Capitol Reef National Park became the fourth stop on our Utah Mighty 5 adventure. Along with our daughter, what began as a day trip from Moab became an extra visit for the park’s famous pies. From our favorite hike to our quest for pie, check our highlights at Capitol Reef National Park.
Looking for more Utah adventures? Be sure to check out our other experiences exploring the Utah Mighty 5.
Planning Our Visit to Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is located in south-central Utah between Moab and Bryce Canyon National Park. Since we were staying in Moab, we planned Capitol Reef as a day trip during our Utah Mighty 5 adventure. The drive takes almost 2.5 hours each way, but the scenery along the route makes the journey part of the experience.
Leaving Moab, we traveled through some incredible red rock scenery before joining Interstate 70 toward Green River. As we continued south, the landscape slowly changed from open desert views to towering cliffs, colorful rock formations, and the unique scenery surrounding Capitol Reef. The park protects the Waterpocket Fold, a nearly 100-mile-long wrinkle in the Earth’s crust that creates the dramatic landscape throughout the area. Learn more at: Capitol Reef National Park (U.S. National Park Service).
Our plan was to hike Hickman Bridge Trail first after entering the park. The trailhead is located before reaching the visitor center, making it a convenient first stop. After our hike, we planned to visit the visitor center before continuing toward the Gifford House for the park’s famous fruit pies. From there, we would continue along the Scenic Drive using the GuideAlong app while stopping at overlooks, historic sites, and viewpoints throughout the afternoon.
Driving from Moab to Capitol Reef National Park
Our day started later than planned. After a slow morning, we finally left Moab around 9:00 AM and began the drive toward Capitol Reef National Park. On the way we passed Arches National Park, and noticed a long line of vehicles waiting to enter. We’re glad Capitol Reef was our destination today, although we planned to return to Arches tomorrow. After joining Interstate 70, we decided to stop for gas near Green River. Once we left the highway, we did not know when we would find another gas station again.
As we approached a stop sign before turning toward the station, we came to a complete stop. Unfortunately, the truck behind us couldn’t stop in time and hit the back of our rental car. Thankfully, everyone was okay, but we were definitely shaken. After exchanging information, we filled up with gas and contacted our rental car company. Completing the accident report became the most frustrating part because the website would not work properly on my phone. Luckily, Becky called roadside assistance, and they helped us complete the report. The damage was minor, and the car was still safe to drive. Between the accident, paperwork, and getting gas, we lost about 90 minutes. Feeling stressed, we grabbed more snacks, made another restroom stop, and decided to continue toward Capitol Reef around 11:00 AM.
We finally reached the Capitol Reef National Park entrance sign around 12:45 PM. Although we were behind schedule, we were grateful to finally arrive. And unlike many national park entrance signs, this one offered plenty of parking and even pit toilets. After taking a few family photos, we started the GuideAlong app as we drove farther into the park.
Hiking the Hickman Bridge Trail in Capitol Reef National Park
We made a quick stop at a pullout overlooking Navajo Dome before arriving at the Hickman Bridge Trailhead. By then it was already 1:15 PM, so we ate some of our picnic lunch before putting on our hiking boots. Before starting the trail, we noticed Capitol Dome towering above the surrounding cliffs. Its resemblance to the U.S. Capitol Building helped inspire the park’s name.
We started hiking around 1:30 PM along the Fremont River before climbing toward the sandstone cliffs. Colorful wildflowers soon lined the trail, including orange, yellow, purple, and bright red cactus blooms.
Along the way, we noticed several numbered interpretive trail markers. Unfortunately, the trail guide was unavailable, and the National Park Service app offered no additional information. I photographed each marker to identify them later. After returning home, I discovered the trail markers explain the area’s geology, plants, and history.
The trail became steeper with plenty of stone steps, reminding us how tired we still were from hiking Fiery Furnace a couple of days before. Our daughter kept complaining that her legs hurt as we climbed. She pointed to her calves and Becky said, “Those are your calves.” Our daughter looked confused and asked, “Like baby cows?” We all laughed, and she spent the rest of the hike telling us her “baby cows” hurt.
Before long, we reached Nels Johnson Natural Bridge, a small sandstone arch carved by water over thousands of years. Although impressive on its own, it is much smaller than Hickman Bridge farther up the trail. Visitors can walk either above or below the natural bridge, offering unique views from both perspectives. We continued climbing toward Hickman Bridge, eager to see one of Capitol Reef’s most iconic landmarks.
Hickman Bridge
As we continued toward Hickman Bridge, the trail became more difficult to follow. Fortunately, a sign pointed us toward the loop around the bridge. Even so, we briefly wandered off the trail before I used AllTrails to get us back on track. Around 2:20 PM, we finally reached Hickman Bridge.
Standing beneath Hickman Bridge was an incredible experience. Although its name suggests otherwise, it is actually a natural sandstone arch carved by erosion. Towering nearly 125 feet above the canyon floor, it is one of Capitol Reef National Park’s most recognizable landmarks. We walked beneath the massive opening and admired it from several different angles.
After taking plenty of family photos, we followed the short loop around the bridge. The views changed with every step, making it worth seeing from both sides. We spent about 25 minutes on the loop before making our way back toward the trailhead.
On the return hike, we stopped beneath Nels Johnson Natural Bridge for a different perspective than before. Most of the remaining hike was downhill, making the walk back much easier. We finished the trail around 3:05 PM, completing the hike in just over an hour and a half. From there, we headed toward the visitor center and Gifford House, hoping there were still plenty of famous fruit pies waiting for us.
Gifford House & Visitor Center
After finishing the Hickman Bridge Trail, we headed toward the Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center. Fortunately, someone pulled out of a parking space just as we arrived because the lot was packed. Becky collected her National Park Passport stamp while we browsed the gift shop for a few souvenirs.
Before leaving, we asked about the famous pies at the Gifford House. Unfortunately, we learned they had sold out around 2:00 PM. It was already 3:30 PM, so our chances had disappeared hours earlier. Even so, we decided to drive there anyway to explore the historic house and see what we had missed.
Parking was easy in the dirt lot beside the Gifford House. Inside, we found a small museum and gift shop celebrating the history of the Fruita community. The empty pie cabinet was a disappointing sight, and even the homemade ice cream had sold out.
A staff member told us the pies come fresh each day from the Broken Spur Inn in nearby Torrey. They receive about 50 dozen pies daily, yet they still sell out every afternoon. We left disappointed, but determined to return another day when we drive past on the way to Bryce Canyon.
Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
After leaving the Gifford House, we continued along the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive around 4:00 PM with GuideAlong leading the way. The 8-mile paved road winds through colorful cliffs, towering rock formations, and the heart of the Waterpocket Fold. Although Becky was ready to relax after our hike, we were excited to see what awaited around each bend.
About five minutes later, we turned onto the unpaved Grand Wash Road. We drove slowly along the gravel road while GuideAlong pointed out the area’s geology and history. One stop highlighted an old uranium mine, while another offered views toward Cassidy Arch. I searched for the arch but could not find it, so we continued to the end of the road. After a quick stop at the Grand Wash Trailhead and restrooms, we returned to the Scenic Drive.
We continued to Capitol Gorge before turning around at the end of the road. On the drive back, GuideAlong explained that early settlers described this rugged landscape as a “reef” because the towering cliffs created a barrier that was difficult to cross. Suddenly, the park’s name made perfect sense. The white sandstone domes resemble the U.S. Capitol Building, while the cliffs formed a natural “reef” across the landscape. It was a fitting ending to one of Utah’s most scenic drives.
Petroglyph Panels
Before leaving Capitol Reef National Park, we made one final stop at the Petroglyph Panels along Utah Highway 24. A short boardwalk leads to several well-preserved petroglyphs created by the Fremont people hundreds of years ago. Interpretive signs along the boardwalk help explain the figures and their significance.
It was fascinating to see the ancient carvings still visible on the towering rock wall. Although no one knows exactly what every symbol means, many are believed to represent people, animals, and everyday life. Seeing artwork that has survived for centuries was a memorable way to end our first day in the park.
We left Capitol Reef around 6:00 PM and made the drive back to Moab before enjoying dinner in town. Although we missed out on the famous Gifford House pies, we already knew we would be back.
Returning for Gifford House Pies
Our drive from Moab to Bryce Canyon followed Scenic Utah Highway 24 through Capitol Reef National Park. Since the park was almost halfway along our route, we decided to stop again for the famous pies. Missing out on our first visit only made us more determined to return.
After grabbing only coffee from our resort, we checked out just after 9:00 AM and headed toward Capitol Reef. We first stopped for gas again in Green River, where our hungry daughter grabbed a hot dog for breakfast. Becky and I saved room for pie instead. Our only other stop was at the entrance sign for a restroom break before reaching the Gifford House around noon
As we walked toward the Gifford House, we could already see visitors enjoying pie at the picnic tables outside. Inside, a line had formed, but there were still plenty of pies available. Becky chose strawberry rhubarb, our daughter picked peach, and I ordered mixed berry, plus three cups of vanilla ice cream. Each pie came in a bag celebrating Fruita’s pioneer spirit and the historic orchards preserved by the National Park Service.
We found a picnic table outside and couldn’t wait to dig in. My mixed berry pie, served warm with vanilla ice cream melting over the top, was absolutely worth the return trip. Despite being a little doughy, Becky finished her entire strawberry rhubarb pie before the rest of us. And our daughter ate all the peach filling from the middle of her pie, leaving most of the crust behind.
Before continuing toward Bryce Canyon, we stopped at the visitor center for another passport stamp. This time, we explored the exhibits before continuing through Capitol Reef.
Goosenecks Overlook
After leaving the visitor center, we continued west on Highway 24 toward Bryce Canyon. GuideAlong was still playing and recommended a stop at Goosenecks Overlook. We missed this stop on our first visit because the accident delay put us behind schedule. This time, we finally had the chance to check it out.
I didn’t realize the overlook required driving down a dirt road and a climb over some rocks to the viewpoint. It was a little more adventurous than expected, but we made it to the overlook. Nearly 800 feet below, Sulphur Creek winds through a dramatic canyon before joining the Colorado River. The tight curves in the canyon create the feature known as the Goosenecks.
A sign explains that erosion from the Colorado River and its tributaries has shaped the landscape for millions of years. Multiple theories about how these tight curves formed, but both show how much the Colorado Plateau has changed over time. The exposed Kaibab Limestone is 270 million years old and also found in the upper layers of the Grand Canyon.
We enjoyed the views before leaving after about 10 minutes. Another nearby stop, Panorama Point, was also recommended, but it required a hike, so we decided to skip it. We continued through Capitol Reef, eventually turning toward Dixie National Forest on our way to Bryce Canyon.
Plan Your Visit
| Planning Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | South-central Utah, between Moab and Bryce Canyon |
| Recommended Visit | 1 full day, or a few hours while driving between Moab and Bryce Canyon |
| Best Family Hike | Hickman Bridge Trail |
| Don’t Miss | Gifford House fruit pies (arrive before lunch) |
| Scenic Drive | Capitol Reef Scenic Drive with GuideAlong |
| Our Tip | If you’re driving between Moab and Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef is the perfect place to stop, stretch your legs, and enjoy a famous Gifford House fruit pie. |
Capitol Reef National Park Final Tips and Summary
Capitol Reef National Park exceeded our expectations and became a favorite surprise on our Utah Mighty 5 road trip. From hiking to Hickman Bridge and driving the Scenic Drive to discovering ancient petroglyphs, every stop offered something unique. Even after an unexpected accident delayed our plans, our rental car still ran perfectly and allowed us to explore everything. And we found out Capitol Reef got its name from a white dome and the natural “reef” through the park.
If you’re planning a visit, arrive at the Gifford House before lunch for the best chance to get one of the famous fruit pies. We also recommend hiking the Hickman Bridge Trail, driving the Scenic Drive with GuideAlong, and allowing a full day to explore the park. Capitol Reef may be Utah’s least-visited Mighty 5 national park, but it quickly became one of our favorites. If you’re visiting southern Utah, don’t make the mistake of driving past this incredible park.
Have you visited Capitol Reef National Park? We’d love to hear your favorite hike, scenic stop, or Gifford House pie flavor in the comments below. And if you’re planning a Utah road trip, be sure to check out our other Utah Mighty 5 adventures for more family-friendly tips and inspiration.