Utah is a mecca for outdoor activities and is home to five incredible national parks known as ‘The Mighty Five.’ The parks are massive in scale, covering thousands of miles. It is a spectacular landscape which is on many adventurers’ to-do lists. Capitol Reef is one of the ‘Mighty.’ It is one of the least visited of the five. In 2021 Capitol Reef celebrated 50 years of being a national park. You can drive through the park’s heart and experience the unique Waterpocket Fold, a geological wrinkle in the earth. Take a hike and delve deeper into the rugged scenery of high desert, canyons, and white domes. The area experiences four distinct seasons. So what is it like in Capitol Reef National Park in winter?
Is Capitol Reef National Park Open in Winter?
The national park lies in the south-central desert region of Utah. Capitol Reef has mild winters compared to some national parks, for example, Badlands National Park. However, with cliffs and mountains and an elevation range between 4,300 feet (1,310 metres) and 11,000 feet (3,352 metres), Capitol Reef experiences cold winters.
The park is open in winter. Along with the campgrounds, which are also open all year round.
Some of the attractions have different opening hours. For example, the visitor centre is open except for a few major holidays, and the Gifford House Store and Museum is open from March to October.
Winter opening hours, stated on the National Park Service website, are 9 am – 4 pm, seven days a week, from December 4th to March 3rd.
While the park is open in winter, some roads could be closed due to weather conditions.
You might find that some of the local restaurants and hotels close for the winter.
Does It Snow In Capitol Reef National Park?
While most of Utah experiences mild winters, Capitol Reef National Park does see snowfall. How much snowfall does the national park have? Snow tends to fall between November to April, although it is also known to fall in May and October. According to the NPS website, the average snowfall for the winter is as follows:
- December – 2.9 inches
- January – 3.9 inches
- February – 1.9 inches
However, records from 1938 – 2020 show that substantially heavier snow has fallen at times:
- November – 18.0 inches
- December – 21.5 inches
- January – 23.3 inches
- February – 17.0 inches
- March – 16.5 inches
The weather in the park varies from hot summers to chilly winters. Temperatures can plunge from 91°F (32.7°C) to 20°F (-6°C) in January. Day temperatures tend to stay above freezing at 41°F (5°C).
Roads and trails might close for a short while. Heavy snowfall is not common, so roads do not remain shut for long periods.
If you plan a trip to Capitol Reef National Park in winter, here are a few tips to help you enjoy your trip and keep you safe in a winter wonderland.
- Check the national park’s website for any alerts or hazards. It is worth checking for any visit.
- Check the weather forecast, and respect weather warnings, such as blizzards.
- Dress appropriately, including footwear. Understand which fabrics are better suited to the colder weather.
- Be prepared and take a map of the area.
- Know how to use the activity-related gear. For example, learn how to use a map and compass.
- Be flexible. If you had planned to go hiking, but the weather comes in, visit a museum instead.
- Recognise signs of frostbite and hyperthermia.
- Eat and drink plenty, which is vital in all weather.
- If you are going alone, let someone know your whereabouts.
Do you need a four-wheel drive in Capitol Reef National Park?
Four-wheel drive is not essential in the national park. The main scenic route is a paved road. If road conditions are unsafe, roads will be closed.
Some unimproved roads are suitable for high-clearance vehicles, but it does not necessarily have to be four-wheel drive. Rain and snow cause the roads to become muddy. So you need to know your vehicle’s suitability and driving experience before tackling backcountry roads.
Remember, help might not arrive for a few hours or even days if you get stuck. So be prepared. The park wardens and visitor centre can offer advice on road conditions.
What Is Capitol Reef National Park Like In December?
There are many reasons to visit Capitol Reef National Park in winter. You get to escape the crowds, for starters. You practically have the place to yourself.
There are plenty of photo opportunities of the stunning landscape without people. You can witness spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
Fruita campground is open all year round, and reservations are not necessary between November 1st to February 28th. Each pitch has a firepit to keep you toasty on a chilly winter’s night. Although there are no electric hook-ups, generators are allowed outside the quiet hours, from 10 pm to 6 am.
What is the average temperature in December?
Average temperatures range between 20°-40°F (-6°-4.4°C).
What is the weather like in December?
The weather is cold with a gentle breeze.
How much does it rain in December?
On average, rainfall is 0.35 inches. The maximum recorded rainfall is 2.15 inches.
What time are sunrise and sunset?
In December, sunrise is around 7.31 am.
Sunset is 5.06 pm.
There is an average of 9.5 hours of daylight.
What is Capitol Reef National Park like in January?
January is the coldest month, with temperatures ranging from 37.4°F-8.6°F (3°–13°C).
Visitors tend to stay away from the park, except for the odd spike at the weekend. January is a great time to experience the park’s tranquillity.
How much rainfall is there in January?
January is quite a dry month. It rains for roughly seven days, totalling approximately 0.51 inches.
How much daylight is there in January?
The shortest day has been and gone. By the last day of January, there is a noticeable difference.
Sunrise is at 7.30 am and
Sunset at 5.46 pm.
The average daylight is 9 hours and 52 minutes.
What is Capitol Reef like in February?
Visiting any national park during the off-season is always a fantastic time, and February is no exception. The days are frosty, and you might see snow. So wrap up for the weather conditions.
The visitor’s centre will be closed for Washington’s birthday. You can explore the park and stay at the campground.
What is the average temperature in February?
Some people consider February to be still too cold to venture outside. However, temperatures are a fraction warmer than in January, ranging from 45°F-16°F (7°- -9°C).
How much rainfall?
There can be five to six days of rain with a total of 0.54 inches.
How many hours of daylight?
Sunrise is at 7.15 am.
Sunset is 6 pm.
There is an average of 10.47 hours of daylight.
How windy is February?
February can be pretty breezy, with an average of 13.1 mph (21.1 kph). April is the windiest month, with an average wind speed of 14.8mph (23.8 kph).
Wear warm and windproof clothing, or the wind will remove any warmth from the brilliant sunshine.
What to do in Capitol Reef National Park in the Winter?
The days might be a bit fresh, with a breeze, and if you are lucky, you might experience some snow. There are numerous activities to participate in Capitol Reef National Park in winter.
Go Hiking
Hike the Waterpocket Fold with a sprinkling of snow and the winter light. The spectacular scenery along the wrinkle comes alive, and you will experience solitude.
The Cassidy Arch Trail is a favorite. Winter is a perfect time to experience the incredible arch without the crowds. The arch stands 400 feet above the Scenic Drive and is an impressive 133-foot-long sandstone arch that rises to 125 feet.
Take An ATV Tour
Experience the thrill of a 4×4 adventure and explore the sights that most people overlook due to their remote location. Learn the history and geography of the area. You can enjoy the adventure in a luxury vehicle or take it a bit more rough and ready on an ATV.
Go Stargazing
Capitol Reef National Park is a designated International Dark Sky Park. A place recognised to have naturally dark skies due to a lack of light pollution. You will see exceptionally starry nights, and many deep-sky objects are visible to the naked eye.
Winter Sports
If the snow is covering the trails, cross-country skiing is an ideal way to see the spectacular landscape.
Or strap on a pair of snowshoes and enjoy your hike on the winter trails.
See The Petroglyphs
Capitol Reef National Park has many soaring sandstone structures. Carved into the rock by Native Americans are figures of animals, people and various shapes. Many are intricate, with attention to detail on headdresses, facial expressions and jewellery.
The reason behind the carvings is unknown, but suggestions include that they could be recordings of events such as hunting trips and mythological activities.
The carvings are visible along Highway 24, where there is parking and a viewpoint.
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Capitol Reef National Park?
For many, winter is the best time to visit the Capitol Reef National Park. For others, winter is a time to cosy up by the fire. Adventures can begin when the weather gets warmer.
Most visitors think the best time to visit Capitol Reef National Park is Spring and Fall.
Temperatures begin to rise toward the end of March. From 31°F-55°F (-0.5°C-12.7°C) in March to 46°F-73°F (7.7°C-22.7°C) in May.
The park starts to get a bit busier, particularly during spring break.
Gifford House opens in mid-March and is an enjoyable visit to see how life used to be on a homestead. You also get to taste the delights of what the Fruita farming community produced.
The visitor centre opening hours extend to 8 am – 4.30 pm.
During April, the park becomes a colourful place to visit. The orchards begin to flower, and wildflowers grow in the meadows. New life begins to grow on the cottonwood trees.
May and October are the busiest periods to visit Capitol Reef, so if popularity is a gauge, they are the best months to visit. The temperatures are at their best.
Summers are hot, and it is not always possible to find shade, although some shaded parts are on the trails to escape the heat.
Flash floods can happen all year, but they are common in July, August and September, making trails challenging in slippery conditions.
How long do you need to visit the park?
The Scenic Drive through the park is short, only 7.9 miles (12.7 km). An hour and a half is a reasonable amount of time to drive the round trip, including the two dirt tracks, Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge.
A day will give you time,
- To take in the view at Panorama Point
- Stop off at Sunset Point
- See the Petroglyphs
- Take a hike to Cassidy Arch
- Try a tasty treat at Gifford Homestead
However, if you prefer to step off the beaten track and hike through the backcountry, three days would be a more practical time scale.
Final Thoughts
Is it a good idea to visit Capitol Reef National Park in winter? If you prefer seclusion and a place far away from the maddening crowd. Capitol Reef National Park in winter is perfect.
The park has loads to offer in the way of activities. Just remember a few tips.
- Check the weather forecast.
- Go appropriately dressed.
- Take plenty of food and drink.
- Know your abilities when hiking and driving, also your car’s suitability.
- Be prepared. If you get stuck, it might be a while before help arrives.
Capitol Reef National Park in winter is magical. The beautiful red sandstone rocks look gorgeous against the contrast of a dusting of snow.