• HOME
  • About
  • Shop
  • Work With Me
  • Contact
  • Press
  • Nav Social Icons

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Shop
  • Destinations
    • North America
      • United States
        • Arizona
        • Florida
        • Hawaii
        • Nevada
        • New York
        • South Dakota
        • Utah
        • Wisconsin
        • Wyoming
        • National Parks
      • St. Lucia
    • Europe
      • Faroe Islands
      • Iceland
      • Ireland
      • Italy
      • United Kingdom
    • Oceania
      • French Polynesia
        • Bora Bora
        • Tahiti
        • Hawaii
    • Africa
      • South Africa
    • Hotel Reviews
  • Travel Tips
    • All Travel Tips
    • Cultural Competence
  • Travel Essentials
    • Gift Guides
    • Packing Ideas
    • Travel Outfits
  • Travel Photography
    • Camera Gear
    • Photography Tips
    • Photography Guides
  • Contact
  • Work With Me
  • Mobile Menu Widgets

    Search

    Let's be friends!

    Unpopular opinion: red eye flights are better. ๐Ÿ›ฉ

Hereโ€™s why:

1. They are often cheaper than daytime flights.
2. You get an entire extra day in your destination.

Even if the red eye and daytime flights are the same price, you get better bang for your buck because you get to spend more time in your destination.

For example, we got an entire extra day in Bora Bora for free by flying on the red eye. ๐ŸŒŠ๐Ÿ’ธ

Agree or disagree?

#travelreel #travelreels #travelreelsoninstagram #travelbloggervibes #redeyeflight #cheapflights
    Dreaming up a trip to Positano, Italy? ๐Ÿ‹๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น

Save and screenshot this ultimate itinerary for 5 days in Positano on the Amalfi Coast of Italy!

Day 1: Explore Positanoโ€™s streets, shops and restaurants.
Day 2: Day trip to Amalfi Town (or Ravello).
Day 3: Day trip to Capri.
Day 4: Beach day at Spiaggia Grande.
Day 5: Fornillo Beach or a private beach club like @arienzobeachclubpositano 

For more itinerary details (how to get to Positano, activity details and more), head to:

indigosahara.com/positano-itinerary-5-days 

Buon viaggio! ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ‹๐ŸŒž๐ŸŒŠ

#positanoitaly #positanobeach #amalficoastitaly #italytrip #travelitinerary #travelguides #positano๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น
    Heading to Italy โ€” soon or someday? ๐Ÿ‹๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Heading to Italy โ€” soon or someday? ๐Ÿ‹๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น

Save and screenshot this one week Italy itinerary for Rome and the Amalfi Coast!

Day 1: Rome
Day 2: Rome
Day 3: Positano
Day 4: Amalfi Town
Day 5: Capri
Day 6: Positano
Day 7: Rome

Buon viaggio! ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿค๐Ÿ๐Ÿ‹

#italyitinerary #italytravel #italytrip #romecity #positanoitaly #amalficoastitaly
    How many have you been to out of 30? โœจ All of t How many have you been to out of 30? โœจ

All of these bucket list destinations are the perfect places to visit in Europe for an iconic European summer experience.

Iโ€™m personally very excited to check a few more off the list this summer. ๐Ÿคญ

Remember to SAVE this summer bucket list for easy access later! 

#europedestinations #europetrip #europeansummer #summertravel #travel
    12 flights for $175 USD total. ๐Ÿ’ธ Hereโ€™s how๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿผ

Travel hacking!

AKA taking advantage of credit card points and credit card opening bonuses. ๐Ÿ’ธ๐Ÿ’ธ

This is just from putting all of our regular expenses on travel credit cards over the past six-ish months (groceries, house renovation expenses, clothes, etc.), paying the card off in full every month and racking up free miles.

So, what travel credit card is best, you ask?

I wish there was a simple answer, but the truth is, it depends on your personal goals as a traveler.

Thatโ€™s why Iโ€™ve created a FREE downloadable quiz (link in bio) that you can take to determine which travel credit card you should open.

This travel hacking quiz is going to tell you exactly which travel credit card is best for you, no matter if youโ€™re new to travel credit card points or a seasoned travel hacking pro.

If you take the quiz, let me know what you get!! ๐Ÿ’ฌ

(Disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor, and this is not financial advice. Always consult a professional who knows your unique financial situation. Always follow credit card best practices, such as paying your card off in full on time every month.)

#travelhacking #travelcreditcards #freeflights #freetravel #budgettravel #budgettraveltips #europeansummer
Travel Blog

Indigo Sahara

A travel blog: teaching cultural competence through inspirational travel

  • Destinations
    • By Location
      • North America
        • Canada
        • Haiti
        • St. Lucia
        • United States
          • Arizona
          • Florida
          • Hawaii
          • Illinois
          • Nevada
          • New York
          • South Dakota
          • Utah
          • Wisconsin
          • Wyoming
          • National Parks
      • Europe
        • Faroe Islands
        • Iceland
        • Ireland
        • Italy
        • United Kingdom
      • Oceania
        • French Polynesia
          • Bora Bora
          • Tahiti
        • Hawaii
      • Africa
        • South Africa
    • By Travel Type
      • Dream Vacations
      • Adventure Travel
    • Hotel Reviews
  • Travel Tips
    • All Travel Tips
    • Cultural Competence
  • Travel Essentials
    • Gift Guides
    • Packing Ideas
    • Travel Outfits
  • Travel Photography
    • Camera Gear
    • Photography Tips
    • Photography Guides

Capitol Reef National Park Half Day Itinerary: How To See Capitol Reef In A Day Or Less

February 7, 2022

Perhaps, you’re passing through on your way to another Utah national park. Or, perhaps, you’re trying to hit two national parks in one day. Either way, this Capitol Reef National Park half day itinerary will ensure you make the most of your few hours in Capitol Reef.

Capitol Reef National Park Half Day Itinerary

With this Capital Reef National Park half day itinerary, you will see:

  • The best view of Chimney Rock.
  • The legendary Cassidy Arch in its entirety.
  • Sunset (or a picnic lunch if you’re passing through in the morning) at the park’s most popular overlook.
Capitol Reef National Park one day

What To Bring On Your Capitol Reef National Park Half Day Endeavor

Because you are somewhat limited on time, it will be imperative that you come to Capitol Reef prepared. The last thing you’ll want to do is hunt down a convenience store during your short time in the park.

Here’s what to bring for a day in Capitol Reef:

  • Your America The Beautiful annual national park pass or $20 per vehicle for entrance into the park.
  • A picnic lunch (and/or dinner).
  • Snacks.
  • Lots of water.
  • Appropriate hiking attire.
  • Travel camera gear.
One Day In Capitol Reef

How Much Time Do You Need In Capitol Reef National Park?

You really only need a few hours to fully experience what Capitol Reef National Park has to offer.

Although you could easily spend a few days in Capitol Reef National Park hiking and exploring the backcountry, you can see the majority of the park in a matter of a day or less. Here’s how.

1. Take The Short Scenic Drive Through Capitol Reef National Park

Before you even enter the park, the ginormous red-and-white-striped mountains practically tower over you.

The mountains close in as you approach the park entrance in the most magnificent way possible, tunneling your vision to only the red-rock giants themselves.

As you pass the ranger at the park entrance, you can’t help but feel the need to continue driving down UT 24 without any detour.

And, just like that, you’re engulfed in Capitol Reef National Park’s scenic drive, utterly mesmerized by the movie-esque mountains.

Things To Do In Capitol Reef National Park

Can You See Capitol Reef By Car?

Absolutely. You can just drive through Capitol Reef National Park on its 7.9-mile scenic drive (starting on UT 24) in order to see the park by car.

Of course, you won’t be able to see all of Capitol Reef by car, but you will be able to see and experience massive red rock formations similar to the featured formations in the following Capitol Reef half day itinerary hikes.

2. Hike Half Of The Chimney Rock Loop Trail (Capitol Reef National Park Half Day)

First, the Chimney Rock Loop Trail is the most underrated hike in all of Capitol Reef National Park.

Things To Do In Capitol Reef

The moderate 3.3-mile hike features a walk around and unmatchable view of Chimney Rock, a massive red-rock chimney-shaped formation.

There is a significant 800-foot elevation gain on this hike; however, you do not need to hike the whole 3.3 miles in order to fully experience Chimney Rock. In fact, I recommend that you only hike half of the trail on your half-day adventure.

Capitol Reef National Park half day

About 30 minutes into the hike, you will come to a cliff drop-off at the top of a steep rock slab. Here, you will have the best view of Chimney Rock in the entire national park.

Just don’t get too close to the edge, and do not let your kids out of sight. There are no guard rails on this cliffside trail.

Capitol Reef National Park itinerary

After you enjoy the epic red-rock view, turn around and hike back the way you came in order to maximize time (instead of completing the 3.3 mile loop hike).

If you would like to see both the iconic Hickman Bridge and Cassidy Arch during your half day in Capitol Reef, I personally recommend that you substitute this Chimney Rock half hike for the Hickman Bridge hike.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ๐•’๐•ค๐•™๐•๐•ช๐•Ÿ๐•Ÿ โœˆ๏ธŽ ๐•—๐•๐•š๐•˜๐•™๐•ฅ ๐•’๐•ฅ๐•ฅ๐•–๐•Ÿ๐••๐•’๐•Ÿ๐•ฅ (@___ashlynn)

3. Hike Half Way To Cassidy Arch (Capitol Reef National Park Half Day)

Like Chimney Rock, you can also see Cassidy Arch (one of the most popular arches in Capitol Reef) without doing the entire hike.

The 3.1-mile, 700-foot-elevation, out-and-back hike leads to a thick red-rock arch similar to the famous Devil’s Bridge in Sedona, Arizona.

Although the hike may seem a little longer en route, the view is breathtaking throughout the entire journey. From trailhead to finish, you are surrounded by rust-orange rock formations that curve alongside the stony trail.

Capitol Reef few hours
Capitol Reef afternoon half day

Luckily, as previously mentioned, you do not have to hike the entire 3.1 miles in order to see Cassidy Arch.

In order to save time, you can climb about 3/4 of the hike to a distant overlook of Cassidy Arch. Even though you will not be right beside the arch, the incredible red and white marbly, lava-like rock floor makes up for the shortened hike.

And, you will still certainly feel as though you fully saw and experienced Cassidy Arch with no time-related regrets.

Capitol Reef road trip
Capitol Reef itinerary

4. Watch Sunset At Goosenecks Overlook & Sunset Point

Finally, you will end your half-day trip by watching sunset at the best place to watch sunset in Capitol Reef National Park: Goosenecks Overlook and Sunset Point.

While this pull-off overlook area boasts a remarkable park view every time of day, the overlook is best experienced at sunset when the landscape glows bright orange.

Otherwise, if your half-day trip was in the morning, enjoy a picnic lunch spread at Goosenecks. After all, who doesn’t love a picnic with a view?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @jimromeo

See More Utah Road Trip Destinations

8 Underrated Free Things To Do In Moab, Utah
18 Moab Instagram Spots For Epic Photos (With Map)
Half Day In Canyonlands National Park: How To See Everything In A Few Hours
Pink Lake Utah: Directions, Address & What To Know

Save This Post For Later

Tap any photo to save this post to your Pinterest so that you can refer back to it later!

Capitol Reef National Park Half Day Itinerary
Capitol Reef Half Day Itinerary & Things To Do
Capitol Reef When You Only Have A Few Hours

By: Indigo Sahara

About Indigo Sahara

Indigo Sahara is a full-time travel blogger and photographer who has lived abroad twice, journeyed through 10+ countries and learned multiple languages. Since graduating with her master's degree, her goal now is to make travel accessible to all.

you’ll also love

pink lake utahPink Lake Utah: Everything To Know In 2023
rainbow mountains utahHow To See The Rainbow Mountains In Utah
unique things to do in utahUnique Things To Do In Utah

Get exclusive content.

Stay up-to-date & receive the latest travel guides and tips right to your inbox.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

18 Moab Instagram Spots For Epic Photos (With Map)

Primary Sidebar

Meet Indigo

Meet Indigo
hello!

I'm Indigo, a 24-year-old full-time traveler who believes that travel should be accessible to all. Join me in pursuit of boundless exploration, peace, compassion and cultural competence!

Read More

Let's Be Social

get exclusive content

Search The Blog

Pinterest

Facebook

Indigo Sahara

Follow On Instagram

@indigosahara

Unpopular opinion: red eye flights are better. ๐Ÿ›ฉ

Hereโ€™s why:

1. They are often cheaper than daytime flights.
2. You get an entire extra day in your destination.

Even if the red eye and daytime flights are the same price, you get better bang for your buck because you get to spend more time in your destination.

For example, we got an entire extra day in Bora Bora for free by flying on the red eye. ๐ŸŒŠ๐Ÿ’ธ

Agree or disagree?

#travelreel #travelreels #travelreelsoninstagram #travelbloggervibes #redeyeflight #cheapflights
Dreaming up a trip to Positano, Italy? ๐Ÿ‹๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น

Save and screenshot this ultimate itinerary for 5 days in Positano on the Amalfi Coast of Italy!

Day 1: Explore Positanoโ€™s streets, shops and restaurants.
Day 2: Day trip to Amalfi Town (or Ravello).
Day 3: Day trip to Capri.
Day 4: Beach day at Spiaggia Grande.
Day 5: Fornillo Beach or a private beach club like @arienzobeachclubpositano 

For more itinerary details (how to get to Positano, activity details and more), head to:

indigosahara.com/positano-itinerary-5-days 

Buon viaggio! ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ‹๐ŸŒž๐ŸŒŠ

#positanoitaly #positanobeach #amalficoastitaly #italytrip #travelitinerary #travelguides #positano๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น
Heading to Italy โ€” soon or someday? ๐Ÿ‹๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Heading to Italy โ€” soon or someday? ๐Ÿ‹๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น

Save and screenshot this one week Italy itinerary for Rome and the Amalfi Coast!

Day 1: Rome
Day 2: Rome
Day 3: Positano
Day 4: Amalfi Town
Day 5: Capri
Day 6: Positano
Day 7: Rome

Buon viaggio! ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿค๐Ÿ๐Ÿ‹

#italyitinerary #italytravel #italytrip #romecity #positanoitaly #amalficoastitaly
How many have you been to out of 30? โœจ All of t How many have you been to out of 30? โœจ

All of these bucket list destinations are the perfect places to visit in Europe for an iconic European summer experience.

Iโ€™m personally very excited to check a few more off the list this summer. ๐Ÿคญ

Remember to SAVE this summer bucket list for easy access later! 

#europedestinations #europetrip #europeansummer #summertravel #travel
12 flights for $175 USD total. ๐Ÿ’ธ Hereโ€™s how๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿผ

Travel hacking!

AKA taking advantage of credit card points and credit card opening bonuses. ๐Ÿ’ธ๐Ÿ’ธ

This is just from putting all of our regular expenses on travel credit cards over the past six-ish months (groceries, house renovation expenses, clothes, etc.), paying the card off in full every month and racking up free miles.

So, what travel credit card is best, you ask?

I wish there was a simple answer, but the truth is, it depends on your personal goals as a traveler.

Thatโ€™s why Iโ€™ve created a FREE downloadable quiz (link in bio) that you can take to determine which travel credit card you should open.

This travel hacking quiz is going to tell you exactly which travel credit card is best for you, no matter if youโ€™re new to travel credit card points or a seasoned travel hacking pro.

If you take the quiz, let me know what you get!! ๐Ÿ’ฌ

(Disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor, and this is not financial advice. Always consult a professional who knows your unique financial situation. Always follow credit card best practices, such as paying your card off in full on time every month.)

#travelhacking #travelcreditcards #freeflights #freetravel #budgettravel #budgettraveltips #europeansummer

Footer

Blog

  • Destinations
  • Travel Essentials
  • Travel Tips
  • Travel Photography
  • Camera Gear
  • Cultural Competence

Info

  • Home
  • About
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Work With Me
  • Press
  • Privacy Policy
  • Refund And Returns Policy

stay in the know

Copyright Indigo Sahara © 2023 ยท Theme by 17th Avenue