Capitol Reef National Park is Utah’s quieter, smaller and lesser known of the epic mighty 5 National Parks. But that doesn’t mean it’s any less worth visiting than the other players in the game. Capitol Reef is the perfect choice for families and those looking for easier hikes.

Taken over by massive dome-shaped stone formations and treacherous terrain, “capitol reef” was once an impassible monocline to weary settlers. A rugged, 100-mile earth-wrinkle known as the Waterpocket Fold dominates the desert landscape.  The reef is compromised of a linear progression of cliffs, canyons, domes, buttes, spires, and other geological formations

Capitol Reef has one major downside but it actually gives the park its best aspect: It is frustratingly difficult to get to, but that means far fewer people make the effort and you will have the place more or less to yourself!

I highly recommend taking Scenic Highway 12 through Escalante and on to Bryce Canyon when you are ready to leave Capitol Reef – there is no need to stay local. We drove from Salt Lake City to Capitol Reef and then to Bryce Canyon for the night. Highway 12 between Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the most incredible scenic highways. You need to leave no later than 3 hours before sunset if you want to reach Bryce Canyon in daylight. The drive is amazing, especially around Escalante.