Capitol Reef Country stretches across south-central Utah, where rugged expanses of sandstone walls, winding canyons and fertile river valleys weave together a landscape that feels both wild and welcoming. Scattered across the region are small communities like Torrey, Bicknell and Teasdale, each with its own quiet charm. For those who crave open skies, endless trails and nights lit only by the stars, Capitol Reef Country is a place where outdoor adventure is boundless.
Discovering Capitol Reef Country
A land shaped by time, carved by the elements and anchored by the spectacular Capitol Reef National Park, Wayne County is the heart of Capitol Reef Country. Here, sheer red rock cliffs rise from the desert floor, winding canyons twist deep into the earth and wide valleys stretch toward distant horizons. The Waterpocket Fold, a massive 160-kilometre ripple in the Earth’s crust, weaves through the landscape, while river valleys and pockets of cottonwoods add life to the rugged scenery. These dramatic landscapes invite endless adventure, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, ATV tours, canyoneering, fishing and wildlife watching.
But Capitol Reef Country isn’t just a place of wild landscapes. It’s also rich with human history and cultural heritage. The Fremont People, the region’s earliest known inhabitants, hunted and farmed here as early as 700 AD, leaving behind petroglyphs you can still see today from wooden boardwalks along Highway 24. Later, Mormon settlers built orchards and homes in what is now the Fruita Historic District, preserved within Capitol Reef National Park. These traces of the past offer a glimpse into lives once lived long before tourism arrived.
Your Gateway to Outdoor Adventure
Wander through towering red rock cliffs, winding slot canyons and hidden desert oases, with trails for every pace. A favourite inside Capitol Reef National Park for its relatively short length but big visual payoff, the Hickman Bridge Trail offers a moderate 2.7-kilometre out-and-back route to a soaring natural stone arch, with sweeping views of the Fremont River and Capitol Dome along the way.
For those craving a more strenuous workout, the Cassidy Arch Trail is a must. This five-kilometre out-and-back climb ends atop a massive photogenic arch perched 120 metres high—one you can actually walk across and savour the views into Grand Wash below.
Or experience the region much like early pioneers with a horseback ride through rugged canyons and wide-open desert plains. Wilderness Ridge Adventures offers one-hour, two-hour, four-hour and full day rides into Capitol Reef National Park itself and into bordering Fishlake National Forest.
For an adrenaline-fueled thrill, carve across open desert and weave through sandstone corridors on an OHV or ATV adventure. While off-road travel isn’t allowed inside Capitol Reef National Park, the surrounding landscapes are open for exploration. Guided trips with Capitol Reef Outfitters and Waterpocket Adventure Company take you deep into Cathedral Valley, Hell’s Hole and Velvet Ridge, where spires, mesas and hoodoos tower dramatically above the arid landscape.
Dreamy Stays
Set on 58 acres in the mountains of Torrey, just a mile from Capitol Reef’s west entrance, Capitol Reef Resort offers indulgent glamping accommodations paired with a Wild West spirit and sweeping views of the Red Rock Cliffs. Settle into a luxurious stand-alone cabin, sink into a king bed inside a spacious 250-square-foot teepee, or spend a night beneath the stars in a Conestoga wagon. After a day of exploring, the heated outdoor pool and year-round hot tub offer a peaceful place to watch the desert sky deepen into evening.
Just down Highway 24, the Skyview Hotel invites you to slow your pace. Custom art installations echo the landscapes of Capitol Reef while rooms are designed to frame the view. Choose a cozy room with a private patio and hot tub, or drift to sleep beneath a skylight in a desert dome, where it opens to endless stars.
Savour the Local Flavour
After a day on the trails, head to Hunter & Gather in Torrey, where slow-cooked meals featuring locally sourced ingredients take centre stage. Start with the ever-popular seared South Texas Antelope with Montmorency cherries, then savour the tender Broken Arrow Ranch Elk or the fresh High Mountain Trout as your main. Rooted in the season and the landscape, the dishes feel elevated, while the casual dining room and patios keep the atmosphere relaxed.
This article was sponsored by Capitol Reef Country
At the very heart of Utah sits a hidden gem, Capitol Reef National Park. This beautiful and pristine park is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors such as Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. However, this lesser-known destination has so much to offer and is truly a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. At Capitol Reef Country, you can experience the beauty of nature, learn about the rich history of the land, and embark on unforgettable adventures.
The post Why Capitol Reef Country is the Ultimate Outdoor Escape first appeared on Explore Magazine.