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

1. 1

   Stop 1

   10 min

   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.

2. 2

   Behunin Cabin

   10 min

   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.

3. 3

   Grand Wash Trail

   10 min

   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.

4. 4

   The Hickman Bridge Trail

   10 min

   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.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   10 min

   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.

6. 6

   Fremont Petroglyphs

   10 min

   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.

7. 7

   Fruita Schoolhouse

   10 min

   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.

8. 8

   Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center

   10 min

   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.

9. 9

   Gifford Homestead

   Pass by

   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.

10. 10

    Cassidy Arch

    10 min

    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.

11. 11

    Stop 11

    10 min

    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."

12. 12

    Stop 12

    10 min

    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.

13. 13

    Stop 13

    10 min

    Two of Capitol Reef's finest viewpoints showcase the immense Waterpocket Fold and the winding curves of Sulphur Creek far below. Sunset Point nearby offers one of the best places in the park to watch the cliffs glow brilliant shades of red and gold.

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.