The Best of Capitol Reef National Park | Five Incredible Hikes and Drives

The Best of Capitol Reef National Park - five Incredible Hikes and Drives. Visited May 23, 2023. Permission to post non-monitized video by CRNP authorities on June 12, 2023. ATV rented from Hanksville Tours Adventure Center (10 South, UT-95, Hanksville, UT 84734). hanksvilletour...
My other Capitol Reef Video (2019) featuring Fruta, Hickman Bridge and Cassidy Arch: • Capitol Reef National ...
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#bestofcapitolreefntionalpark
#capitolreef
#capitolreefnationalpark

[@tallie2234]

Absolutely my favourite park of the mighty five, I loved how different all the hikes were that we did there. If you haven’t tried the pies at Gifford House, you haven’t lived!!

[@AmericasParks]

Good taste! Yes, did the Gifford House on our trip in 2019. Fun place! Plan to upload the Sulphur Creek Trail from Capitol Reef this Saturday. My favorite hike in the park!

[@lesliesmith7835]

A Big Thank You to you and your friends for such an excellent video. I love southern Utah so much and hope to move there someday. I especially want to thank you Randy for the excellent history and other information you provide about the park. While I was watching the video, I was listening to a wonderful Christian song called, "Steward Of His Creation". I can see a day when your outstanding videos will be a vehicle to bring people closer to God. Hopefully, these people will eventually accept Christ as their Lord and Savior ..... God Bless You and America's Parks... Robin 🙏🙏🙏

[@AmericasParks]

Bless you brother for your humble and insightful remarks!

[@robertbaker3540]

These people ? what people?

[@lesliesmith7835]

@@robertbaker3540 Hi Robert, when I said "these people", I was referring to some of the people Randy will be bringing closer to God by way of his excellent videos. Ony God could create such an awesome landscape and only He is worthy of our praise... Amen🙏🙂

[@Chillaxing113]

I just love southern Utah! I'm nearly two weeks into recovery from knee replacement surgery. This video reminded me why I decided to have the surgery. To be able to walk and hike our beautiful national parks more comfortably. I'm so blessed that my recovery is going well so far and I'll be able to enjoy these beautiful landscapes again with fewer limitations. Thank you for sharing this wonderful video! Capital Reef is on my list. 😊

[@AmericasParks]

All the best with your recovery, Debra! I hope everything continues to improve so you'll be able to visit our national gems! Have a great weekend!

[@mmackerer9279]

We loved the beauty at Grand Wash! Capital Reef is so pretty and we loved all its offerings! You captured it very well! Thank you and God bless!

[@AmericasParks]

Means a lot to read that! Glad you have experienced this incredible gem!

[@jasonstevenson547]

Beautiful mountains great food! Great company! Blessed by this trip for sure

[@AmericasParks]

Right on, brother! One we'll always remember!

[@NickandRachel]

Capital reef looks awesome! The glass rock was really pretty. Amazing views out there!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, Nick! We were really surprised by that one!

[@NATEG01]

I visited Capitol Reef a few months ago. My favorite trail was Navajo Knobs - it goes all the way to the top of the rim with great views the entire way. Lots of fun and way underrated compared to the other Utah parks. Wish I had time for some of these trails, but it gives me a reason to go back again.

[@AmericasParks]

Right on! We had Navajo Knobs on our to-do list, but made a game-time decision to hike the Sulphur Creek instead.

[@davidc3648]

Cathedral Valley is a great and wonderful drive. I had been going out there to Torrey for more than ten years before I finally got into Cathedral Valley. That was because I was always out there on a highway motorcycle (not a dirt bike or off road bike) until finally I went in my Jeep. I have been on Burr Trail on both Jeep and motorcycle.

[@kaylasmith1515]

The glass mountain seems so random there in the middle of the desert. Great views!

[@AmericasParks]

Yeah, that one totally caught us by surprise!

[@matthiasjurcik3871]

Amazing Video of this beautiful NP . So many great NP in the USA

[@AmericasParks]

So true, my friend! Thanks for the kind words!

[@matthiasjurcik3871]

@@AmericasParks 💞☺

[@juliesmith444]

It’s so beautiful and remote! The glass mountain was incredible.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks Julie!

[@thehighlanders607]

The Big 5 are all awesome National Parks! I agree, they did a nice job with the visitor center here, it really blends in well. Thanks for the vid Randy!

[@AmericasParks]

Great comment! Happy you enjoyed the video!

[@alrichardson7027]

Hello America's Parks, Hey Randy we have both been to Capitol Reef twice and it never gets old. The Mighty 5 is absolutely Gourgous!! I just can't get enough of Utah's amazing creations. Ok Randy, it's time for Rainbow Bridge, National Monument! You might have...😊😊😊😊😊!

[@AmericasParks]

We are getting close the the Rainbow Bridge upload, my friend! :)

[@stevedietrich8936]

Beautiful scenery Randy. Well done.

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate the kind words. Thanks for watching!

[@MrHuntingsAdventures]

Love that area!

[@AmericasParks]

Good taste, my friend!

[@jacqulynjohnson653]

Torrey is my favorite town!! I know exactly where that burger joint is and right across the street is Dark Sky Coffee, best coffee ever!! Next time you’re in Torrey, stop there. The owner and his wife have a great story!! Also, the Capitol Burger food truck is fantastic!! I had the Mac N Cheese Burger…oh my stars and garters!! Love the memories from last fall!! Thank you!

[@AmericasParks]

So heartwarming to read about your fond memories and joy for this area! I totally agree... special!

[@geraldzimmerman8777]

Randy, Glad you went back to the "Rodney Dangerfield" of the Mighty 5! Try the southern part of the park. I go through Boulder Utah and turn at the Hells Backbone Grill onto the Burr trail. In about 20 minutes you hit Long Canyon, winding road and high red cliffs. Once out of them it's a ways to the park entrance. You go along the switchbacks (done it 2x) where you can see the uplift. Once out of that you can go left back to UT 24 along the reef (Cedar Mess Campground half way up-free and a trail there) or south to Headquarters and Surprise Canyons, 2 slot canyons that dead-end. Then continue on to Bullfrog on Lake Powell. Great views going there. My favorite park in Utah, Benn there literally 1000 times in my life, even though I live in Connecticut.

[@AmericasParks]

Really appreciate the suggestion! Thanks for the details... made a note!

[@jameshouse1268]

Outstanding overview of Capital Reef! Oh, Utah!! Take care always and thanks for sharing this with us.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for the kind words, James! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

[@silvioserrano2824]

what an incredible place.... I imagine photographing it. Congrat from Brasil!

[@AmericasParks]

Picture perfect! :) Greetings back from the US!

[@natlovell122]

Utah has so many wonderful places to visit. Thanks for sharing your journey. I have only been to Zion and Arches but all 5 are just incredible

[@AmericasParks]

Right on, my friend! Utah still my favorite destination.

[@jymnmeier3527]

First and foremost, Happy Belated Father's Day

[@AmericasParks]

Great words, my fiend! Your family really was able to take a lot in on you Capitol Reef visit! "Cozy" - perfect!

[@normiewoo787]

Very good, sir. Thanks again for a great video. Capitol Reef is certainly beautiful.

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate the kind words, my friend!

[@stevesalter1138]

Thanks, as always, super helpful. I’ll be hiking this park for the next few days.

[@AmericasParks]

Glad to hear that! Hope you have a great trip!

[@dougclayton1652]

We need to get back out to Utah so much to explore, thanks for the video.

[@AmericasParks]

So true! Could make a 100 trips to that state and always find something new!

[@billj5645]

I've been all over southern Utah. The Utah colors in the vicinity of the visitor center and along the scenic drive are the most intense I've found anywhere in Utah.

[@the-Albino-Rhino]

Hickman Bridge is a ton of fun. You've hiked some great points. Next time, do Upper Muley Twist (any two wheel drive can manage it).

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks much, Brian! Been to Hickman... made a note regarding UMT!

[@metarus208]

awesome park

[@AmericasParks]

Right on! Love it out there!

[@andyvawser4943]

Capitol Reef is one of my favorites. When I first visited, I had no idea what to expect and found it to be way more than I thought. Never have gone into Cathedral Valley. Definitely going to have to check it out the next time going there. Thank you for being a great tour guide to these amazing places!

[@AmericasParks]

Glad you've experienced this gem and you found the video enjoyable/useful, Andrew! Hope you and the family are doing well!

[@Anybodyoutthere]

I m watching your video in my resort room in Montego Bay Jamaica, feeling anxious to leave . May your wife not be like mine thinking a great vaction is a resort filled with gluttony food, alcohol and staring at the ocean. As I age I appciate the beauty of the United States more and more. Splendid video, I m grateful for you Randy Smith.

[@AmericasParks]

You are a man after my own heart! :)

[@robertross2596]

I agree that Capitol Reef is the unappreciated gem of Utah's Big 5 (with apologies to Glass Mountain). As much as I like the main section of Capitol Reef, I enjoy the section east of Boulder Utah even more! The drive through Long Canyon and then up & over the Reef is spectacular. The unpaved east side along the Burr Trail is also fascinating with many side canyons into the Reef. North heads up to Torrey & south to Lake Powell with the Henry Mountains beckoning to the east. It's all desolate high desert beauty!!😊

[@AmericasParks]

Totally agree with you, my friend! Appreciate the insights!

[@gagebulette7783]

I’m heading there in a couple weeks! Looking forward to rappelling off Cassidy arch!

[@AmericasParks]

Didn't know they permitted that. Have a super time - will be an epic experience!

[@gagebulette7783]

@@AmericasParks Yea it’s one of the more famous spots to Canyoneer. I highly recommend you give it a try sometime! Seems like something you’d enjoy.

[@goooser410]

Awesome... Thanks for doing these videos!

[@AmericasParks]

Really appreciate those encouraging words!

[@davidpiersall1727]

Hi Randy. I wanted to share a short story with you this afternoon. I discovered your channel about 4 years ago by looking up Theodore Roosevelt NP. From the beginnings I was hooked. Loved seeing the videos with your family over the years. Anyway I got off a 3 day weekend from work and all these years later I finally made the trip up to visit T.R. N.P. Drove up from Rapid City yesterday morning and visited the southern unit and then today explored the north unit. It was a long time in the making but I had a great time, It’s been an unusually wet spring and everything was so green. Even had lunch yesterday in Medora at the saloon you and Kayla ate at. Thank you for the years of entertainment.

[@AmericasParks]

That's a great story, David! Brings back a lot of fine memories!

[@edgecase6788]

underrated.. one of the best of mighty five I liked it more than zion.. I can drive in canyons and offroad. Grand Escalante was better than most of national parks

[@AmericasParks]

Yeah, keep finding new gems at Escalante - with a fraction of the crowds and rules!

[@robertross2596]

Yes! Grand Staircase Escalante & Rt 12 are some of my favorite places to Explore. Are you aware of the saga of Everett Ruess?

[@alrichardson7027]

Hello America's Parks, and Randy Utah is something special isn't. I could keep seeing these awesome sights and just thinking of gods beautiful creations...and Randy how about Rainbow Bridge, National Monument 😊. Awesome Video Randy!

[@AmericasParks]

God bless you, brother! The Lord is indeed amazing!

[@adventuringoutdoorswitheric]

Capitol Reef National Park is an awesome National Park! I love that it's not super crowded there! I'm really glad that you showed me the Temple of the Sun, Temple Of the the Moon, and the Glass Mountain . I Can't take my Honda Civic on that road unfortunately. I'm really excited to see your video on Sulfur Creek because i'm really curious about that one! Very cool Randy and thank you so much for sharing your adventure with all of us!

[@AmericasParks]

Sulphur Creek was our favorite at Capitol Reef. Hope to get it up this Saturday evening. Have a super weekend, my friend!

[@kimmontenegro2258]

Such beautiful scenery!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for checking out the video, Kim! Have a super weekend!

[@vs123]

Beautiful park

[@AmericasParks]

Right on!

[@ZachGolden-nd1js]

Hey Randy are you there now love the videos we fly out to Colorado and going to Utah as well! You have helped my faith with god and making me and my kids go out and hike every Sunday here in the upstate South Carolina l!

[@AmericasParks]

Couldn't ask for more encouraging words!!! We we there about three weeks ago. Have a wonderful time in Utah!

[@charlessapp1835]

Looking at the beauty of God's creation, it makes me think that all this beauty, is the result of Noah's Flood. When God flooded the world, He could have made this world a dull ugly place, but even in His wrath and judgement He was merciful. He saved Noah and his family, and he created beautiful rock formations, mountains, and plains. Someday, you should check out the Mickelson trail in the Black Hills of South Dakota. It was originally a railroad line that was abandoned by the BN railroad in the 1980's. This is a great trail for biking, it has many railroad bridges and 4 tunnels. The scenery is great. It even goes by the Crazy Horse rock carving. It is easiest to go from North to South because overall the trail loses elevation the further south you go.

[@AmericasParks]

Blessed by those words - they keep saying a little water over a long period of time. Why not a lot of water over a short period of time? Eyes to see God's creative beauty! Thanks also for the tip too!

[@mrh0wler353]

I was paddling a canoe on the upper Potomac today and several times I saw tiny yellow flowers on weeds growing completely under water. They would never be above water. I wonder what their effect is on the plant life.

[@potatothorn]

Awesome time in one of our favorite Parks, you really capture the views! UTV is the way to go we were nervous going out there in the little truck, ended up stopping short of the "Temples" but we did get a view of them/ thanks so much for sharing this super sharp video with us, looks like you saw all the good stuff this is amazing

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks much my friend! Good taste!!! The best was day #2 when we did the sulphur creek trail. Hope to get that video up this Saturday. Enjoy your weekend!

[@badkat68]

Thanks for this! ( your videos are always so clear and helpful! Much appreciated!) Wanted to ask you... Where in Hanksville did you rent the ATVs from? As well as... about how long was the trip/driving time from Hanksville to where you parked them to get out to hike towards Cathedral Valley?

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for the kind words! We rented the ATV from "Hanksville Tours Adventure Center" - small operation, but friendly and reasonable with the price. Then we followed the guy out to Cathedral Valley Road as he towed the ATV - short drive, maybe 5-10 miles.

[@AmericasParks]

Hanksville Tours Adventure Center (10 South, UT-95, Hanksville, UT 84734). hanksvilletours.com

[@badkat68]

@@AmericasParks Thanks for getting back to me so quickly and for the info. Sounds like a great plan! 2 quick questions: did you need to have a 4WD to make the drive following him out there (while he was towing the ATV), and... I'm assuming he just met you after to make the trip back? Thanks again for your time!!

[@badkat68]

@@AmericasParks Thank you!

[@AmericasParks]

@@badkat68 Actually, he towed the ATV and we followed him on the road - it's the main paved road running through C. Reef for all vehicles. When done, we just left the ATV at the intersection with the key (as instructed) and drove off in our car. Really simple.

[@Whistlingwoman647]

Great video but could you tell me how tall the Temple of the Sun and Moon are please? I think I misheard.

[@AmericasParks]

Both of the "temples" are between 400 and 300 feet tall, respectively. Hope I got it right in the video!

[@THEADVENTURECHANNEL11]

I sure wish I had more time there in 2021. Such a pretty place. And please don't put ketchup on a burger.

[@AmericasParks]

Utah is the best! As for the condiments - ketchup for the burger and mustard for the hot dog! :) Have a super weekend!

[@Tobiasgreene]

All rocks matter

[@AmericasParks]

haha! Especially those incredible rock formations!

[@UncleFjester]

Y'alll must be in sales! You guys could sell hot sauce in Hell

[@AmericasParks]

haha... actually I am a pastor of a large church on the NJ shore! Thanks for checking out the video! :)