Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
Utahns are lucky to have access to not one but five national parks that bring millions of visitors to the state each year. Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Park share similar qualities but each has its own unique draw. But out of all of them, Capitol Reef may surprise you the most.
Earth Trekkers calls Capitol Reef "a highly underrated park" with "views and hiking trails (that) easily contend with the other Mighty 5 national parks."
More Than Just Parks says it's "[p]robably the least known Utah national park, and yet it's easily one of the best." That's partially due to its abundant scenery, lack of crowds, stargazing opportunities and the restaurants and conveniences in the local town of Torrey.
If you're looking to squeeze in just one more vacation before the summer ends, there's a lot to love about this often-overlooked gem. Now, you might be thinking, "Wait — won't it be too hot? Shouldn't I wait for spring or fall to visit?"
Well, this may come as a surprise, but the summertime could be the best season of all to take a trip to Capitol Reef National Park. Here's why.
It's not as hot as you think
When you think about the desert in July or August, you probably picture unbearably hot conditions. True, Capitol Reef National Park does reside in the desert and the summer months aren't exactly tepid. But it's not the torturous heat chamber you might be envisioning. The National Park Service (NPS) reports that the average high temperature in July is 91 degrees Fahrenheit while August is 88. Farther south, you can expect average highs to be closer to 100 degrees Fahrenheit during those months.
There's a great hotel within a few miles of the park
Adding to the charm of the area, Capitol Reef visitors will enjoy the Broken Spur Inn and Steakhouse located about five minutes from the park. With 50 hotel rooms that were updated in 2023, a free hot breakfast and an indoor pool and hot tub, this will be a welcome retreat after you're done exploring for the day.
If you're into glamping, be sure to book one of their 10 covered wagons. The hotel promises this will be "an unforgettable, refreshingly different, truly unique American West experience!" Each wagon comfortably fits up to five people and they're exact replicas of the wagons used by early pioneers who moved out west.
But don't worry — unlike the pioneers, your wagons come with modern day amenities like electricity, air-conditioning, appliances, free Wi-Fi and more. These wagons tend to sell out quickly, so book one before they're gone.
Their on-site steakhouse provides the breakfast hotel guests receive. It's hot buffet-style dining with plenty to choose from, including scrambled eggs, biscuits and sausage and more.
Additionally, you can get a hearty meal after a long day's hiking and activities at the steakhouse. Their meat is aged for 21 days and cut in their own kitchen. Their on-site bakery also provides the bread and desserts available.
It's like a less crowded version of the bigger parks
Sometimes it pays to be the lesser-known park. Capitol Reef may not be as famous as Zion National Park or Arches, but its history and scenery are very similar. And since the other two parks draw most of the attention, you get to experience this beautiful, serene place with fewer people around.
"Capitol Reef is like Zion without the crowds," a Tripadvisor reviewer wrote. They added that the views, hikes and activities are "as good as Zion," too.
For those who prefer their views from the comfort of their vehicle, Cathedral Valley is a great place for those who want some adventure. The driving loop is about a 6-8 hour drive, according to the National Parks Service. You can also hop out of the car and hike on many of the marked trails along the way.
In addition to typical hiking and sightseeing you'll do in a national park, you can visit the Fruita orchards. The NPS says these orchards are more than 150 years old, as early Utah pioneers planted them upon arriving in the state. You can actually pick fruit from the trees and buy it by the pound. Different fruits are ready for harvest starting as early as June and running through mid-October.
It's the closest national park to Salt Lake and Utah Valley
Every adult who's ever taken a road trip with children knows that every minute counts when you're constantly being asked, "Are we there yet?" Well, Capitol Reef has a slight advantage in this category. Of all the national parks, it's the closest to Salt Lake and Utah Valley. According to Google Maps, it's 51 miles closer than Zion National Park and 12 miles closer than Arches. If you're driving an electric car, that range difference is huge.
Few people think of visiting in the summertime
You now know that Capitol Reef National Park isn't as unbearably hot as you think in the summer. But many people aren't aware of that. This plays to your advantage because that means rooms are easier to book in July and August. But you better grab your reservation before word gets out!
Book your room today
In addition to offering comfortable rooms, Broken Spur Inn also includes helpful amenities. You'll get free wifi, a refrigerator, a microwave and coffee maker in your room. Kids and adults alike will appreciate the indoor pool and hot tub, so you can enjoy a splash no matter what kind of weather. To see the full list of hotel amenities or to check availability or to make a reservation, visit brokenspurinn.com.
