Capitol Reef National Park

11/06/2026

Across the National Park System, memorials, monuments and historic landscapes preserve the stories of those who served and sacrificed. From the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and World War II Memorial to the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the newly dedicated Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial, these places invite us to reflect on the people behind the history.

Beyond the memorials, historic battlefields, military forts and other sites across the country help tell the stories of generations who served. On Veterans Day, take time to visit a place of remembrance, discover a story you didn't know, and honor those who served.

Explore places that commemorate America's military history: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/veterans-day.htm

Image: Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial Raptors in Flight. NPS/Brodsky

11/06/2026

11/05/2026

The histories, cultures, and living traditions of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islander communities are an important part of the stories told across our national parks.

Throughout the year, and during November’s Native American Heritage Month, explore the stories, places, and cultural heritage preserved and shared in national parks and communities across the country: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/native-american-heritage-month.htm

NPS Photo

11/04/2026

It’s leaf-peeping season. The trees have made an effort, so the least we can do is go outside and stare at them.

Leaf peeping is the ancient human tradition of traveling long distances to look at leaves, take photographs, and stand in the middle of roads while saying, “Oh, wow, look at that one.”

Nobody knows exactly when this became a major event, but the trees seem okay with the arrangement. So get out there and see what all the rustle is about.

NPS photos

11/04/2026

As Veterans Day approaches, take a moment to honor those who have served our country. One way to celebrate their service is by helping them discover the places and stories that make our nation's public lands special.

U.S. military veterans and Gold Star Families are eligible for a free America the Beautiful Military Lifetime Pass, providing free access to federal recreation lands where entrance or standard amenity fees are charged.

From the quiet beauty of a mountain trail to the stories preserved at historic sites, our public lands offer opportunities to explore, reflect, learn, and connect with the places that help tell America's story.

Learn how to get your pass and start planning your next adventure: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm

Image: Korean War Veterans Memorial at National Mall & Memorial Parks /NPS

11/02/2026

Hello darkness, my old friend. Now you start at 5:00 pm.

With daylight saving time behind us, the sun is clocking out a littler earlier. Just as before, if you’re heading to a national park, make sure and check park hours, trail conditions, weather forecasts, and sunset times.

Fun fact: admiring fall foliage is much more enjoyable when you’re not trying to navigate a trail in the dark while wondering which tree looks familiar.

NPS photo

11/02/2026

11/02/2026

🦋 Imagine flying thousands of miles to make it home for a family reunion. Monarch butterflies do it every year.

Every fall, two journeys come together. As millions of monarch butterflies travel south on one of nature's greatest migrations, families gather to honor loved ones during Day of the Dead or Día de los Mu***os.

For many communities, the arrival of the monarchs is more than a sign of the changing season. These butterflies are seen as messengers, symbolizing the return of loved ones in spirit and serving as a beautiful reminder of the enduring connections between generations.

Traveling thousands of miles across North America, they depend on healthy habitats, including in parks, to rest, feed, and continue their journey.

What animal makes you feel connected to your family or community?

Several parks across the country host cultural Day of the Dead programming, including San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, among others.

NPS Photo taken at Amistad National Recreation Area

11/02/2026

Día de los Mu***os, or Day of the Dead, is a centuries-old tradition that honors the lives of loved ones who have passed. Its roots stretch back to Indigenous cultures of Mesoamerica, where ancestors were remembered through ritual, art, and celebration. When the Spanish arrived in what is now Texas, these native customs merged with Catholic traditions like All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day; creating the vibrant holiday we know today.

At San Antonio Missions, you can see this cultural fusion come to life. From colorful altars adorned with marigolds and candles to music, food, and stories, the park reflects how Spanish and Indigenous traditions shaped communities along the San Antonio River.

Come explore mission descendant ofrendas/ Day of the Dead altars while they are still inside the Mission San Jose granary for a few more days!

NPS Photo/ Andrew Shirey

10/31/2026

This is Halloween, this is Halloween
Pumpkins* scream in the dead of night!

Happy Halloween!

*No pumpkins have been observed screaming in national parks. You may be hearing a coyote, bobcat, fox, owl, or that marmot looking for Alan…or was it Steve?

Image: Boo! Carved jack-o’-lantern with ranger hat at Hartwell Tavern at Minute Man National Historical Park

10/23/2026

Tuesday, October 27th is a free entrance day in honor of Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday. As the 26th president of the United States, one of Roosevelt’s top priorities was conservation of our natural resources. He used his authority to protect approximately 230 million acres of public land, including five national parks and 18 national monuments.

Capitol Reef National Monument was established by a relative of Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt. However, the area would have never received national attention without the tireless efforts of local booster groups and civic leaders. One leading figure was Ephriam Pectol, a local entrepreneur and by the 1930s, a Utah Legislature representative. He would be the key local representative responsible for the eventual creation of Capitol Reef National Monument in 1937. Today, the geologic feature, Pectol's Pyramid, bears his name as a tribute to the decades he spent working to preserve Capitol Reef for past, current and future generations to enjoy.



NPS / S. Donnelly

09/15/2026

We the People declare Thursday, September 17th a free entrance day in honor of Constitution Day! Fall is in the air at Capitol Reef as temperatures start to cool off. And what better way to ring in fall than by picking apples? We have about two dozen varieties and September is peak season for apples. Stop by the visitor center or check our website for orchard updates to learn which apple varieties are ripe and what orchards are open for picking.

Check out this link to learn if you are eligible for free entry year-round at hundreds of federal recreation sites: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm.



NPS Photo

09/10/2026

Capitol Reef National Park will host the return of its popular Reef Ride cycling event on Sept. 19 and 26, offering visitors a rare chance to experience the Scenic Drive free of vehicle traffic. From sunrise until 3 p.m. each day, the road will be reserved for cyclists — including Class 1, 2 and 3 e bikes — along with hikers and runners. For more information and the full news release visit: https://www.nps.gov/care/learn/news/reef-ride-bike-days-2026.htm

08/20/2026

Tuesday, August 25th, is a free entrance day in honor of the 110th birthday of the National Park Service. Check out this link to learn if you are eligible for free entry year-round at hundreds of federal recreation sites: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm.

Capitol Reef has been part of the NPS for 89 of those 110 years! Established as Capitol Reef National Monument in 1937, then Capitol Reef National Park in 1971.

Celebrate the National Park Service’s birthday with a visit to Capitol Reef! Whether you attend a ranger program, hike a trail, get a pie from the Gifford House, or take a scenic drive, there are ways for everyone to enjoy Capitol Reef.



NPS Photos

04/09/2026

Calling all prospective volunteers!

Capitol Reef National Park's volunteer office recently posted three new volunteer opportunities for this upcoming spring, summer and fall!

The park is conducting annual sky quality monitoring throughout the park on April 15. Volunteers are welcome to be citizen scientists and come help monitor the sky quality in the park's back and front country.

Many of the fruit trees are in bloom and beginning to develop fruit so the park is also looking for enthusiastic community members to participate in our orchard docent program!

Finally, the park is looking for volunteers to help with the Reef Ride Bike Days special event on September 19 and 26.

Visit the park's volunteer webpage at https://www.nps.gov/care/getinvolved/volunteer.htm to learn more details and to apply!

03/17/2026

Reminder: In Person Open House on Thursday, March 19th

Capitol Reef National Park is seeking input on opportunities to expand recreational access and connectivity and to modernize facilities and infrastructure within the park.

The National Park Service wants to hear your ideas and questions on preliminary strategies that enhance recreational opportunities, alleviate parking and roadway congestion, and preserve the resources of Capitol Reef National Park. Examples of potential strategies include new trails between historic sites and popular trailheads and improved visitor services and parking in these areas.

To learn more about the project goals and potential strategies and to submit comments, visit the project website https://parkplanning.nps.gov/CapitolReefPlanning. The park will be collecting comments through April 3, 2026. Please also consider attending the In Person Open House hosted by the park to learn more about the planning process and ask park staff questions:

• March 19, 2026, at Torrey Park Pavilion, 95 East 100 North Torrey, UT. Open house 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

NPS Photo - apple blossoms in the Jackson orchard 3-17-26

03/09/2026

Reminder: Virtual Public Meeting on Wednesday, March 11th

Capitol Reef National Park is seeking input on opportunities to expand recreational access and connectivity and to modernize facilities and infrastructure within the park.

The National Park Service wants to hear your ideas and questions on preliminary strategies that enhance recreational opportunities, alleviate parking and roadway congestion, and preserve the resources of Capitol Reef National Park. Examples of potential strategies include new trails between historic sites and popular trailheads and improved visitor services and parking in these areas.

To learn more about the project goals and potential strategies and to submit comments, visit the project website https://parkplanning.nps.gov/CapitolReefPlanning. The park will be collecting comments through April 3, 2026. Please also consider attending meetings hosted by the park to learn more about the planning process and ask park staff questions:

Virtual Public Meeting:

• March 11, 2026, Virtual meeting from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Join by following the link at: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/26167435410689?p=gKfiqpQPrCA5Ks5pAG

In-Person Open House:

• March 19, 2026, at Torrey Park Pavilion, 95 East 100 North Torrey, UT. Open house 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The news release can also be found on the park website: https://go.nps.gov/17le0f

03/03/2026

Capitol Reef National Park is seeking input on opportunities to expand recreational access and connectivity and to modernize facilities and infrastructure within the park.

The National Park Service wants to hear your ideas and questions on preliminary strategies that enhance recreational opportunities, alleviate parking and roadway congestion, and preserve the resources of Capitol Reef National Park. Examples of potential strategies include new trails between historic sites and popular trailheads and improved visitor services and parking in these areas.

To learn more about the project goals and potential strategies and to submit comments, visit the project website https://parkplanning.nps.gov/CapitolReefPlanning. The park will be collecting comments through April 3, 2026. Please also consider attending meetings hosted by the park to learn more about the planning process and ask park staff questions:

Virtual Public Meeting:

• March 11, 2026, Virtual meeting from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Join by following the link at: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/26167435410689?p=gKfiqpQPrCA5Ks5pAG

In-Person Open House:

• March 19, 2026, at Torrey Park Pavilion, 95 East 100 North Torrey, UT. Open house 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The news release can also be found on the park website: https://go.nps.gov/17le0f

NPS photo: Hikers on the Hickman Bridge Trail

02/11/2026

Monday, February 16th, is a free entrance day in honor of Presidents Day. Winter is the perfect time to take a scenic drive or a hike in Capitol Reef. The sun is out, the crowds are low, and the landscape is breathtaking.

Check out this link to learn if you are eligible for free entry year-round at hundreds of federal recreation sites: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm.

NPS Photo / G. Kann - View from Cohab Canyon Trail

12/08/2025

Capitol Reef National Park is hiring!

There are several openings for various seasonal positions. To learn more about the jobs and to apply, please visit https://www.usajobs.gov/, search for 'Torrey, UT' as the location and search by job title.

The available positions are Administrative Assistant, Biological Science Technician, Archeological Technician, Gardener, Custodian, and Maintenance Worker.

NPS