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Capitol Reef National Park Announces Initial Reopening Schedule

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Published Date

May 4, 2020

Some remote areas of Capitol Reef National Park will reopen to the public on Tuesday/NPS file

Some remote areas of Capitol Reef National Park will reopen to the public on Tuesday/NPS file

Capitol Reef National Park in Utah will slowly allow visitors back into the park beginning Tuesday, though some of the most popular areas will remain closed for the time being.

On Tuesday, the park will reopen access to:

  • Day use in the South District (Waterpocket Fold), and overnight stays in Cedar Mesa campground.
  • Day use in the North District (Cathedral Valley) and overnight stays in Cathedral Valley campground.
  • Non-trailhead Pullouts along Highway 24 for scenic viewing.

With public health in mind, the following facilities and areas remain closed:

  • Scenic Drive, and all trailheads, trails, and canyoneering routes accessed from Highway 24 and Scenic Drive.
  • Overnight use other than at Cedar Mesa and Cathedral Valley campgrounds.
  • The visitor center, Gifford House, and Fruita campground.

“We are pleased to begin reopening the park to our communities and visitors, and hope this helps our local businesses re-open their operations with assurance that the park is moving towards phased re-opening access. We appreciate the coordination with county representatives, the Central Utah Public Health Department, and the state of Utah in developing our resumption of operations steps. We look forward to seeing you in the broad expanses of the northern and southern portions of this spectacular park” said Superintendent Sue Fritzke.

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Comments

Submitted by Danielle on May 4, 2020 - 10:08am.

Arches and Canyonlands still haven't cancelled campground reservations on Recreation.gov from May 9 onward  Does this point to potential plans to reopen them?


Submitted by abuura on May 4, 2020 - 4:57pm.

One can only hope, but I fear the best time of the year to be in the backcountry is going to be closed :-(


Submitted by Marie on May 5, 2020 - 6:39pm.

Arches cancelled my reservation for May 27


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