Capitol Reef Canyoneering

Capitol Reef National Park is one of the least visited parks in Utah, so if you are wanting to avoid crowded canyons, this is a great place to find canyoneering routes. Capitol Reef canyoneering offers a host of shorter canyons that are great for half-day adventures but offers a few longer routes as well. The national park is part of the Waterpocket Fold of Utah, possessing many unique geological features that make the slot canyons here great! While the main attraction to Capitol Reef in regards to canyoneering, is Cassidy Arch Canyon, there are many other routes that offer a similar experience but with less foot traffic.

There are both technical and non-technical routes within the park boundaries. Canyons are mostly dry with the occasional route requiring a wetsuit depending on the time of year in which it’s descended. Camping in the area is sparse, but you can find spots without too much effort. The only campground within the park is the Fruita Campground, which fills up fast. If you don’t mind roughing it, there are plenty of dispersed campsites outside park boundaries.

Like other national parks, Capitol Reef NP requires canyoneering permits for routes done within the park’s boundaries. As of right now, the permits are free of charge but need to be filled out before descending a canyon. You can find the most recent permit info on Capitol Reef’s Canyoneering web page.