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Capitol Reef National Park

Pectols Pyramid, Capitol Reef National Park, Utah | Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Taylor Vice Photography
Pectols Pyramid, Capitol Reef National Park, Utah | Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Taylor Vice Photography

Capitol Reef National Park, situated in south-central Utah, is a hidden gem known for its unique geology, colorful cliffs, and mesmerizing landscapes. Spanning over 240,000 acres, the park is named after its remarkable Waterpocket Fold—a nearly 100-mile-long warp in the Earth’s crust. Visitors can explore the park’s scenic drives, hike through narrow canyons, and marvel at the towering cliffs and domes that resemble a mythical city. Capitol Reef also offers opportunities for stargazing, orchard picking, and learning about the region’s rich history. With its stunning rock formations and diverse ecosystems, Capitol Reef National Park captivates all who venture into its enchanting realm.

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Top Photography Locations and Sights at Capitol Reef National Park:

As photographers, we know that many of you will only have one chance in a lifetime to visit the National Parks. To make your life easier, we have compiled a list of our top photography locations and sights at Capitol Reef National Park! While this is not comprehensive, and there are many more amazing sights to see, it should give you a good feel for the park.

Capitol Reef National Park is broken up into three districts: The Fruita Historic District, the Cathedral Valley District, and the Southern Waterfold District. Be sure to check the park website for current road conditions and closures.

Fruita Historic District

Capitol Dome
Capitol Dome
Capitol Gorge
Capitol Gorge
Cassidy Arch
Cassidy Arch
Chimney Rock
Chimney Rock
Cohab Canyon Fruita Overlook
Cohab Canyon Fruita Overlook
Fremont River Overlook
Fremont River Overlook
Fruita Orchard
Fruita Orchard
Goosenecks Overlook
Goosenecks Overlook
Hickman Bridge
Hickman Bridge
Panorama Point
Panorama Point
Pectols Pyramid
Pectols Pyramid
Pioneer Register
Pioneer Register
Scenic Drive
Scenic Drive
Sulphur Creek Trail
Sulphur Creek Trail
Sunset Point
Sunset Point
The Tanks
The Tanks

Cathedral Valley District

Astrophotography
Astrophotography
Bentonite Hills
Bentonite Hills
Glass Mountain
Glass Mountain
Gypsum Sinkhole
Gypsum Sinkhole
Morrell Line Cabin
Morrell Line Cabin
Temples of the Sun and Moon
Temples of the Sun and Moon
Upper Cathedral Valley Overlook
Upper Cathedral Valley Overlook

Waterfold District

Burrow Wash
Burrow Wash
Cottonwood Wash
Cottonwood Wash
Halls Creek Narrows
Halls Creek Narrows
Looping the Fold
Looping the Fold
Oyster Shell Reef
Oyster Shell Reef
Strike Valley Overlook
Strike Valley Overlook
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Capitol Reef National Park Wildlife Photography:

Capitol Reef National Park is filled with wildlife and biodiversity. If you like wildlife photography, you will love what this park has to offer!

Elk
Elk
Gopher Snake
Gopher Snake
Marmot
Marmot
Pallid Bat
Pallid Bat
Spadefoot Toad
Spadefoot Toad
Western Tanager
Western Tanager

Want to learn more about Capitol Reef National Park? Check out these maps, guides & books:

  • Capitol Reef National Park Map (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map)
  • Best Easy Day Hikes Capitol Reef National Park (Best Easy Day Hikes Series)
  • Capitol Reef National Park: The Complete Hiking and Touring Guide
  • The Capitol Reef Reader (National Park Readers)
  • Photographing Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef National Parks

Please note, by making purchases through our affiliate links, you are supporting our mission to celebrate and showcase our National Parks and the photographers who frequent them. As an Amazon Associate, National Park Photographer earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. We appreciate your support.

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Featured National Park Photographers:

  • Vezzani Photography: Capitol Gorge, Cohab Canyon Fruita Overlook, Glass Mountain, Goosenecks Overlook, Hickman Bridge, Panorama Point, Pioneer Register, Temples of the Sun and Moon
  • Zoltan G Levay: Scenic Drive
  • NPS: Elk, Gopher Snake, Marmot, Pallid Bat, Spadefoot Toad, Western Tanager, Cottonwood Wash
  • NPS / Kit Frost: Capitol Dome
  • NPS / Phil Sisto: Astrophotography
  • Shutterstock / corlaffra: Looping the Fold
  • Shutterstock / Danita Delimont: Chimney Rock, Sulphur Creek Trail, Strike Valley Overlook
  • Shutterstock / hansen.matthew.d: Sunset Point
  • Shutterstock / IrinaK: The Tanks
  • Shutterstock / Kelly vanDellen: Cassidy Arch, Fremont River Overlook, Bentonite Hills, Gypsum Sinkhole, Morrell Line Cabin, Burrow Wash
  • Shutterstock / Laurens Hoddenbagh: Fruita Orchard
  • Shutterstock / Nina B: Upper Cathedral Valley Overlook, Oyster Shell Reef
  • Shutterstock / Taylor Vice Photography: Pectols Pyramid
  • Shutterstock / TheSteve: Halls Creek Narrows

Do you want to be featured on National Park Photographer?

Why wait! Contact us today at nationalparkphoto@gmail.com for a chance to be featured as a National Park Photographer!

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