Capitol Reef National Park
Often called Utah’s "hidden gem," Capitol Reef is a massive wrinkle in the earth's crust known as the Waterpocket Fold. For riders, it offers the perfect combination of world-class pavement, dramatic red rock canyons, and a surprisingly lush, green oasis in the middle of the desert. Because it sees fewer crowds than Zion or Arches, it provides a much more intimate and uninterrupted riding experience.
At a Glance
Distance: 4.5 hours, 250 miles from Salt Lake City
Time Budget: 2–3 hours for the Scenic Drive; half day for Cathedral Valley, half day to ride The Fold
Best Riding: April to October (Spring blossoms and Fall harvests are highlights)
Fees: $15 for up to two motorcycles riding together (or an Annual Park Pass)
The Ride
The journey through Capitol Reef follows Highway 24, a sweeping stretch of asphalt that cuts through towering sandstone domes and deep canyons. Unlike the other parks, the main highway is free to ride; the fee only applies to the Scenic Drive that spurs off from the Visitor Center. This 8-mile out-and-back road winds deep into the heart of the Fold, ending at the dramatic entrance to Capitol Gorge.
Ride through the Fruita District and wander through historic orchards, view a petroglyph panels along the river, or take a short, steep hike up to Hickman Bridge for a bird’s-eye view of the winding Highway 24 below.
However, the paved sections are only the beginning. To the north lies Cathedral Valley, a remote landscape of massive, free-standing monoliths like the Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon. While these sights are spectacular, they are located on rugged backcountry roads that require an adventure bike with aggressive tires and serious off-road experience to navigate safely. Deep sand, washouts, and greasy mud are not uncommon.
To the south, the Waterpocket Fold is a 100-mile long "wrinkle" in the Earth's crust. You can ride this fold by taking the Notom-Bullfrog Road which eventually transitions into a graded dirt road that leads toward the famous Burr Trail switchbacks.
Did someone say "pies"?! The historic Gifford House in the Fruita district sells fresh, handmade fruit pies. They sell out nearly every day by noon, so make this your first stop if you can.
Capitol Reef is famous for its narrow canyons. If the sky looks dark or a storm is in the forecast, stay out of the washes and low-lying white concrete "dips" in the road. Do not attempt to cross rapid rushing water.
Cathedral Valley is accessed by riding or driving through remote and challenging terrain. Check in with a Park Ranger at the visitor's center for the day's road and weather reports. Do not ford the Freemont River in our rental motorcycles.
Tips
Itinerary
Plan to arrive in Torrey the day prior
Upon entering the Scenic Road, pit stop at the Gifford House for a pie to stash in your bike
Continue down the road, paying the entry fee, and ride the 8-mile road to the end. Enjoy the views along the way, and stop to view the Pioneer Register at Capitol Gorge. Don't forget your pie!
Return to town for lunch
Ride east on Hwy 24 to see the Cathedrals from a distance
Turn south on Notam-Bullfrog Road to ride in the Fold
Consider taking the Burr Trail to climb out of the Fold and end your day in Boulder
Images
Amenities
Fuel: None in park. Options in Torrey (west) or Hanksville (east)
Eat: Pies, jams, and ice cream at the Gifford House
Restrooms: Visitor Center, Gifford House, and at the end of the Scenic Drive
Stay: None in park. Hotel and glamping options in Torrey and Hanksville
Camping: Fruita Campground is the only developed campground and requires advance reservations. There is one primitive FCFS campground located in Cathedral Valley, and one along Notom-Bullfrog.
Official Capitol Reef National Park Website
Page Header: Courtesy of Austen Diamond/Utah Office of Tourism
All other images: Original photography by Utah Touring