Overview

Before exploring Capitol Reef, stop at the Visitor's Information Center and check out the introductory presentation, interpretive exhibits, and maps for exploring the park.

Location/Directions

The Capitol Reef Visitor's Information Center is located 6 miles from the West park entrance right off of Utah highway 24, and 8 miles from the East entrance.  The address is 52 Scenic Drive Torry, UT 84775 and the telephone number is 435-425-3791.

Hours/Seasons

The Visitor's Information Center is open seven days a week, but closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.  During the fall and winter, the hours are 8am-4:30pm.   From Easter to mid October the hours are 8am-6pm. 

Fees/Costs

Park entrance fees are $10-20/vehicle.  The Fruita Campground costs $25/night or $12.50/night with a Golden Age or Senior Pass.

Things to Do

• Fruita Schoolhouse
  Take a tour of the Fruita Schoolhouse, established in the early 1900s by the settlers of Fruita.  The 1 room schoolhouse is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and sits on the banks of Sulphur Creek in the Fremont River Valley. Located East of the Visitor's Center along Utah Highway 24.
• Gifford Farm
  Located 1 mile South of the Visitor's Center on the Scenic Drive, Gifford Farms is a cultural demonstration of the spartan lifestyle of early Utah settlers who decided to make their home amidst the cliffs of the Waterpocket District. 
• Historic Fruita Orchards
  Visit the Historic Fruita Orchards, only 1 mile from the Visitor's Center. Established by the settlers in 1880, the orchard has over 2,700 fruit and nut trees.  For a small fee, you can harvest fresh seasonal fruit such as cherries, apples, apricots, peaches and pears.  Walnuts and almonds are also available. Please no climbing on the trees! Hand held fruit pickers and ladders are provided during the harvest season. Call the Information Center for harvesting dates 435-425-3791. 

Note: If water is not available at the campgrounds, fill up at the Visitor's Center.