Visitor Center Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views

The path between the picnic area and the visitor center really doesn’t fit the usual or official definition of a trail, but it is a nice route and a good introduction to the geologic and human history of Fruita. The path is especially suited for those who arrive early at the campground and need both a little exercise after pulling in and some information about Capitol Reef. It is also the only trail in the park where dogs are allowed, so Rex and Fluffy will like it too.

Campers can access the Visitor Center Trail by picking up the east end of the Fremont River Trail that borders Loops A and B on the north side next to the river and heading downstream (east) past the Gifford House to the bridge on the Scenic Drive. Others should park at the picnic area, which is 1.0 mile from the visitor center on the Scenic Drive. The path is located just across the Scenic Drive to the west.

Wherever you choose to start, the trail meanders across streams and beside historic orchards rich with heirloom apple varieties, among other fruit, to eventually end in the Capitol Reef Visitor Center Parking Area.

This content was contributed by author Rick Stinchfield. For a comprehensive hiking guide to Capitol Reef National Park and to see more by Rick, click here.

Huge old cottonwoods, osage orange trees, heirloom fruit trees, and four-wing saltbush are abundant along the trail.