Exploring America's Wilderness - Top National Parks to Visit on a Motorhome Adventure Part 2

The park is accessible via Utah State Route 24. The nearby town of Torrey serves as a gateway to the park. Motorhome parking is available at the visitor centre and at various trailheads throughout the park.

Hiking With over 150 miles of trails, there's a hike for everyone. Notable trails include the Hickman Bridge Trail and Cohab Canyon Trail.

Scenic drives The Scenic Drive offers splendid views of the Waterpocket Fold and access to several trails and viewpoints.

Historic orchards Unique to Capitol Reef, visitors can pick fruit in the park's historic orchards during harvest season.

Backcountry routes The park's backcountry routes provide a more secluded experience for those seeking solitude.

The Fruita Campground offers spaces for motorhomes and is the only developed campground within the park. Nearby Torrey provides additional accommodation options.

• The park preserves the history of the indigenous Fremont culture and early Mormon settlers.
• The Gifford Homestead, a preserved historic farm, offers a glimpse into the early 20th-century life.

• Capitol Reef is named for the white domes of Navajo Sandstone that resemble the US Capitol building.
• The park is also designated as a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park, providing exceptional stargazing opportunities.

The park is less crowded compared to its Utah counterparts, offering a more peaceful experience, especially during the shoulder seasons.

The Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Centre is a great place to start your visit, providing maps, restrooms, and water refill stations.

• Flash floods are a hazard, especially in narrow canyons. Be sure to check weather forecasts before heading out.
• Stay hydrated and be prepared for high temperatures during the summer months.

• Adhere to Leave No Trace principles to preserve the park's natural and cultural resources.
• Use established trails and campsites to minimise impact on the environment.

Sunset Point offers a magnificent sunset view over the Waterpocket Fold.

Panorama Point and Goosenecks Point are other excellent spots for photography and landscape viewing.

Goblin Valley State Park and Scenic Byway 12 are wonderful detours for exploring more of Utah's diverse landscapes.

The park's entrance is located just 5 miles north of Moab along US Highway 191. Motorhome parking is available at the visitor centre and at various trailheads and viewpoints throughout the park. It's advisable to arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking.

Hiking Explore trails leading to iconic arches like Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, and Double Arch.

Scenic drives The park's main road offers access to various viewpoints and trailheads, providing a comprehensive tour of the park's diverse features.

Photography The surreal landscape provides endless photography opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.

Rock climbing Although limited, rock climbing and canyoneering are available with a permit.

Devils Garden Campground is the only campground within the park, with reservations highly recommended. Nearby Moab offers a range of accommodation options, restaurants, and other amenities.

• The park's Visitor Centre provides insight into the geological processes that shaped the arches.
• Petroglyphs from the Ute tribe can be seen along the Wolfe Ranch trail.

• The arches constantly change due to erosion, with new arches forming and old ones collapsing over time.
• Fiery Furnace, a maze of narrow passages and towering sandstone walls, offers a more adventurous exploration with a permit or ranger-led tour.

Early morning and late afternoon are ideal for photography, with softer light accentuating the colours of the rock formations.

Visit during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) for fewer crowds and milder weather.

• Stay on designated trails to protect fragile desert soils and cryptobiotic crust.
• Carry plenty of water, especially during the hot summer months.

Adhering to Leave No Trace principles ensures the preservation of the park's delicate ecosystems and geological features.

Delicate Arch is one of the most photographed spots, especially beautiful at sunset.

Turret Arch through North Window provides a unique frame for sunrise photography.

Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park are nearby, offering more opportunities to explore Utah's diverse landscapes.

The park is a short drive from Moab, accessible via Utah State Route 313. There is ample parking for motorhomes at the visitor centre and main viewpoints, making it a convenient stopover on a motorhome adventure.

Scenic overlooks The main overlook at Dead Horse Point provides a stunning panoramic view of the Colorado River and surrounding canyons.

Hiking Explore the park's trails, like the East Rim Trail or West Rim Trail, for varying landscape perspectives.

Mountain biking The Intrepid Trail System offers trails for riders of all levels.

Photography The iconic view from Dead Horse Point is a must-capture, especially during sunrise and sunset.

The park's Kayenta Campground offers RV sites with electrical hookups. The nearby town of Moab provides additional accommodation options and amenities.

• The park's name has a historical backstory tied to the region's cowboy era.
• The Visitor Centre provides interpretive exhibits on the area's geology and history.

The point was used in the final scene of the 1991 film "Thelma & Louise," showcasing its dramatic vista.

SPOILER ALERT if you've not seen Thelma & Louise, the clip above shows the film's ending scene.

Arriving early or staying late can provide a more tranquil viewing experience at the main overlook and cooler temperatures for hiking or biking.

• The overlooks have steep cliffs, so exercise caution, especially near the edges.
• Stay hydrated and be prepared for the desert climate, which can be extremely hot in summer and cool in the evenings.

• Stay on designated trails to protect the fragile desert ecosystem.
• Adhere to Leave No Trace principles to ensure the park remains pristine for future visitors.

Dead Horse Point Overlook is the iconic spot for photography, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.

The proximity to Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park makes it an excellent addition to a broader exploration of the region's natural wonders.