Capitol Reef Historic Orchards
A geological wonderland with historic orchards, stunning canyons, and dark skies. Utah's underrated national park gem.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Capitol Reef Historic Orchards
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A geological wonderland with historic orchards, stunning canyons, and dark skies. Utah's underrated national park gem.
"Capitol Reef is the MOST UNDERRATED Utah National Park, especially the remote and beautiful areas."
🎯 Get Pie Early!
Gifford Homestead pies sell out FAST. Aim for opening or mid-morning. :pie:
🍎 Pick Your Own Fruit
Seasonally, you can pick fruit in the historic orchards. Delicious and fun! :apple:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Fruita Orchards
Fruita Historic District
Wander through pioneer orchards, pick fruit seasonally, and soak in the history. A truly unique national park experience.
+1
Gifford Homestead Pies
Fruita Historic District
Indulge in delicious homemade pies and baked goods made with fresh, local fruit. A must-try!
Hickman Bridge Trail
Fruita Historic District
A moderate hike leading to a stunning natural bridge with panoramic views of the Waterpocket Fold.
Pioneer Register
Capitol Gorge Trail
See historical carvings by pioneers and cowboys etched into the canyon walls. A glimpse into the past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Pie
Embrace the Orchards
+2Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Get Pie Early!
Gifford Homestead pies sell out FAST. Aim for opening or mid-morning. :pie:
🍎 Pick Your Own Fruit
Seasonally, you can pick fruit in the historic orchards. Delicious and fun!
🥾 Hiking Poles Recommended
For trails with sand and inclines, poles can be very helpful. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Drive the Scenic Route
The park's scenic drive offers incredible views, but check for closures. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Get Pie Early!
Gifford Homestead pies sell out FAST. Aim for opening or mid-morning. :pie:
🍎 Pick Your Own Fruit
Seasonally, you can pick fruit in the historic orchards. Delicious and fun!
🥾 Hiking Poles Recommended
For trails with sand and inclines, poles can be very helpful. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Drive the Scenic Route
The park's scenic drive offers incredible views, but check for closures. :car:
✨ Underrated Gem
Many visitors find Capitol Reef more peaceful and less crowded than other Utah parks. +1 :sparkles:
🌌 Dark Sky Park
Experience incredible stargazing in this designated International Dark Sky Park. :star:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Capitol Reef as an underrated gem with stunning scenery and unique historical orchards. The Gifford Homestead's pies are a major highlight, though they sell out quickly. Some find trails less clearly marked and note limited dog-friendly areas.
"I was super happily surprised by what this park has to offer! I had a day and a half in the park and with only a FWD vehicle, I feel like there’s still so much more to explore. Hikes I had time to do (golden throne, Cassidy arch, Hickman bridge, grand wash and capitol gorge) were ALL amazing. Well designed and generally well marked. The exposed geological layers provide rock show all over the park! In a macro scale, water exercised its miracle creating arches, bridges, gorges and domes etc. If you are still bewildered by the park’s name and not getting what it is all about, look it up. I feel like this park offers quite a bit of everything and is a kaleidoscope of utah geology. I stayed in fruit campground and it was such an amazing campground. I didn’t eat the pie in Gifford house but people say it’s good. Visitor center park ranger was very professional and helpful. Best part, this park was much more quiet than how you typically find a national park is, that I never worried about parking or bumping into others on the trail. No kidding, when I hiked Golden Throne, I literally heard rock falling sound which alerted me to the presence of a big horn sheep across a gorge. Also heard the echo of my walking sounds. It provides such peaceful experience, if that’s what you are looking for. Will definitely return with friends. Wish I found this place earlier."
Yang Song
"Enjoyed our visit to this park. Nice visitor centre. On kind of a time crunch, so spent most of our time exploring the Fruita District. The historic schoolhouse was across the road and down a bit from the visitor centre. Beautiful trees in the fall, mid October. Lots of mule deer. The Fremont river flows thru the park. 2 friendly horses near the Gifford farmhouse. Its open for fresh pies, go early cuz there will be a line and they close when run out. Lots more of the park to explore on the Scenic Drive leading to lots of various hiking trails. Can easily spend a full day if not more here. Had a nice campground too"
JS
"We absolutely love this park! In fact we felt like we didn’t get to see enough of it that we came back through here on our vacation.
When doing research before our vacation, many people said this park was just “meh” but after stopping by, I completely disagree! The park itself is stunning to drive through. But the two hikes we did, Grand Wash and Hickmans bridge were both unreal at the views and just the vastness of it all! It almost felt like we were on a movie set for some kinda Star Wars or Sci-Fi movie!
Also, loved what else was around the park. The visitors center is great and rangers were very helpful! We love the Jr. Ranger program and our Ranger happily and patiently answered all the kids questions (we had about 7 haha). 😅
We ended up staying in the Fruita campground and it was so peaceful! The fall colors this time of year was stunning. We love the Gifford House - I’m not a pie person, but legit the best pie I think I’ve ever had!
Plus the town of Torrey next door is really sweet - lots of local places to eat (highly recommend Shooke Coffee and Wild Rabbit cafe). We spent a full day downtown and it just has such small town charm! There’s also a great playground for the kids that looks new and a sweet farmers market on Wednesday that also caters to the kids.
Overall, we loved this place and most definitely will be coming back!"
Rosalynne Love
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Capitol Reef is located in central Utah. The most common access is via Highway 24. From the west, take I-70 to UT-24 S. From the east, take I-70 to UT-24 W. Many visitors make it a day trip from Moab or a stop on a larger Utah Mighty 5 road trip. +1
The Capitol Reef Scenic Drive can experience closures due to maintenance or weather. It's crucial to check the official NPS website or call ahead before your visit, especially if it's a primary part of your itinerary.
While some areas are accessible, large RVs and campers over 23 feet may have difficulty navigating certain roads, especially in the Fruita campground area. There are turnaround points available.
Even with the Scenic Drive closed, there are plenty of other options! You can explore the Fruita Historic District, hike various trails like Hickman Bridge or Grand Wash, and visit the Pioneer Register.
Currently, Capitol Reef National Park does not offer a public shuttle service. Visitors typically use their own vehicles to explore the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Capitol Reef National Park charges an entrance fee per vehicle. You can purchase passes at the visitor center or online. Annual passes like the America the Beautiful Pass are also accepted.
The park itself is generally open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, the Visitor Center and the Gifford Homestead have specific operating hours, which can vary seasonally. Always check the official NPS website for the most current information.
The historic orchards in Fruita are open for picking seasonally. The exact dates vary depending on the fruit type and ripening schedule. Check with the park for the most up-to-date information on what's available for picking.
Yes, in most cases, you can pick fruit from the historic orchards and take it with you, though there are guidelines. Fruit eaten within the orchard is generally free.
For most day hikes within Capitol Reef National Park, no special permits are required. However, backcountry camping or overnight trips may require permits, so it's best to check with the park for specific regulations.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular hikes include the Hickman Bridge Trail (moderate, 1.8 miles roundtrip) for a natural bridge, the Grand Wash Trail (easy, flat) for canyon views, and the Capitol Gorge Trail to the Pioneer Register. For a more adventurous experience, consider Sulphur Creek.
Absolutely! Capitol Reef is an International Dark Sky Park, offering incredible opportunities for stargazing. The lack of light pollution provides stunning views of the night sky.
You're likely to see mule deer grazing in the Fruita orchards, especially in the early morning or late evening. You might also spot various bird species, lizards, and other desert wildlife.
The main Scenic Drive offers stunning views of the Waterpocket Fold. For a more remote experience, the Cathedral Valley Loop (requires high-clearance 4WD) provides dramatic landscapes like the Temple of the Sun and Moon.
The Waterpocket Fold is a nearly 100-mile-long monocline, a warp in the Earth's crust, that forms the park's central geological feature. It's responsible for the dramatic cliffs, canyons, and domes.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Gifford Homestead in the Fruita Historic District is famous for its pies, cinnamon rolls, and other baked goods. Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the orchards or along the scenic drive. Limited services are available outside the park in nearby towns like Torrey.
The Gifford Homestead primarily serves delicious baked goods, including fruit pies (apple, cherry, peach, etc.), cinnamon rolls, cookies, and ice cream. They also offer some sandwiches and drinks.
Yes, picnicking is highly encouraged! There are designated picnic areas, and many visitors enjoy finding a scenic spot among the orchards or along the roadside to enjoy their own meals.
The only food service directly within the park is the Gifford Homestead. For a wider variety of dining options, you'll need to travel to nearby towns like Torrey.
To avoid disappointment, visit the Gifford Homestead as early as possible, ideally right when they open, especially on weekends or during peak season, as items sell out quickly.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset and sunrise offer magical light on the red rock formations. The Fruita orchards provide beautiful foregrounds. The views from the Scenic Drive, Hickman Bridge overlook, and Cathedral Valley are also spectacular. +1
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic and flattering light for photographing the park's landscapes. Midday can be harsh due to direct sunlight. +1
Yes, you can photograph the petroglyphs found along the park's trails, such as the Petroglyph Panel near the Visitor Center. Please do not touch or disturb them.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. Don't forget a tripod for those stunning sunset/sunrise shots and for astrophotography.
While official park-run photography tours are not common, many local tour operators in the Torrey area offer guided photography excursions, especially to more remote areas like Cathedral Valley.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Gifford Homestead is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with its delicious pies and cinnamon rolls – a perfect treat after exploring. +1For easy hikes, the Capitol Gorge Trail to the Pioneer Register is engaging, allowing kids to see historical carvings.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
If you have more time, consider dedicating two days to truly appreciate the park's diverse landscapes, including more remote areas like Cathedral Valley if you have a suitable vehicle.
🌌 Stargazers & Nature Lovers
Beyond the night sky, nature lovers will appreciate the park's unique geology, the tranquility of the historic orchards, and the chance to spot wildlife like mule deer.
The diverse terrain, from towering cliffs to narrow canyons, provides a rich environment for observation and appreciation of the natural world. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Fruita District
+1 Today, these orchards are meticulously preserved by the National Park Service, offering a unique experience for visitors. You can wander among the trees, enjoy the peaceful ambiance, and, during the appropriate seasons, even pick your own fruit to enjoy. +1 The district also features historic buildings like the one-room schoolhouse and the Gifford Homestead, which has become famous for its delicious homemade pies and baked goods made from the very fruit grown in the surrounding orchards. +1Wildlife, particularly mule deer, are often seen grazing peacefully within the orchards, adding to the serene and picturesque atmosphere.
This blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and hands-on visitor engagement makes the Fruita District a must-visit for anyone exploring Capitol Reef. It's a place where you can truly connect with the park's past and present. Exploring Capitol Reef's Geology: The Waterpocket Fold
It's one of the most extensive and continuous examples of this type of geological structure in North America. The fold is responsible for the dramatic cliffs, canyons, domes, and arches that characterize the park's landscape. The park's name itself, 'Capitol Reef,' refers to the massive sandstone domes that resemble capitol buildings and the reef-like barrier of cliffs that early explorers had to navigate.
Geologists and visitors alike are fascinated by the exposed layers of rock, which tell a story spanning millions of years of Earth's history. From ancient sand dunes to riverbeds and tidal flats, the rock formations offer a visual timeline of the region's past environments. Hiking trails often lead through canyons carved by eons of erosion, revealing the intricate patterns and textures of the Waterpocket Fold.
Adventure Beyond the Main Attractions
For serious hikers and off-road enthusiasts, the Cathedral Valley Loop is a must-do. This remote backcountry area requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle and offers breathtaking views of unique geological formations like the Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon. It's a challenging but incredibly rewarding journey into the park's wilder side.
Halls Creek Narrows is another challenging but stunning slot canyon hike that showcases the raw beauty of Capitol Reef's canyons. Even if you're not tackling extreme hikes, exploring areas like Grand Wash offers a more accessible canyon experience. The park's diverse terrain means there's an adventure for nearly every level of explorer, from gentle strolls through orchards to multi-day backcountry expeditions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit