Capitol Reef
If you’re thinking about a trip to Utah, a lesser known hidden gem is Capitol Reef National Park. It’s under 4 hours drive from Bryce or Zion, so easy to throw into your itinerary. Make this a stop along your road trip to enjoy some other worldly views without the crowds (looking at you, Zion). Capitol Reef was a friend’s recommendation and I could not be happier that we made the time to check it out.
STAY
Red Sands Hotel has a spacey property with fire-pits, horses, a hot tub, and open air pool. There’s a friendly front desk staff, large rooms and a stargazing platform.
I was immediately charmed by this welcoming hotel and all it had to offer.
The pool and hot tub are next to a retractable gate, so you can star gaze and enjoy the hotel’s surrounding views whether you’re avoiding the hot summer sun or soaking after a day of hikes.
EAT
Rim Rock Pizza is close to the park’s entrance. You can watch the sunset and enjoy the outdoor fire pits while reminiscing about your time in the park.
I’m a sucker for a cute coffee spot and adore this tiny road side hut. As soon as I spotted it on our way into Torrey, I knew I wanted to stop here the next morning.
Get your road trip fuel or pre-hiking coffee at Dark Sky Coffee. The breakfast burritos are tasty too.
DO
If you only have time for one hike, Cassidy Arch is a 3.5 mile round trip loop with a giant natural arch (if you look closely you can see me standing on it). The hike has some inclines but the views around every corner are worth it. It feels like you’re on another planet.
Hickman’s Bridge is a fairly easy hike that leads to a natural bridge and has views of Capitol Dome. It’s under 2 miles round trip and also involves a lot of inclines (everyday is leg day on this trip!) It isn’t as impressive as Cassidy Arch, but was a different (and more shaded) feel and not as high up.
Panorama Point is a centrally located and well marked sunset spot to peep the sun going down over the red layered walls of Capitol Reef. Its right next to the parking lot, so does not require any hiking.
For a quick but cool stop, check out the Petroglyphs near the Visitor’s Center, along a flat wooden observation deck. You can learn about the people who used to live in the area.
The beauty of this park (besides the red sand) is the amount of personal space you get on the open road.
DRIVE
If you’re driving to Bryce Canyon or Las Vegas after this stop, go the southern route along Route 12. You’ll pass through the Dixie Forest, Escalante and Boulder - its a party for your eyes and made me a road trip convert.
The drive quickly changes from green pine trees to red and orange boulders. There are cute stops along the way including a Flute Shop, Rock Shop, Kiva Koffeehouse and Magnolia’s taco truck (outside the Anasazi State Park Museum.) Take your time and make a day of it. I was impressed with the amount of paved pull offs for drivers to check out the ever changing landscape view.