If you're on the hunt for an adventure that's equal parts awe-inspiring and off the beaten path, Capitol Reef National Park in Utah should be at the top of your list. Located at 52 W. Headquarters Dr, Torrey, UT 84775, Capitol Reef is like the lesser-known sibling of Zion and Arches, but trust me, it’s got all the stunning landscapes without the crowds. This place is packed with dramatic cliffs, towering monoliths, and a splash of history that’ll leave you talking about it long after your trip. Whether you’re into hiking, geology, or just taking in some seriously jaw-dropping views, this park has it all.

First things first, the scenery here is something else. Capitol Reef is part of Utah’s famous Mighty 5, and it's loaded with colorful rock formations that’ll have you reaching for your camera every five minutes. The park is named after two main features: the white domes of Navajo Sandstone that resemble the U.S. Capitol building, and the "reef," a rocky barrier formed by a wrinkle in the Earth’s crust called the Waterpocket Fold. Geology geeks, rejoice—this place is a living textbook of earth science! For everyone else, it’s just drop-dead gorgeous.

One of the coolest things about Capitol Reef is that it’s not just about hiking (though, let’s be real, the hiking is fantastic). Take the Capitol Gorge Trail, for example—it’s an easy-to-moderate hike that takes you through a narrow canyon, and you’ll even spot some ancient petroglyphs carved into the rock walls by the Fremont people. Speaking of which, the park is also rich in history. You can check out the Fruita Historic District, a charming little community where early Mormon settlers planted orchards that still bear fruit today. Yup, you can literally pick apples, pears, and peaches from these historic trees during the harvest season.

If you’re up for more of a challenge, the Hickman Bridge Trail offers a short but steep hike that leads to a massive natural bridge, one of the park’s signature landmarks. You’ll get incredible views of the Waterpocket Fold along the way, and once you reach the bridge, it’s like Mother Nature herself built a stone archway just for you. Another must-see is Cathedral Valley, located in the northern part of the park. You’ll need a high-clearance vehicle to get there (don’t worry, Funes Rentals has got you covered), but the views of the massive sandstone monoliths are more than worth the effort.

Beyond the park, Torrey and the surrounding areas offer plenty to explore. Torrey is a tiny town but serves as the perfect gateway to Capitol Reef. You’ll find some great places to grab a bite after a long day of hiking, like Cafe Diablo, famous for its farm-to-table Southwestern cuisine. The Gifford Homestead in the park is also a hidden gem where you can snag fresh-baked pies, jams, and local crafts. Another bonus of Capitol Reef? It’s a designated International Dark Sky Park, which means the stargazing here is out of this world. After the sun sets, you’ll witness some of the clearest, most pristine night skies imaginable. If you’ve never seen the Milky Way stretch across the sky like a river of stars, this is the place to do it. Bring a blanket, lie back, and enjoy nature’s night show.

So, what are you waiting for? Whether you’re craving a peaceful hike, a taste of Utah’s rich history, or just a slice of homemade pie, Capitol Reef National Park delivers on all fronts. But before you hit the road, make sure you’ve got the right ride for the job. Funes Rentals LLC has a range of boats and cars to get you where you need to go in comfort and style. Click here to book your rental today or give us a call at +1 385-330-5842. Your Capitol Reef adventure awaits!