Capitol Reef with Kids | Brooke Romney

If you are looking for an incredible Utah get away that is a bit off the beaten path, our family LOVED Capital Reef National Park. We had spent the weekend in Fish Lake, so we only had one day at Capitol Reef, but we certainly made the most of it.

If you go for one day with kids in tow, here are my recommendations (forgive our “roll out of bed” look):

1. Stop at the Visitor’s Center. Pop in for a few minutes and watch the video. I know, sounds like something you would skip, but it is about 18 minutes and so informative about the area. I love having historical context when we travel and my boys enjoyed it too. They were also incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. Don’t feel shy about asking questions either…they gave us great pointers for hiking and exploring with kids. There are restrooms and drinking fountains at the Visitor’s Center too, which we used for pit stops and to refill water bottles. There is a geological tour at 10 am that we wish we would have known about.

2. Hike Cohab Canyon Trail. We found this was the perfect hike with kids. We found a few animals hiding at the start of the trail, which always excites my boys. After the animal caves, there are some rather impressive switchbacks but the trail is well worn and easy to navigate so even little feet won’t have too much of a problem hiking up or down as long as you have some patience or a good backpack. The views are fantastic from every point of the trail and we all found ourselves saying, “Look how amazing!” over and over again. After the climb to the top, you are inserted into a slot canyon where the terrain changes. One thing we have learned about hiking with little ones is the more variation the better! My boys were crazy about climbing inside the slots and we all appreciated the shade and cooler temperature. There are some areas with sand where we sat and played, buried a couple of boys and tested our own echoes.

The trail (one way) is 1.7 miles, but after you have seen enough of the slots, you can turn around at any point. There was so much beauty to take in! We all agree that Cohab Canyon is one of our favorites…challenging, interesting and fun. If you only have time for one hike, this is the perfect one. (For a guide to all the hikes and trials, click here).

3. Try the Junior Ranger Program. Capitol Reef National Park is so family friendly! My boys participated in one of the Junior Ranger talks and thought it was awesome. They learned all about geology and how the canyon was formed. It was quick and engaging. If you are sticking around for awhile, it’s a nice way to break up the day.

4. Take the Scenic Drive. If you haven’t seen enough red or incredible land formations, or if your crew is not up for hiking much, the scenic drive will give you an overview of all you really need to see. Our kids thought it was a bit of a snooze, but we (as adults) enjoyed being able to see it all.

5. Walk Golden Throne. The actual Golden Throne hike was not our favorite, but we really wanted to see the names carved into the rock from the Mormon pioneers who founded the settlement. It was incredible to see the names and dates from those who lived and settled there so long ago. We saw the names about 20 minutes into the hike then turned around because of heat, complaining children and more gnats than any of us could stand!!

6. Things I wish we would have done but didn’t have time for:

Ripple Rock Nature Center where the kids can spin wool, pretend to milk a cow, make cornmeal on a prehistoric grinding stone, identify fossils, play with animal puppets.
Visit the historic schoolhouse and the Gifford house and eat some homemade pie!
Pick and eat some of the yummy fruit from the orchards…we were planning on this but there was no apricot crop because of the late frost 🙁 Bummer!!

7. A few tips after our first visit:

Bring $5 in cash to get into the park.
Bring PLENTY of water bottles! It is hot and the elevation is high, so you will need more water than you think you will. You can fill up at the Visitor’s Center, but have plenty for your family for as long as you will be out.
Sunscreen and more sunscreen…hats too!
Bring a backpack and food for your family. You can bring a cooler in your car, but a backpack is necessary to carry water and snacks for little ones. We have found that a pocket full of gummy bears keeps an almost 3 year old walking.
Kids can only handle one long hike per day (or that is all ours can handle). We should have done more of the other stuff instead of forcing the second hike.

8. For more specific info on hours, reservations, and camping (there is even comfy, shady grass camping!) check out the home page here.

We had such an amazing time and we can’t wait to return! On our way out, we were starving and stopped at Slackers in Torrey for burgers, fries and shakes. The perfect ending to a perfect day! For more places to explore in Utah, click here!

Frequently Asked Questions: Capitol Reef with Kids

What is the best hike in Capitol Reef with kids?

The Cohab Canyon Trail is the best family hike. It has animal caves at the start, well-worn switchbacks little feet can handle, and a shady slot canyon with sand to play in at the top. It is 1.7 miles one way, but you can turn around whenever you have seen enough.

How much time do you need at Capitol Reef?

You can see the highlights in a single day: watch the video at the visitor center, hike Cohab Canyon, do the Junior Ranger program, and take the scenic drive. That itinerary works well for Capitol Reef with kids.

Is Capitol Reef National Park good for families?

Very. The Junior Ranger program, short hikes, and scenic drive make it easy and fun with children. Just come prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks because it is hot and high elevation.

What should I bring to Capitol Reef with kids?

Cash for the entrance fee, more water than you think you will need, sunscreen and hats, and a backpack with snacks. Plan on just one long hike per day with young kids and fill the rest of the day with easier activities.