Capitol Reef Self Guided Driving Tour
Uncover the beauty of Capitol Reef National Park on a self-guided GPS audio driving tour. This immersive experience takes you through the stunning Waterpocket Fold, revealing towering cliffs, colorful canyons, and ancient petroglyphs. Explore historic sites like the Behunin Cabin and Fruita Historic District while enjoying scenic views at Panorama Point and Sunset Point. With GPS narration that plays automatically, you can learn about the park’s rich history and geology at your own pace. Perfect for families and adventurers alike, this tour promises a memorable outing in one of Utah's most underrated national parks. - Self-guided tour with GPS narration for seamless exploration - Visit iconic sites like Hickman Bridge and Fremont Petroglyphs - Suitable for families with easy hikes and fruit-picking opportunities - Enjoy the flexibility of exploring the scenic drive at your own pace
Your experience
Stop 1
The tour starts at the Capitol Reef National Park Sign where. you'll hear about the tour, the park and then be guided in the park.
Stop 2
Step back to the 1880s at the tiny sandstone cabin built by Elijah Behunin, his wife, and their thirteen children. It's hard to imagine fifteen people living in such a small space, but this remarkable cabin tells one of Capitol Reef's greatest pioneer survival stories and offers a glimpse into the hardships faced by early settlers.
Stop 3
Walk through a spectacular slot canyon where towering 800-foot sandstone walls rise overhead. This easy, mostly flat hike is one of the park's highlights and was once rumored to be a favorite hideout for Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch.
Stop 4
Hike to one of Capitol Reef's most famous natural landmarks—a magnificent 133-foot sandstone bridge sculpted by millions of years of erosion. Along the trail you'll also enjoy sweeping views of colorful cliffs and fascinating geology.
Stop 5
The white Navajo Sandstone dome that gave Capitol Reef its name resembles the U.S. Capitol Building. Rising dramatically above the surrounding red cliffs, it's one of the park's most recognizable landmarks and a favorite photo stop.
Stop 6
Walk a short boardwalk to view remarkable rock carvings created by the Fremont people over 1,000 years ago. Human figures, bighorn sheep, and mysterious symbols still decorate the cliff face, offering one of the Southwest's finest collections of ancient rock art.
Stop 7
This charming one-room schoolhouse served the children of Fruita from 1917 until 1941. Learn how pioneer children balanced schoolwork with helping their families harvest the orchards that still flourish in the park today.
Stop 8
Start your adventure with exhibits explaining the park's incredible geology, pioneer history, and Native American heritage. Rangers, maps, a bookstore, and access to the Scenic Drive make this the perfect place to begin exploring Capitol Reef.
Stop 9
Don't miss one of Capitol Reef's most beloved stops. Tour the historic farmhouse before treating yourself to homemade pies, fresh bread, jams, and ice cream made from fruit grown in the park's century-old orchards.
Stop 10
Named after the legendary outlaw Butch Cassidy, this impressive natural arch rewards adventurous hikers with sweeping canyon views. The trail is challenging but offers one of the park's most memorable hikes.
Stop 11
Take the optional Scenic Drive to the highest point accessible by car in the park. From Slickrock Divide you'll enjoy panoramic views of the Waterpocket Fold, colorful sandstone layers, and the breathtaking landscape that inspired the name "The Sleeping Rainbow."
Stop 12
Marvel at this towering sandstone cliff where millions of years of water erosion carved dramatic vertical grooves resembling the columns of an ancient cathedral. It's one of Capitol Reef's most distinctive geologic formations.
What’s included
- Self-Guided Tour on our Self-Guided Tour app of Capitol Reef National park
- Go at your own pace, anytime, the tour never expires.
- Autoplay the tour plays automatically as you drive
- Carplay enabled, use carplay or your phone
Not included
- National Park Entrance Fee not included
Meeting and pickup
Start the tour from east to west and start at the other entrance sign
From West to east, The tour starts at the entrance sign for Capitol Reef. Then you'll be guided into the park.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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