Setting
Capitol Reef National Park is located in south-central Utah abutting Glen Canyon National Recreation Area on the south and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument to the west. It is about 70 miles long (north to south ), and at its widest, only about 10 miles wide (east to west). It comprises 241,904 acres, about 378 square miles. Its elevations ranges between 6,000 and 9,000 feet.
Climate
Capitol Reef National Park has an arid climate with precipitation averaging just 7.2 inches annually at the park Visitor Center weather station. During summers, average daytime temperatures run in the mid-90s, but have been recorded as high as 104 degrees F. Average summer nighttime temperatures are in the 60s.Winter temperatures average in the 40s daytime and the 20s at night, but have been recorded below zero at times.
Capitol Reef is subject to flash flooding from late June through early October. Flash floods can leave you stranded in a canyon or on a back country road. Check with the Visitor Center for up-to-date weather and road conditions before embarking to the backcountry. For current weather conditions, call the Visitor Center at 435-425-3791, ext. 111.
Getting There
By Auto
- From Interstate 70 east, near Green River, Utah, take Highway 24 west through Hanksville 80 miles to the park.
- From Fremont Junction on Interstate 70, take Highway 72 south 38 miles to Highway 24, then east 30 miles to the park.
- From Sigurd, Utah on Interstate 70, take Highway 24 southeast 73 miles to the park.
Transportation
Air
Commercial air flights are available to Green River, Utah, 80 miles northeast of the park.
Bus
Buses are available to Green River, Utah, 80 miles northeast of the park.
Train
Nearest Amtrak station is in Thompson Springs Utah, 40 miles east of Green River (about 120 miles east of the park).
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