This might be the most underrated national park, and honestly, I’m not sure why.

Описание: This might be the most underrated national park, and honestly, I’m not sure why.

Follow for more hidden gems and bucket list adventures across the U.S.

📍 Capitol Reef National Park – Utah

Tucked between Bryce Canyon and Canyonlands, Capitol Reef feels like a secret compared to Utah’s more famous parks. It’s home to towering red cliffs, natural arches, slot canyons, and even orchards where you can pick fresh fruit in season. The park’s name comes from its white domes of Navajo sandstone that resemble the U.S. Capitol — and the massive ridges that early pioneers called “reefs” because they were so hard to cross.

✨ Must-See Stops:
🌄 Scenic Drive: A 7.9-mile paved route through canyons and cliffs — add on the unpaved Capitol Gorge or Grand Wash roads if you’re up for adventure.
🍎 Fruita Historic District: The old pioneer settlement where you can walk through orchards and sample apples, peaches, and pears (in season).
🥾 Hickman Bridge Trail: A 1.8-mile round trip to one of the park’s most iconic natural arches.
🪨 Cathedral Valley (4x4 only): Otherworldly desert landscapes and monoliths that feel straight out of Mars.

📅 Best time to visit: Spring and fall — cooler temps, smaller crowds, and beautiful light on the canyon walls.

🌿 Leave No Trace: Don’t pick fruit unless signs say it’s open for harvest. Avoid stepping off trails, the cryptobiotic soil here is alive and takes decades to recover from one footprint. Always pack out trash and bring plenty of water, this is remote desert terrain.

Would you rather explore the orchards in Fruita or chase views deep into Cathedral Valley?