Directions

GPS

Do not rely on a GPS unit to guide you into the park. Use a map instead. 

 

 

Capitol Reef National Park is open year-round, and the visitor center is located in the center of the park, off of Utah Highway 24.

NPS/Ann Huston

Traveling westbound on Interstate 70:

Follow I-70 west to exit 149
Take Utah State Route 24 (SR-24) west toward Hanksville (exit 149) and continue for 43.8 miles (70.5 km)
Turn right to continue on SR-24 west and continue for 37.3 miles (60 km)
The Capitol Reef Visitor Center will be on the left

Traveling eastbound on Interstate 70:

Follow I-70 east to exit 40
Turn right onto Utah State Route 120 south/ North Main Street and continue for 1.2 miles (1.9 km)
Turn left onto Utah State Route 118 north/ E 300 N and continue for 0.8 miles (1.3 km)
Make a slight right onto Utah State Route 119 east and continue for 8.8 miles (14.2 km)
Turn right onto Utah State Route 24 east and continue for 63.4 miles (102 km)
The Capitol Reef Visitor Center will be on the right

 

Winter can be a beautiful time to visit Capitol Reef, but be prepared with lots of layers, good boots, and other necessities.

NPS/Jamie Mansfield

Traveling northbound on Interstate 15:

Follow I-15 north to exit 95
Take Utah State Route 20 toward US-89/ Panguitch/ Circleville (exit 95) and continue for 20.4 miles (32.8 km)
Turn left onto US-89 north and continue for 21.3 miles (34.3 km)
Turn right onto Utah State Route 62 and continue for 12.4 miles (20 km)
Turn left onto Utah State Route 62 north and continue for 30.6 miles (49.2 km)
Turn right onto Utah State Route 24 east and continue for 47.1 miles (75.8 km)
The Capitol Reef Visitor Center will be on the right

Traveling southbound on Interstate 15:

Follow I-15 south to exit 188
Take US-50 east toward Scipio (exit 188) and turn left onto Utah State Route 50 and continue for 0.7 miles (1.1 km)
Turn right onto US-50 east/ North State Street and continue for 24.4 miles (39.3 km)
Turn right onto Utah State Route 260 south and continue for 4.2 miles (6.8 km)
Turn right onto Utah State Route 24 (SR-24) east and continue for 2.8 miles (4.5 km)
Make a slight left to stay on SR-24 east and continue for 71.3 miles (114.7 km)
The Capitol Reef Visitor Center will be on the right

 

Larb Hollow Overlook on SR-12 offers impressive scenic views of Capitol Reef's Waterpocket Fold and the Henry Mountains.

NPS/Chris Roundtree

Utah State Route 12

This 123 mile (198 km) highway connects US-89, just south of Panguitch and Torrey (intersection with Utah State Route 24). It crosses Dixie National Forest, goes by Bryce Canyon National Park, and cuts through much of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument before reaching the town of Torrey. The drive to or from Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef takes about three (3) hours on SR-12.

SR-12 has a summit of 9600 feet (2926 meters) on Boulder Mountain, and can be hazardous to drive in the winter. Check the road conditions and Utah Department of Transportation road cameras before your trip.

Some GPS or cell phones might direct travelers to take the South Draw Road from Lower Bowns Campground and Reservoir. This is an unmaintained, high-clearance 4WD road, not suitable to passenger cars, RVs, or inexperienced drivers. South Draw Road is not recommended.

Alternative Fuel Vehicles

Do you plan to travel to the park in an alternative fuel vehicle? Your actions help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce petroleum use. Plan your trip with the Alternative Fueling Station Locator from the Department of Energy (search for zip code 84775).