As the least visited National Park in Utah, you will need this Capitol Reef National Park Map to plan your trip to this hidden treasure. This unique park is full of stunningly vast vistas and waterpocket folds that are geological wrinkles in the earth.
Unlike the other National Parks, Capitol Reef feels like a planet all its own with its seemingly endless landscape of desert rock. These Capitol Reef National Park maps will make it easy to plan your trip.
Capitol Reef National Park Map (Official)
Capitol Reef National Park is remote and located about 3.5 hours from Salt Lake City and 3 hours from Provo. The least visited National Park in the Beehive State, Capitol Reef stretches for 50 miles (80 KM) from North to South but is very narrow and easily accessible.
The Capitol Reef National Park’s official map has all of the information you need for planning a trip to the park. Divided into 3 districts, Capitol Reef is made up of the Fruita district, the Waterpocket district, and Cathedral Valley district. Each district offers a unique perspective of this beautiful park.
Download the Official Capitol Reef National Park Map PDF (1.1 MB)
Consider a Detailed Topographic Map for Capitol Reef
If you plan extensive hiking and backpacking in Capitol Reef, I highly recommend getting a professional-grade topographic map from National Geographic.
Every Trails Illustrated map is printed on “Backcountry Tough” waterproof, tear-resistant paper. An entire UTM grid is published on the map to aid GPS navigation.
Fruita District
The Fruita district of Capitol Reef is both the most popular and developed in the park, this is also where 99% of tourists visiting the park explore. Due to its popularity, this district can be very busy during the summer months. Highlights of the district include the Fruita Orchard, campground, variety of hiking trails and the scenic drive. The drive is 7.9 miles (12.7 KM) offers a great overview of the Fruita district, but keep in mind you will be traveling at your own risk.
In the Fruita District you can also view the Fremont culture petroglyph panels that have been there for at least a thousand years. Visitors of this district can also explore the Fruita Schoolhouse and Gifford Homestead to get a better idea of what life was like in the park during the late 1800s.
Waterpocket District
The Waterpocket district can be found in the southernmost area of the park and features beautiful desert landscape. This remote and rugged area features some great backcountry hiking options, as well as the Loop The Fold Driving Tour. This 124 mile (200 KM)loop drive typically takes 4 to 6 hours and offers amazing views of Capitol Reef.
The Waterpocket district is home to the Burr Trail Switchbacks, which meanders through Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Capitol Reef National Park, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Combine your Waterpocket districts adventures with driving the Burr Trail for all the highlights in this area of the park. Don’t miss the Strike Valley Overlook, where you can see breathtaking views of the Waterpocket Fold, mesas and mountains.
Cathedral Valley District
The most remote district in the park, Cathedral Valley, is in the northernmost section of Capitol Reef. By far the most visually striking district, exploring Cathedral Valley does require a high clearance vehicle. There are 90 miles of off-road driving in this district making it perfect for adventure lovers.
Due to its remote nature this district is often completely empty and visitors will feel like they have the area completely to themselves. You can take the Cathedral Valley Driving Loop tour, a 57.6 mile (92 KM) scenic drive that takes between 4-6 hours. This is by far my favorite place in Utah, you can see the views from the Cathedral Valley Campground below.
Camping in Capitol Reef
Capitol Reef only has 3 campgrounds, there is one available in each district. All campgrounds at this park are first come, first serve and there are no reservations available.
The Fruita Campground is fully equipped with 71 campsites. Each site offers a picnic table and firepit and/or above ground grill, but no individual water, sewage, or electrical hookups.
Both Cathedral Valley Campground and the Cedar Mesa Campground (in the Waterpocket district) are primitive. You’ll need a high clearance 4 wheel drive to reach the Cathedral Valley Campground, but staying here is the best way to explore this district in the park. There are also plenty of BLM (Bureau Of Land Management) opportunities to camp around Capitol Reef.
Capitol Reef National Park Fruita Area Map
Using the Capitol Reef National Park Fruita Map will help visitors navigate the most popular district in the park. Locate the Fruita Campground, Gifford House, and the Petroglyph Panel easily with the Fruita map.
Download Capitol Reef Fruita Area Map PDF (2.2 MB)
Capitol Reef Fruita Orchard Map
The Fruita Orchard map shows each of the 19 fruit orchards and what is grown in each. The map also shows the visitors center, campground, picnic area, and other sites in the Fruita district.
Download Capitol Reef Fruita Orchards Map PDF (0.2 MB)
Capitol Reef Fruita Trail Map
Use the Capitol Reef Fruita Trail map to choose which hiking trails are best for you. Popular trails in the Fruita district include the Rim Overlook/Navajo Knob Trail, Cassidy Arch Trail, and Hickman Bridge Trail.
Download Capitol Reef Fruita District Trail Map PDF (0.1 MB)
Capitol Reef Waterpocket District Trailhead Map
The Waterpocket district trailhead map is perfect for visitors wanting to explore on foot. The map features easily marked trailhead locations to the most popular hikes in the Waterpocket district, such as Surprise Canyon Trail, the Strike Valley Overlook, and the many slot canyons.
Download Capitol Reef Waterpocket District Trailhead Map PDF (0.1 MB)
Capitol Reef Cathedral Valley District Trailhead Map
The trailhead map of the Cathedral Valley district gives a great overview of the area, including both paved and unpaved roads. Consider hiking the Cathedrals Trail while in this area of the park for amazing views of the monoliths.
Download Capitol Reef Cathedral Valley District Trailhead Map PDF (0.1 MB)
Consider a Detailed Topographic Map for Capitol Reef
If you plan extensive hiking and backpacking in Capitol Reef, I highly recommend getting a professional-grade topographic map from National Geographic.
Every Trails Illustrated map is printed on “Backcountry Tough” waterproof, tear-resistant paper. An entire UTM grid is published on the map to aid GPS navigation.
Best Time To Visit Capitol Reef National Park
The best time to visit Capitol Reef National Park is during the spring and fall. Keep in
mind that late summer and early fall is monsoon season in Utah, which brings
thunderstorms and rain. The summer also brings sweltering heat making it difficult to
hike in Capitol Reef.
Capitol Reef National Park Map | Final Thoughts
The Capitol Reef National Park maps will help you to plan your adventurous visit to one of the more remote parks in Utah. One of the best ways to explore Capitol Reef is by spending a night or two at one of the park’s 3 campgrounds. Make sure to hike at least one trail during your visit and take at least one scenic drive to see all of the best views at Capitol Reef National Park.
