Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive (Map + Road Trip Itinerary)
After visiting all of the Mighty 5 parks in Utah multiple times, I can say that Utah Scenic Byway 12 is the best route between Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon.
It offers stunning landscapes, plenty of hikes and outdoor activities, and some fascinating history and geology. In fact, Scenic Byway 12 is one of my favorite road trips in the United States!
In this article:
- best route from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon
- must-see stops along Utah Scenic Byway 12
- recommended road trip itinerary
- best things to do in Capitol Reef & Bryce Canyon
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⌛ Short On Time? These Are My Top Tips:
🚗 Distance From Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon: 2.5+ hours, depending on stops.
🌳 Capitol Reef Must-See: Orchards, Scenic Drive, Goosenecks & Sunset Point.
🏜️ Bryce Canyon Must-See: Rim Trail, Rainbow Point, Navajo Loop & Queens Garden Trail.
💵 Entrance Fee: $20 at Capitol Reef, $35 at Bryce Canyon (per vehicle, for 7 days) or free with an Annual Park Pass.
🛌 Where To Stay: Capitol Reef Resort, Ruby’s Inn or The Lodge At Bryce Canyon
Best Route From Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon
There are two routes to get from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon:
The Western route is the most direct. It’s approximately 113 miles and takes 2 hours and 15 minutes.
However, the Eastern route, along Utah Scenic Byway 12, is only slightly longer – about 2 hours and 30 minutes to drive, but far more beautiful.
On my last Utah road trip I drove Utah Scenic Byway Rt 12 in my 22 foot camper van and was glad I did! Even in a larger vehicle the road is still easy to drive. Plus, the views did not disappoint!
I recommend this scenic route for your road trip from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon.
🚐 Plan The Ultimate Road Trip In A Campervan
Are you curious about van life? This trip is the perfect route to give it a try!
Outdoorsy is a great peer-to-peer campervan rental site (like Airbnb) with tons of van layouts and prices across the US! Native Campervans is great if you prefer to rent from a company with 24/7 roadside assistance for peace of mind.
Not sure about where to park for the night? Don’t stress!
Download my Guide To Finding Free Campsites e-book or checkout The Dyrt to find unique stays.
Utah Scenic Byway 12 From Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon
Distance From Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon: 2.5 hours
Must-See Stops: Hike Lower Calf Creek Falls, Escalante Natural Bridge, and Kodachrome Basin State Park
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Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 is your ticket to an unforgettable road trip. This route is stunning, offering everything from red rock canyons to lush forests. It’s the kind of road that makes you want to take your time, pulling over often to soak in the views.
In fact, when I drove Scenic Byway 12 it took more than 4 hours because of how frequently I pulled off to take in the views.
There are two important things to keep in mind for this road trip:
The first is that there is extremely limited cell service along this route. I recommend downloading an offline map to your phone (I like Google Maps for this) so even without cell signal you can still navigate.
There are also fewer gas stations along this route. Always know when you’ll be able to refill again. When I’m traveling in more remote areas, my rule of thumb is once the gas tank is half full it’s time to stop at the next station and refuel.
Use this map to plan your road trip from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon National Park! I’ve labeled items by activity type (noted by color and icon).
How To Use This Map:
1. To open in a new tab, click [] in the top right corner of the map.
2. To save to your Google Maps account, click ☆ (you must be signed in to Google).
3. To use during your trip, open Google Maps on your phone, select “You” from the bottom bar, scroll down and click the maps icon for a list of your saved custom maps.
Best Stops From Capitol Reef To Bryce Canyon
First, let’s talk about the best stops and hidden gems located along byway 12 from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon. After, I’ll share details about my favorite itineraries for each park.
NOTE: This road trip itinerary assumes you’re starting at Capitol Reef and driving to Bryce Canyon. If you’re headed the opposite direction (Bryce to Capitol Reef) you can simply reverse the order of this post!
1. Escalante National Monument
Escalante National Monument, officially known as Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, is a stunning, vast, and relatively remote area in southern Utah, encompassing nearly 1.9 million acres of diverse terrain.
The drive from Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon along byway 12 skirts the perimeter of Escalante, and in some areas cuts across it. The majority of your drive from will be along Escalante National Monument.
This is less of a stop, and more of a scenic drive. There are tons of pull-offs and incredible views, plus many hikes and historical or geological points of interest. You can do as much or as little as you want in Escalante (I’m going to recommend a few of my favorite hikes later on!).
2. Anasazi State Park Museum
The first stop you’ll come to after leaving Capitol Reef is Anasazi State Park Museum. This was once the home of the Ancestral Puebloans, often referred to as the Anasazi.
Ancestral Puebloans are believed to have occupied Coombs Village Site between A.D. 1050 and 1200. This location is one of the largest Anasazi communities west of the Colorado River.
During your visit you can explore the partially excavated ruins along a self-guided trail, and see over 1,000 artifacts on display.
The museum is open daily, year-round from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and entry is $5 per person.
⚠️ Why the Term “Anasazi” Is Problematic
”Anasazi” comes from the Navajo language, and translates to “enemy ancestors”. In the 1930’s and 40’s archaeologists adopted the term as a way to describe Ancestral Puebloan people and culture without understanding the negative connotations of the Navajo word.
Today, Ancestral Puebloans is the respectful, preferred term used by archaeologists, historians, and Indigenous groups. You will likely see these two terms used interchangeable while ongoing efforts are made to update signs and literature.
3. Hike Lower Calf Creek Falls
Lower Calf Creek Falls Trail Guide
Distance: 6 miles
Time To Hike: 2-3 hours
This hike is a must-do, especially if you’re a waterfall chaser! While the trail is relatively flat, it’s mostly through deep sand so it’s deceivingly harder than it appears.
Along the way to the falls, you’ll wind through some of the most scenic landscapes you can imagine, like towering sandstone cliffs, vibrant green foliage, and the ever-changing colors of the creek itself (which the trail runs besides).
I underestimated the amount of time it would take to hike this trail due to the deep sand. 6 miles in sand will take you longer than 6 miles on a maintained trail, so plan accordingly!
I thought the trail was very well marked and easy to follow. There were a few spots where I had to actively look around to see where the trail went, but I never once felt unsure that I was on the correct trail.
While it’s a bit long, it’s still an easy hike and one that anyone can do if you go at your own pace. It’s not technical or physically demanding.
Once you reach the falls, you’ll be greeted by a stunning 126-foot waterfall that cascades into a picture-perfect swimming hole. This is a very popular spot to swim so be sure to bring your bathing suit!
TIP: Parking for this trail is limited, and fills up by late morning. I recommend doing this hike as early in the day as you can so you can find parking, and also because the trail is fairly exposed and gets warm during the afternoon.
4. Escalante Natural Bridge
Escalante Natural Bridge Trail Guide
Distance: 4.4 miles
Time To Hike: 1-2 hours
Just a few miles down the road from Lower Calf Creek Falls is Escalante Natural Bridge Trail. This hike is a bit more challenging than Lower Calf Creek, and depending on the time of year and recent rainfall you may have several river crossings.
NOTE: this trail can be tricky to navigate, so I recommend downloading the route on the AllTrails+ app before you lose cell service (there isn’t much along this drive).
TIP: Just around the bend from Escalante Natural Bridge is Kiva Koffeehouse! It’s a totally random cafe in the middle of absolutely nowhere, and is a fantastic stop to refuel!
5. Kodachrome Basin State Park
Kodachrome Basin features a variety of unique sandstone formations, including spires, arches, and chimneys. There are several hiking trails, ranging from easy to moderate, here too.
If you’re interested in horseback riding, consider a tour in Kodachrome Basin State Park over Bryce Canyon to save some money! The landscapes are very similar but you’ll likely find more options in Kodachrome over Bryce.
Angel’s Palace Trail Guide
Distance: 1.5 miles
Time To Hike: 1 hour
Angel’s Palace is another great, easy hike along the route between Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon. It’s a 1.5 mile loop trail through Kodachrome Basin where you can explore the red rock and unique geology up close.
There are also several restrooms in this area, so it’s an easy pull-off to enjoy some fresh air!
6. Willis Creek Narrows Trail
Willis Creek Narrows Trail Guide
Distance: 6 miles
Time To Hike: 2-3 hours
The Willis Creek Narrows is a slot canyon located in Escalante National Monument. It’s a 20-minute (each way) detour from Utah scenic byway 12, but worth it if you’re looking to stretch your legs and explore!
The trail follows Willis Creek before meeting up with Sheep Creek.
If you’re hiking this route during the spring time you may need water shoes. (I like to hike in my Tevas)
If you’re hiking during the winter, the trail may be icy. The tall canyon walls don’t let much sunlight in to melt the ice, and traction devices may be useful.
NOTE: Always check the weather before hiking into a slot canyon. Rain (even many, many miles away) can cause flash flooding in minutes. At the first sign of rain, turn around immediately! You can also book a guided hike with an expert, if you’re not super comfortable navigating slot canyons solo yet!
Capitol Reef National Park Itinerary
Capitol Reef is a hidden treasure among the Mighty Five Utah National Parks, offering significantly fewer crowds and an equally stunning landscape. In fact, during my visit I had most of the trails completely to myself!
In my opinion, Capitol Reef is one of the most underrated National Parks and I’m surprised so many people skip it. Especially considering you can see the highlights in Capitol Reef in 1 or 2 days.
The best time to visit is in late summer or early fall when the orchards are ripe for fruit picking. Sadly, I just missed the fruit season during my trip in late October (guess I have to go back! 🤪)
FUN FACT: Did you know the park is named for its dome-shaped rock formations that resemble the U.S. Capitol?
Best Hiking Trails In Capitol Reef
Capitol Reef has a great variety of easy hiking trails as well as a few longer ones. If you’re looking for short flat hikes you’ll find plenty in Capitol Reef. There are also plenty of more challenging hikes with incredible views, too.
These are my favorite picks for best hike in Capitol Reef National Park:
- Petroglyph Trail (0.3 miles) – hike to well-preserved petroglyphs created 1,000+ years ago by the Fremont people
- Goosenecks & Sunset Point (1 mile) – perfect for sunrise or sunset
- Cassidy Arch Trail (3.1 miles) – the best hike in Capitol Reef, filled with local lore
- Chimney Rock Trail (3.6 miles) – panoramic views of the Waterpocket Fold
Cassidy Arch Trail Guide
Distance: 3.1 miles
Time To Hike: 2-3 hours
Cassidy Arch Trail was my favorite hike in Capitol Reef National Park! It’s named after the infamous outlaw Butch Cassidy, who allegedly used the arch and surrounding canyons as a hideout.
The trail starts at the Grand Wash Trailhead and follows the sandy Grand Wash river basin before gaining elevation as you make your way up a series of switchbacks to Cassidy Arch.
When you reach Cassidy Arch (a giant hole in the sandstone – pictured above) you’ll likely see people repelling into it, which is fun to watch.
This is also a great spot to have lunch and people watch (although finding a spot of shade is difficult).
TIP: I recommend hiking poles for this trail. There are some steps and steep switchbacks, as well as loose shale and stones that are easy to slip on if you aren’t careful.
Goosenecks & Sunset Point Trail Guide
Distance: 1 miles
Time To Hike: <1 hour
Goosenecks & Sunset Point Trail is a must-do hike in Capitol Reef National Park.
NOTE: While it’s officially listed as 2.5 miles, if you can find parking at the upper lot it’s only 1 mile roundtrip.
Due to it’s name, this is a popular destination to watch sunset – which makes it more crowded. I caught sunrise and sunset here during my last trip and preferred sunrise.
The sunrise views are equally stunning (I’d even argue they’re better) and there is almost no one there that early, so you’ll have it all to yourself!
TIP: The parking lot is quite small, so plan to get there a little early (at least 45 minutes before sunrise) so you have time to park and hike in before the sun rises over the canyon! The best light is a few minutes before actual sunrise.
Things To Do In Capitol Reef National Park
There is a variety of things to do in Capitol Reef National Park. The park is divided into different areas, like the Orchard section which is fertile flatland nestled between the canyon rims.
There are also some fun, unique guided tours available! Like a horseback ride through the Water Pocket Fold of Capitol Reef National Park, or this 4×4 excursion to hidden gems in Capitol Reef, including landmarks like Temples of the Sun and Moon.
Take The Scenic Drive in Capitol Reef
Capitol Reef Scenic Drive is also one of the best scenic drives in a National Park, in my opinion. It passes through the Waterpocket Fold (a 100-mile long buckle in the earths surface) and the geology and views are super interesting.
TIP: Download the self-guided driving tour (around $20) before your trip (there’s no cell service in the park). It uses your GPS signal to auto-play history and interesting geology information as you pass landmarks.
The scenic drive is 7.9 miles and paved so it’s easily accessible with any vehicle – you don’t need 4-wheel drive.
The Scenic Drive in Capitol Reef is like driving on Mars, and it was one of my favorite activities at Capitol Reef National Park!
NOTE: I completed this drive in my van, which is 22 feet long, and there were portions that were extremely narrow. If you’re in a larger vehicle I recommend going at a less popular time as it can be difficult to pass oncoming cars.
Pick Fresh Fruit From The Orchards
One of the most unique activities you can do in Capitol Reef is fruit picking in the park’s historic orchards.
The orchards were originally planted by Mormon settlers in the 1880s and have been maintained by the National Park Service.
The best season for picking fruit is June through October. Depending on the timing of your visit you can pick cherries, apricots, peaches, pears, and apples.
Sadly, my visit was too late in the season and they were no longer picking fruit.
TIP: Regardless of what season you visit, stop by Gifford Homestead for fruit pie or their famous cinnamon rolls!
Where To Stay Near Capitol Reef National Park
Unfortunately, there aren’t any hotels located inside Capitol Reef National Park, but there are several options just a few minutes away.
Most of the hotels, restaurants and vacation rentals near Capitol Reef National Park are located on the west side of the park, in Torrey, Utah.
- Capitol Reef Resort – full resort with cabin rentals
- The Rim Rock Inn – budget
- The Noor Hotel – mid-range
- Motel Torrey – mid-range
For a unique experience, glamp in a stargazing geodome at Skyview Hotel or in a chuckwagon like a pioneer (except these have private bathrooms!)
On my recent visit, we stayed a few minutes farther down the road at a great, pet-friendly VRBO. There are two rentals in the home so it’s perfect for larger groups – one unit has four bedrooms and the other has one bedroom.
Bryce Canyon National Park Itinerary
Bryce Canyon is world-famous for its hoodoos, those spire-shaped rock formations that look like they’re from another planet.
In my opinion, the best time to see the hoodoos is during sunrise at Bryce Canyon when they’re particularly stunning and the rocks glow in hues of orange and pink.
Due to its higher elevation, just about any season is a great time to visit Bryce Canyon.
During the warm summer months Bryce Canyon temperatures usually do not exceed mid-80°F, and in the winter you can expect snow to dust the red rocks.
It is one of the smallest and least crowded National Parks in Utah, so it’s possible to see all the highlights with one day in Bryce Canyon National Park.
FUN FACT: Bryce Canyon is actually not a canyon at all, it’s an amphitheater! However, the words are frequently used interchangeably to describe the park.
Best Hiking In Bryce Canyon
There are a variety of hikes in Bryce Canyon. Easy hikes stay along the canyon rim and don’t have much elevation change. But, if you’re looking for more of a challenge there are several great hikes down into the canyon that let you get up close to the hoodoos.
These are my top picks for best hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park:
- Navajo Loop And Queens Garden Trail (3 miles) – iconic loop trail into the canyon
- Bristlecone Loop Trail (1.1 miles) – easy trail along Rainbow Point with panoramic views
- Sunset to Sunrise Point (1.2 miles) – flat, paved path along Bryce Amphitheater
- Peek-a-boo Loop Trail (5.2 miles) – more challenging hike into the amphitheater
- Fairyland Loop Trail (8 miles) – best known for Tower Bridge formation
Navajo Loop & Queens Garden Trail Guide
Distance: 3 miles
Time To Hike: 1-2 hours
Navajo Loop & Queens Garden Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Bryce Canyon (and my personal favorite!) It’s relatively easy and takes you up close and personal with some of the park’s most iconic hoodoos.
It’s one of the most popular trails in the park, so expect some company.
TIP: When I did this hike, I found it much easier to take it counterclockwise (starting with the Navajo Loop Trail) and descend the steep switchbacks at the beginning of the loop. That way you have a gradual increase back up Queens Garden Trail to the rim.
Things To Do In Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon is the smallest Utah National Park, and the 9th smallest National Park in the US. But even as a smaller park, there’s a ton to do, and the ranger-led programs here are outstanding.
Some of the most iconic things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park include horseback riding and stargazing in some of the darkest skies in the United States!
Other popular things to do include a scenic horse-drawn wagon ride, or a guided off-roading ATV tour.
Horseback Riding In Bryce Canyon
Riding through Bryce Canyon on horseback is a truly unique experience and has a touch of Old West romance.
I had the opportunity to do this on my very first trip to Bryce Canyon (when I was 12!) and it’s still a favorite travel memory.
The horses like to feast on the sparse grass that grows in the canyon… along the rim of the trail. Which means the horses like to walk very close to the edge of the trail. From the saddle, all you can see is the round belly of the horse and then a steep drop-off… which is a little nerve-wracking but they’re very sure-footed!
You’ll have to decide if you want to book a horseback riding tour in the official borders of Bryce Canyon (a bit more expensive, and limited to only a few approved vendors), or a tour outside of the park boundary.
Tours outside of Bryce Canyon National Park are what I’d recommend. The landscape is the same, you’ll still see all the iconic hoodoos and canyon rim, but you’ll find more options and better rates.
For tours within Bryce Canyon, check out Canyon Trail Rides. Guided horseback riding is available from April to October and costs around $89 per person for a 1.5 hour trail ride. Tours depart at 9:00 am and 2:00 pm daily from the Bryce Canyon horse corral.
For tours nearby Bryce Canyon, check out Ruby Inn Adventures, just 2 miles past the entrance to Bryce Canyon. Tours cost $90 per person for a 1.5 hour trail ride and depart daily at 8:30 am, 10:30 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm.
TIP: Tours from Ruby Inn Adventures typically have a longer season as well, so if you’re visiting in November or March this is the best option for horse back riding in Bryce Canyon!
Stargazing In Bryce Canyon
As an International Dark Sky Park, Bryce Canyon offers some of the best stargazing opportunities in the world. The combination of high elevation, clear skies, and lack of light pollution from any nearby cities means you have a good chance of spotting the milky way!
In fact, Bryce Canyon is such a great place to stargaze that they even host an annual Astronomy Festival – in 2025 the festival is June 25-28.
Rangers also periodically host ranger programs related to astronomy – I recommend stopping by the visitor center during your visit to see the current schedule of events.
Scenic Drive
During your visit to Bryce Canyon, make time to drive the Southern Scenic Drive. The Bryce Canyon shuttle does not run along this road (so you’ll need your own vehicle), which means it’s much less crowded and a great way to spend an afternoon!
It’s 15 miles from Bryce Amphitheater to the end of Southern Scenic Drive at Rainbow Point – which is also the highest elevation in the park at 9,000 feet above sea level.
While you can drive this road in a little over an hour roundtrip, I recommend planning 2-3 hours to fully explore it and see the viewpoints.
TIP: Drive straight through to Rainbow Point at the end. On your way back, the viewpoints will be on the same side of the road, making them easier to pull in and out of without having to cross oncoming traffic.
Bristlecone Loop Trail Guide
Distance: 1.1 miles
Time To Hike: ~30 minutes
Bristlecone Loop Trail starts from Rainbow Point and is an easy, mostly flat trail out to the rim of the canyon with incredible, almost 360° views of the amphitheater below.
On your drive back along the scenic route there are 6 viewpoints. The best ones are Agua Canyon and Natural Bridge.
TIP: Download the self-guided driving audio tour (<$20) for your trip to Bryce Canyon. You don’t need cell service to use this once it’s downloaded, and it will automatically play the audio guide related to the area of the park you’re in (it uses satellite GPS signal to know your location). It’s like having a tour guide in your private car!
Where To Stay Near Bryce Canyon National Park
The most convenient place to stay is inside the park at The Lodge At Bryce Canyon. This is the only hotel option within the park, but there are several options just past the main gates.
If you’re booking last minute, or looking for more affordable rates, the town of Bryce Canyon City is located 1 mile outside Bryce Canyon:
- Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel – luxury
- Bryce View Lodge – mid-range
- Ruby’s Inn – lower mid-range
- Quality Inn – budget (but slightly farther away)
More Resources For Your Utah Road Trip
There are several incredible National Parks to see in the southwest. The two famous road trips in this area are:
- Utah Mighty 5 (Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion)
- Grand Circle (Utah Might 5 + Grand Canyon)
If you have a week or more, I highly recommend visiting all 6 National Parks!
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These posts offer comprehensive travel guides, tips for getting around, must-do activities and recommended itineraries for each National Park:
Depending on your starting point, these additional road trip itineraries may help you build your complete itinerary:
