Capitol Reef During the Offseason
Visiting Capitol Reef National Park during the offseason allows you to experience the grandeur of the park without all the crowds. The colors of Capitol Reef are no less spectacular in Winter and they can even pop a little more during the colder months.
We loved our time at Capitol Reef because it has a little bit of everything that Utah has to offer. There is an arch, long hiking trails, and plenty of viewpoints all while enjoying the desert sun.
If you are considering visiting Capitol Reef National Park we highly suggest going during the colder winter months. This way you enjoy it as much as we did!
Capitol Reef is one of the Mighty Five National Parks of Utah and a great place to visit as you travel between Bryce and Moab. It seems a lot of people skip this national park as it's a little bit off the beaten path.
Phil had been to the rest of the Utah National Parks but didn't have time during his trip for Capitol Reef. He wanted to make sure we made a point to check it out to see what he was missing.
During our Utah Road trip, we left Bryce, made a quick stop at Zebra Slot Canyon then made our way into Capitol Reef. As soon as we entered the park we fell in love.
Capitol Reef appears small when you drive in but the moment you start exploring on foot the entire park seems to open up. It was a beautiful desert oasis, even in February.
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Contents
Perks of Visiting Capitol Reef During the Offseason
Fewer Crowds
Admittedly there aren't a lot of crowds in Capitol Reef National Park any time of the year. It is one of the least visited parks in America and by far the least visited in Utah.
There can be big crowds coming to the area though and because it's a smaller park it can feel very congested. Coming during the winter means you won't have to deal with those crowds and you can enjoy nature as it was intended.
Plus, any hike is better with fewer people. This way you don't have to pass people or share the viewpoints.
Better Weather
Summer weather in Capitol Reef can be in the 80's with very little rain or shade in sight. A lot of the hiking trails are on exposed areas making it a pretty hot hiking experience.
Instead of dealing with the summer heat, hike during the winter for a more enjoyable adventure. It's a little chilly but the sun feels nice and you don't have as much risk of overheating.
Hiking in Capitol Reef
Hickman Bridge
Hickman Bridge is a short 1.8-mile hike roundtrip with the final destination being a giant 133-foot natural bridge. This is a heavily trafficked trail so get there early to enjoy a more secluded hike.
There are areas where the trail might be hard to find so having a GPS watch or a map is helpful. We ended up off trail a couple of times, traversing into the wash and up onto some rocks at different points.
When you get to the loop that goes underneath Hickman Bridge, you want to travel it counter-clockwise. This gives you the best view as you walk towards Hickman Bridge so you can grab plenty of pictures for Instagram.
Rim Overlook
The Rim Overlook is a longer trail at 4.6 miles roundtrip but it is well worth it. It starts at the same trailhead as Hickman bridge but splits about a quarter-mile in.
The trail follows the canyon rim as it snakes up and away. As you continue you will get great views of the canyon walls behind you and the canyon below.
You even get an overlook of Hickman Bridge from above. Plus, seeing the Fruita district from up above is an amazing sight.
Once you get up to the Rim Overlook spot, you can see for miles in multiple directions. This was a decently difficult trail but the view is worth it.
Navajo Knobs is the longest trail in Capitol Reef National Park at 9.4 miles roundtrip. It uses the same trail as the rim overlook but then goes on for another 2.5 miles.
That final 2.5 miles makes all the difference on this trail. The sights after getting past the rim overlook are nothing short of stunning but it gets steep.
You continue to follow the canyon as it zigzags back and forth, up and down. The trail has some tricky parts but is made easier by cairns set up to guide you.
The final climb is strenuous but the views at the top are breathtaking. Phil says this was his favorite hike we did on our recent Utah trip and with the sights at the top it is hard to disagree with him.
This is one of the better hikes to do during the offseason. A hot Utah day would make this hike more difficult as it offers little shaded area.
The area at the top of the hike is very small with some scrambling required. Doing this hike with a lot of people around would definitely make the final part tricky.
Lodging Around Capitol Reef
Capitol Reef Resort
Capitol Reef Resort is hands down the best option for lodging. This place has it all!
It's located right by the park entrance and is surrounded by views of Utah rocks. During the offseason, it's one of the only places open.
There are multiple options for "rooms" including cabins, teepees, and wagons. Keep in mind that during the offseason, only the basic rooms and cabins are available.
We rented one of the cabins and it was perfect. It's spacious with giant windows and a porch optimal for morning coffee views.
No matter when you are going we strongly suggest you spring for the cabin. It was easily the best room we stayed in during our Utah road trip.
The resort has all the amenities you would want including a breakfast buffet, fitness center, laundry machines, a hot tub, and a pool (open during the summer).
They have wifi on site which is good because the cell service can be hit or miss. We did not get any cell service at the resort but it added to the relaxation experience.
Capitol Reef National Park is an amazing place to visit no matter when you go. But to get the most value out of your trip, we strongly suggest you consider going during the offseason.
There are fewer crowds and the weather is amazing! The chilly weather makes snuggling up inside your cabin even better after a day of hiking.
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