Discover the hidden gem of Utah’s national parks on a self-guided driving tour through Capitol Reef. Learn the long, surprising history of the park’s human inhabitants, from the ancient communities to the Mormon pioneers scraping out a living in one of the most remote parts of America.
Your tour of Capitol Reef begins in the town of Torrey, here you’ll catch your first glimpse of the unique landscape that has made the Reef famous. Encounter the Twin Rocks and Chimney Rock iconic formations then, reach Panorama Point and Gooseneck Overlook.
Next is the Fluted Wall, offering a glimpse back 240 million years into the past, before arriving at the Visitor Center and the official entrance to the most scenic part of the Reef. This road will take you past the Ripple Rock Nature Center and to the Fruita Historic District.
Continue on toward Danish Hill, past Oyler Mine and hear all about the Paiute People and their traditions and legends. Heading back up north you will have a chance to check out some ancient petroglyphs left behind by the Reef’s earliest inhabitants.
Finally, you’ll see the Behunin Cabin, one of the most remote residences in this already remote location, and then arrive at the park’s east entrance. The tour concludes here.
