I always make a point to stop in any visitor center, just because it allows you to find out information about what you are seeing, how it formed, etc. Plus, we paid our entrance fee here.Definitely worth a quick 10 minute stop.
Ask these rangers about hikes in the park. They provided us with excellent hikes based on our itinerary. There is also an amazing view from the building. The movie was also pretty cool. The ghost people were strange.
VERY friendly and helpful staff, good selection of gifts, books, and local maps and information. The introduction film is relatively short, but helpful in providing some foundation understanding for what you'll see in this geologic wonderland.
Park is fantastic.BUT My wife and I each had our credit card info stolen in the gift shop. Our card numbers have been used in Texas and Springfield MO. WE have our card in hand and we live in Hawaii. Imagine that?
The state park was very low key, not crowded and they allowed you to drive your car on dirt roads down into the canyons. Plenty of hiking and photography opportunities. THe campground there was very quiet and site all within the trees.
There is no entrance gate where you pay your dues. You stop in a pull in, pick up an envelope, put in a $5 bill and post it in an honesty box. Keep the receipt to ensure you have proof of payment if anyone stops you to check (I suspect they never do!)The rock formation, canyons and views are spectacular and the walks at the bottom of the canyon walls along the river bed great (but wear good shoes). You can actually walk down one and come out onto the highway at the other end if you want to arrange a pick up and save the reverse walk. At points the canyons become quite narrow so sunlight doesn't get through during parts of the day.A change from the more popular and busy canyons elsewhere.
I love Capitol Reef. The scenery rivals any of the other parks in Utah, but the number of people is far fewer than any of the others. Take the time to hike, and drive the dirt roads if you can.
a lot of info about the free national park and area! Wildlife and fruit picking are easy, cheap and great!
We had a busy day, we were suppose to drive Highway 12 east to west ending at Bryce Canyon. We thought of skipping Capitol Reef National park . We decided not to and it was a great decision. It is a beautiful park, beautiful views and wonderful Canyons. It ended up being my daughters favorite park. The Grand wash road is a beautiful Canyon and the Capitol Gorge road , which is unpaved but drive-able with any car is amazing. I wish we had more than few hours to spend in this park.
There only two of us there at the time but the staff seemed to really enjoy their work and were very helpful with our questions.