Ranger Programs

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Rangers give daily geology talks at the visitor center.

NPS/ Shauna Cotrell

Park staff offer a variety of interpretive programs daily, spring through fall. Program types, times, and locations vary throughout the year and are subject to last-minute changes due to weather or other factors. See the calendar, or check at the Capitol Reef Visitor Center upon arrival for more details.

Year-round Programs

• Geology Talk
  Discover the geologic story of Capitol Reef; 30 minutes. Daily, 10:00 a.m. outside the visitor center.
  
• Junior Ranger Program
  Request a Junior Ranger activity book at the visitor center, and complete the activities to learn about the park and earn a badge.
  
  The Junior Ranger Booklet is also available in thirteen additional languages. Please ask at the visitor center or email the park for one of the following text-only translations: Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, or Spanish.

 

Regular Programs (late-May to October)

Check at the visitor center or campground bulletin boards for locations, topics, and times.

• Geology Talk - daily, 10 am
  Discover the geologic story of Capitol Reef; 30 minutes.
• Ranger's Choice - daily, 3 pm
  Learn about a variety of topics related to Capitol Reef; 30 minutes.
• Evening Program - daily
  Topics and start times vary, check at the visitor center or campground bulletin boards for details. Meet at the Fruita Campground amphitheater; 1 hour.

 

Geologist-in-Park volunteers often provide guided geology hikes during the summer. Check at the visitor center for schedule.

NPS/ Shauna Cotrell

Special Programs (late June to October)

These programs are offered as staffing allows. See the visitor center or campground bulletin boards for details.

• Guided Hike
  Locations vary; check at the visitor center for schedules and meeting points; 1.5 hours.
• Porch Talk
  Learn a little bit more about Capitol Reef. Meet at the Gifford House. Check bulletin boards or at the visitor center for dates and topics; 30 minutes.
• Star Talk
  Tour the night sky at this International Dark Sky Park. Meet at the Gifford House. Typically offered near the new moon. Check bulletin boards or at the visitor center for dates; 30 minutes.
• Full Moon Walk
  Enjoy a moonlit, guided walk. Typically offered in the days leading up to the full moon. Check bulletin boards or the visitor center for dates and meeting locations; 1.5 hours.
• Annual Heritage Starfest
  Annual weekend event, usually scheduled near a new moon in September. Activities often include guest speakers, stargazing, and telescope viewing. See the calendar for more details.

 

Ripple Rock Nature Center (May to August)

Ripple Rock Nature Center is located between the visitor center and campground, on the Scenic Drive. Park at the Blacksmith Shop across the street. These programs are geared towards families and children, but all are welcome.

• Nature Talk
  Discover the nature of Capitol Reef! 30 minutes.
• Junior Geologist
  Explore the amazing geology of Capitol Reef at this interactive program; 30 minutes.