Auto Touring Capitol Reef National Park

Much of Capitol Reef's beautiful scenery can be seen from paved roads within and around the park.

Hwy 24 runs through the park and provides access to many of its most popular attractions. No fee is required to drive this US Highway. Popular pullouts include:

• Fruita Schoolhouse - This restored and refurbished historic schoolhouse is located on Utah Highway 24, 0.8 miles east of the visitor center.
• Historic Orchards - The orchards are the most obvious remnant of the pioneer community Fruita. The orchards produce fresh fruit seasonally, which is available to visitors. The orchards are located a mile or two east of the visitor center.
• Rock Art Panels - Found within the beautiful Fremont River Valley, visitors can view the remarkable rock art that was etched into the rocks by the ancient Fremont people.

• Hickman Bridge Trailhead - The trailhead, the beginning of a one mile trail to the base of the Hickman Bridge, is located about 1.85 mile east of the Visitor Center.
• Fremont River Waterfall - This beautiful waterfall is located near the park's west boundary. It was created when the river was re-routed to allow expansion of Hwy 24.

Another popular route is the park's Scenic Drive. This 25 mile paved road goes south from the Visitor Center and campground area, providing excellent views of rock formations and historic sites. A $5 fee is required to visit this part of the park. Here is a guide to the scenic drive. Some of the historic attractions along the drive include:

• The Blacksmith Shop - located .5 miles south on the Scenic Drive; it offers a recorded message about life in a Mormon pioneer community.
• The Historic Gifford Homestead - located 1 mile south on the Scenic Drive; it is typical of rural Utah farmhouses of the early 1900s. There are cultural demonstrations and handmade items for sale.

All American Hwy 12 does not come inside the park boundaries, but connects points on Boulder Mountain that provide grand views out over the park.

Backcountry routes in the park require high clearance four-wheel drive. Three such routes are popular:

• Burr Trail, which extends from the town of Boulder on Utah Hwy 12 to the Notom-Bullfrog Road.

• Cathedral Valley Loop is a 58-mile loop road through spectacular Cathedral Valley.
• Notom-Bullfrog Road is a dirt road that intersects Utah Hwy 24 about 9.3 miles east of the Capitol Reef Visitor Center.