World Migratory Bird Day is May 11. Join park staff and celebrate our feathered friends on an easy, guided bird walk Saturday morning.

Meet at 8 am at the picnic area, 1 mi. south of the visitor center for a 2-hour stroll around the Fruita area. Bring binoculars if you have them

Have you heard the news? The NPS, along with the FHWA, have a project to rehabilitate the Scenic Drive in Capitol Reef. It will close for construction on April 29, 2024. More: nps.gov/care/planyourv…

The peach bloom has begun in the Krueger, Abie Clarke, Johnson & Carrell. Apples should start to bloom in 1 week, followed by pears & cherries.
On Sunday, 4/14, stop by the Johnson Orchard between 11 & 3 to chat with a volunteer, learn about the orchards, and see the blossoms!

March 31 was César Chávez Day of Service and Learning and last week students engaged in a service-learning project with our orchard crew. Thanks, volunteers, for honoring Chávez's legacy and reminding us of the power we all have to make the world better!

Join fellow visitors in a scavenger hunt through Capitol Reef to win a prize! Ask staff at the visitor center for more information and to get a scavenger hunt sheet. The event will take place Saturday and Sunday, March 23 and 24.

NPS / Katie Johnston

Orchard update: The orchard blossom season is starting with apricots expected to bloom this week.

Next to bloom will be peaches, plums, apples, and pears. It's too early to tell when these varieties will bloom. Check back for updates as the season progresses!
📷NPS/K. Johnston

Road update: The Scenic Drive and Goosenecks Road have reopened. Please drive with caution as ice and snow may still be present. The Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge Roads remain closed.

Barbara Hedges Photo

It’s a snow day. The visitor center and Gifford House have closed early today (3/16) due to power outages and snow. Snow continues to fall in the park and surrounding areas which remain under a winter storm warning until 6 pm today.

Photos: NPS A. Ehler

Road Update: The Scenic Drive, Grand Wash, Capitol Gorge, and Pleasant Creek roads are all closed to due recent and forecasted snows. Please check in with the visitor center for updates as they become available.

NPS-D.Collar

Spring is springing at Capitol Reef! The beginning of #DST and the warmer weather draw large crowds to the park and that in turn brings about some operational changes! Check the park website for updates and the full calendar of events, nps.gov/care/index.htm

Jenna Miladin Photo

Trail Tuesday!

Halls Creek Narrows takes adventurous hikers to the remote southern portion of Capitol Reef. The 22.4-mile (36.1 km) roundtrip hike explores deep canyons, near-constant running water that may require swimming, and a historic wagon trail.

NPS / A. Huston

When you picture a desert, do you picture snow? Capitol Reef is a high desert environment, and averages 12 - 18 inches of snow each year. The snow can increase levels in rivers, streams, and helps the orchards to produce more fruit during the summer.

NPS-D.Gedraitis

Trail Tuesday!

Rim Overlook trail takes visitors over 1,000 feet (305 m) above the trailhead to views of the canyons and tilted rocks below. The broken canyon of Cohab is one of the striking views visitors can take in along this 4.6-mile (7.4 km) roundtrip hike.

NPS Photo

Road update: The Scenic Drive is now reopened. Grand Wash, Capitol Gorge, and Pleasant Creek roads remain closed from snow and ice.

NPS-A. Smithkin

Road update: The Scenic Drive, Grand Wash, Capitol Gorge, and Pleasant Creek roads are closed due to 5 inches of snow and ice last night. Use precaution when driving HWY24 to enter the park. NPS-A.Smithkin.

Student Conservation Association interns at Capitol Reef will provide programs on geology, archaeology, astronomy, and various topics in summer 2024. Interested in being one of those interns? Apply at myjobs.adp.com/scacareers/cx/… to join the interpretive crew at Capitol Reef!

Looking to gain experience and work in your National Parks? Capitol Reef is recruiting two Student Conservation Association interns to grow their skills alongside rangers from March - October. To apply for a new adventure, please click on the link myjobs.adp.com/scacareers/cx/…

Yesterday, Capitol Reef hosted an invasive species removal project in honor of MLK Jr. Day of Service. Together, the group removed 12 bags of tumbleweed. Thanks to these awesome and dedicated volunteers for spending their morning with us!

#NPSvolunteer

NPS / Dory Gedriatis

Your classroom can learn about Capitol Reef in a variety of ways! Park staff host field trips, visit schools in the surrounding communities and even conduct virtual, distance learning programs for those that may be too far away.

nps.gov/care/learn/edu….

Trail Tuesday! A favorite trail for many rangers is the 3.4-mile (5.4 km) roundtrip hike through Cohab Canyon. Beginning near the Fruita Campground, this moderate hike takes you to an artist's palette of red and white slickrock. #TrailTuesday
NPS Photo