1.0 mi one way with an 80 ft elevation change (one-way basis) to the Tanks; round trip is about 2.0 mi. The Pioneer Register is about 0.5 mi in.
Capitol Gorge Trailhead (Scenic Drive Stop 11)
Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, UT 84775
Season: Typically open year-round; the dirt road can close for flash floods or mud; check current conditions.
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Capitol Gorge Trailhead (Scenic Drive Stop 11) (new tab)
Sources (3)
Eat1:45 PM · 1 h

Lunch at Slackers Burger Joint

A casual Main Street stop in Torrey for burgers, fries and shakes after a morning in the park. The town's official business listing describes a family-friendly spot with desserts such as a Giant Banana Split. It is about 12 miles from the visitor center.

Meal
Lunch
Cuisine
American, burgers
Reservation needed
No
Slackers Burger Joint
165 E Main St, Torrey, UT 84775
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Slackers Burger Joint (new tab) 435-425-3710
Sources (1)
Stay

Broken Spur Inn & Steakhouse

A hilltop hotel in Torrey with red-rock views, about 5 minutes from the park entrance by its own account. It has hotel rooms and Conestoga wagon units, an indoor pool and hot tub, EV charging and guest laundry. Hot breakfast (7-10 AM) is complimentary for guests, which helps with the early starts here. Check current rates.

Type
Hotel
Location
Outside the park
Booking
Book / details
Reservation notes
Check current rates on the official site; the site promises its lowest available rate when booking direct.
Broken Spur Inn & Steakhouse
955 E Highway 24, Torrey, UT 84775
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Broken Spur Inn & Steakhouse (new tab) 435-425-3775
Sources (3)
Must do
Viewpoint1 h

Sunset at Panorama Point

A very short walk from the parking area on UT-24 leads to a 360-degree view of huge sandstone cliffs, and NPS says the colors get most vibrant toward sunset. Arrive about 45 minutes early. For a longer walk, the 0.4-mile one-way Sunset Point Trail at the end of the 1-mile dirt Panorama Point Road is NPS's other easy sunset option. It is on the way back to Torrey.

Juniper trees in the foreground with distant red-brown cliffs under a colorful cloudy sunset sky
Photo: NPS / Emily Van Ness
Time
Short walk from the parking area; allow about an hour including the light
Best time
Sunset
Reservation needed
No
Panorama Point
Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, UT 84775
Season: Typically open year-round; the dirt road to Sunset Point can be affected by weather; check current conditions.
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Panorama Point (new tab)
Sources (2)
Eat1 h 15 min

Dinner at The Pioneer Kitchen

The restaurant at Capitol Reef Resort, on the east side of Torrey nearest the park. The town's listing describes American comfort food and regional dishes such as orange-peel grilled trout and enchiladas, with vegetarian and gluten-free options, served for breakfast and dinner. Check closing time before a late sunset.

Meal
Dinner
Cuisine
American comfort food, regional
The Pioneer Kitchen at Capitol Reef Resort
2600 E Highway 24, Torrey, UT 84775
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for The Pioneer Kitchen at Capitol Reef Resort (new tab) 435-425-3323
Sources (1)
Day 2

Cassidy Arch, Petroglyphs and Fruita

Start early on the park's classic arch hike, then take two easy stops on UT-24 and have a late lunch in Torrey.

Must do
Hike8:00 AM · 3 h

Cassidy Arch Trail

The park's signature strenuous hike. From the Grand Wash Road parking area, the trail climbs steeply up the north canyon wall over slickrock with some exposure along high cliffs and ends on top of the arch, with canyon views. NPS says the arch is named for Butch Cassidy. Start early for cooler air, carry plenty of water, and skip it if rain threatens.

Distance
3.4 mi
Elevation gain
670 ft
Route
Out and back
Difficulty
Strenuous
Dogs allowed
No
Trailhead
Cassidy Arch Trailhead on the dirt Grand Wash Road, off the Scenic Drive
Distance note
NPS lists 1.7 mi one way with a 670 ft elevation change (one-way basis); round trip is about 3.4 mi. Trailhead coordinates are from OpenStreetMap. The 3-hour allowance is a planning estimate.
Cassidy Arch Trailhead
Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, UT 84775
Season: Typically open year-round; Grand Wash Road can close for flash floods, mud or snow; check current conditions.
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Cassidy Arch Trailhead (new tab)
Sources (4)
Activity11:20 AM · 30 min

Fremont Petroglyph Panel

Two wooden boardwalks along UT-24 lead to rock art pecked into the cliff by the Fremont Culture, who lived in this region from about 300 to 1300 CE according to NPS. Look for the human-like figures with trapezoid bodies and bighorn-sheep shapes. It is a short stop on the way to Fruita.

Rock markings carved into flat red rock showing human-like figures with trapezoidal bodies
Photo: S. Cotrell
Time
5 to 30 minutes (NPS)
Reservation needed
No
Petroglyph Panel
Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, UT 84775
Season: Typically open year-round; check current conditions.
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Petroglyph Panel (new tab)
Sources (2)
Activity12:00 PM · 1 h

Fruita Historic Orchards

The orchards along the Fremont River and Sulphur Creek are what is left of the pioneer community of Fruita, settled in 1880. Walk among the heirloom trees and old farm buildings near the visitor center; NPS says fruit is available for harvest in season. The seasonal Gifford House, run by the Capitol Reef Natural History Association, sells snacks and gifts. The Doc Inglesby picnic area is about 0.75 mile from the visitor center.

Apricots on a tree with an old barn and red cliffs in the background
Photo: NPS / Shauna Cotrell
Time
About an hour for an easy walk
Reservation needed
No
Capitol Reef Orchards
Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, UT 84775
Season: Typically open year-round; fruit harvest and Gifford House are seasonal; check current dates.
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Capitol Reef Orchards (new tab)
Sources (3)
Eat1:45 PM · 1 h

Lunch at Rock Reef Cafe

A family-style Main Street restaurant in Torrey. The town's listing highlights homemade pizza from a family recipe, brisket, burgers and draft beer, and says it suits groups and families. A solid way to end the trip before the drive out.

Meal
Lunch
Cuisine
Pizza, brisket, American
Reservation needed
No
Rock Reef Cafe
150 E Main St, Torrey, UT 84775
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Rock Reef Cafe (new tab) 435-425-3797
Sources (1)

Where to stay

Stay

Red Sands Hotel & Spa

A 64-room boutique hotel in Torrey, about 4 miles from the park by its own site, with an indoor heated pool, hot tub, full-service spa and an on-site eatery. A higher-comfort alternative; check current rates.

Type
Hotel
Location
Outside the park
Booking
Book / details
Reservation notes
Check current rates; the site promotes direct booking.
Red Sands Hotel & Spa
670 E Highway 24, Torrey, UT 84775
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Red Sands Hotel & Spa (new tab) 435-425-3688
Sources (1)
Stay

The Rim Rock Inn

Motel-style rooms and stand-alone cabins on 10 acres on the east side of Torrey; the town's listing notes private entrances, patios with cliff views and two on-site restaurants. Check current rates.

Type
Cabin
Location
Outside the park
Reservation notes
Check current rates with the inn.
The Rim Rock Inn
2523 E Highway 24, Torrey, UT 84775
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for The Rim Rock Inn (new tab) 435-425-3398
Sources (1)
Stay

Fruita Campground

The park's only developed campground, among the Fruita orchards: 71 sites with picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms and water. Reservable year-round on Recreation.gov up to 6 months ahead; NPS says it is typically fully booked from mid-March through October.

Type
Campground
Location
Inside the park
Price per night
From $25 (as of 2026-10-03)
Booking
Book / details
Reservation notes
$25 per site per night (NPS).
Fruita Campground
Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, UT 84775
Season: Open year-round per NPS.
Open in Google Maps (new tab) Website for Fruita Campground (new tab)
Sources (2)

Map of places

  1. Hickman Bridge Trailhead (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 1
  2. Capitol Reef National Park's Scenic Drive (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 1
  3. Capitol Gorge Trailhead (Scenic Drive Stop 11) (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 1
  4. Slackers Burger Joint (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 1
  5. Broken Spur Inn & Steakhouse (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 1
  6. Panorama Point (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 1
  7. The Pioneer Kitchen at Capitol Reef Resort (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 1
  8. Cassidy Arch Trailhead (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 2
  9. Petroglyph Panel (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 2
  10. Capitol Reef Orchards (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 2
  11. Rock Reef Cafe (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 2
  12. Red Sands Hotel & Spa (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Option
  13. The Rim Rock Inn (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Option
  14. Fruita Campground (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Option

Good to know

Current conditions (as of 2026-10-03)

  • NPS alerts: elevated E. coli in the Fremont River and Sulphur Creek (Utah DEQ advisory; do not swim or wade), and a monsoon/flash-flood notice; closures are posted at the visitor center.
  • Private-vehicle entrance fee is $20 per vehicle (NPS, as of 2026-10-03).
  • Visitor center hours are 8:00 AM-4:30 PM daily; winter hours (9:00 AM-4:30 PM) run 2026-11-29 to 2027-03-06, with closures on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day (NPS).
  • NPS lists the Gifford House as open mid-March through the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Evergreen tips

  • Best seasons are spring and fall; NPS notes July-September monsoon storms can cause flash floods, and summer highs average in the high 80s F.
  • Capitol Reef is open 24 hours (NPS); the visitor center is the place to pay the fee and pick up the Scenic Drive guide.
  • Flash floods can close Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge roads; never enter canyons when storms threaten.
  • Carry water on all hikes; Cassidy Arch has steep slickrock and exposure.
  • Most Torrey businesses are small; confirm hours before you go. NPS lists no pets on the trails in this plan.
  • Distances and gains: NPS gives one-way distance and elevation change; this plan states round-trip distance.

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Sources

Good to know: distances and drive times are typical figures without live traffic, and where routes are shown the route data comes from OpenStreetMap contributors. Toll amounts are estimates and change often, so check them in the DriftKin planner or with the toll authority before you plan around them. Opening hours, fees, prices, permits and closures also change, so confirm with the park or business before you go.