wguss
So. California
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We're looking to visit Capitol Reef National Park in May and noticed that the scenic drive will be closed from April to October 2024. We have never visited the area and are wondering how that will affect our ability to drive a 30' class A around and visit sights? It appears that road is a major paved road in the park.
Thanks,
Bill
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profdant139
Southern California
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Joined: 11/14/2005
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It depends on where the closure is. If it is right at the visitors' center, that would make it impossible to get to some of the best hikes. If it is further down the road, there might still be some good hikes available.
Best bet would be to talk to a ranger to see where the closure will be.
And just beware of the parking lots at the trailheads -- they are mostly unpaved and can be very difficult in a 30 foot class A. Again, the ranger will have up to date info.
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profdant139
Southern California
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Also, you may find this of interest:
Cap Reef blog post
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wguss
So. California
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profdant139, thanks for the blog post, looks like an interesting place to visit.
Here's a part of a news article. Maybe this will give an idea to the size of the closure:
If approved, construction will begin as early as next spring, possibly resulting in Scenic Drive being closed from the fee station to Capitol Gorge from April to October 2024. Partial closures of the Chimney Rock trailhead and visitor center parking lots are also expected for up to three months next year, while other short-term closures are likely for paving in the developed Fruita area, too.
Cassity Bromley, the interim superintendent at Capitol Reef National Park, said park officials would like to open up as much of the park as possible during the construction; however, it may be hard to reopen some of the construction areas even on the weekends once construction begins. She said it is also faster and more efficient to close off Scenic Drive than to keep one lane open at a time.
Appreciate your info.
Bill
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StarkNaked
West Seattle, WA
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The paved section of Scenic Drive that will be closed is about 6 to 7 miles from Fruita Campground (depending on where they close it) to Capitol Gorge Road Picnic Shelter. This is the only section that is paved. After Capitol Gorge Road Picnic Shelter, the road turns to gravel, and that's the point I stopped when we were driving a 30 ft Class C.
Other than UT State Route 24 and Scenic Drive there are not really any other roads that you would want to take a large RV on. All the rest of the roads in the park are the sort of thing you would want a 4-wheeler.
We have only been once, but if we knew Scenic Drive was closed, it might make us have second thoughts about going while it was closed.
From the NPS website: Most of the park will still be open – the projects would occur only in a small percentage of the park. Trailheads and parking areas along SR 24 will be open and accessible aside from the short closure of Chimney Rock trailhead. The Fruita area of the park will be open, including the visitor center, orchards, Gifford House, picnic area, and Fruita Campground. The northern Cathedral Valley and southern Waterpocket districts of the park will be unaffected by this project. These remote, dirt backcountry roads do take more planning to visit and usually require a high clearance vehicle. More information on these areas can be found on the roads page. https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/scenic-drive-rehabilitation-project.htm
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