Winter Weather in Capitol Reef
Capitol Reef National Park covers a wide variety of elevations and terrain, so weather can vary considerably throughout the park. Temperatures can plunge below zero, and the park typically receives a few inches of snow each month during winter, though larger amounts of snowfall are possible. Be sure to learn about conditions in the section of the park you plan on visiting and check the forecast before heading out.
Average Daily High and Low Temperature
Oct. |
Nov. |
Dec. |
Jan. |
Feb. |
|
66/44 F |
51/31 F 10/0 C |
41/21 F 5/-6 C |
41/20 F 5/-6 C |
47/26 F 8/-3 C |
Winter Inspiration
-
11 Classy Ski Experiences That are Uniquely Utah
From sheer proximity and the biggest mountains to a ski-in distillery and a celebrity-owned resort, these are the reasons to ski Utah now.
-
8 Elevated Ski Experiences That are Uniquely Utah
If you dream of the possibility of hitting six resorts in one day or carving your own lines from snow-covered summits served by helicopters, then this listicle is made for you.
-
8 Reasons Why Ski School Is Cool
Ski school is cool, and it’s where beginners to experts find the secrets to skiing (and Utah’s secret powder stashes). Learn to ski the entire resort.
-
A Winter’s Desert: Visiting Southern Utah in the Slow Months
Experiencing the peace of canyon country in the winter is an attraction of its own.
-
Across a Snow-Covered Desert
Follow this itinerary for a week-long winter road trip across the snow-covered desert of Southeastern Utah.
-
An Uncommon Confluence
A solo sojourn where snow and desert meet in a lesser-known corner of Utah’s red rock country.
-
Best Hikes in St. George During Winter
While Utah's Greater Zion offers a few hundred trails, we’ve highlighted seven of the best hikes in the state's southwestern corner, from deep canyons to high peaks.
-
Endless Utah Ski Options for Families: Four Itineraries to Get You Started
Here are some pointers for planning your Utah family ski vacation, including where to make homebase and why.
-
Explore the Tushars on Snowshoe
Ready to experience snowshoeing in Utah? Eagle Point is a Utah favorite location. Check out this snowshoe excursion then plan yours today for fun and adventure.
-
Find a Winter Refresh in a Utah State Park
The best Utah state parks will entice you with ice fishing, white sand and snow-dusted scenery. Take a winter break to refresh with a visit to a few of these places.
-
Gravity and Water: Mark Making in a Winter’s Desert with Anne Kaferle
Finding Helper at a time when she “needed it the most,” landscape artist Anne Kaferle has put down roots in Utah, thanks to plein-air painting and the healing power of time alone in the landscape.
-
Hiring a Backcountry Ski Guide
Thinking of exploring backcountry terrain this winter? We can see why. With empty slopes and fresh powder, it’s an alluring idea. But there are things you should know before you venture out of bounds.
-
Ice and rock, snow and splendor: Winter in Southern Utah
For an extraordinary adventure, plan winter hikes in Utah’s Zion National Park. Winter rewards hikers with stunning sights of stalactites and snow covered mountains.
-
Red Rock, Rock ’n’ Roll and Ribs
Planning a great weekend getaway? Utah’s Brian Head Resort is smokin’. Come play in the snow, party like a local, and chow down on Big John’s KC-style BBQ.
-
The Best Skiing in Utah
Out of 15 ski resorts, here's where families, friends groups, experts, luxury seekers and even night owls find their groove in Utah.
-
The Complete Winter Camping Packing List for Staying Warm in Southern Utah
For most travelers, Southern Utah winters prevent comfortable camping, and occasional snowfall can make outdoor adventure a little more challenging. With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter.
-
Top Ski Towns in Utah
The best ski towns in Utah tout easy access to The Greatest Snow on Earth®, along with lively culture, fine dining and off-mountain activities.
-
Turning the Lens on a Wintry Southern Utah
Discover some of the most picturesque places to photograph in Southern Utah, and learn some tips for how to shoot and travel responsibly.
-
Utah Resort Roundup: What Kind of Vacation do I Want?
Wondering where to ski in Utah? The real question is, “What kind of experience do you want?” Get helpful information on ski areas, resorts, activities and more.
-
Utah's Kid Ski Culture
Utah is happy to help you support your future skier or rider, and make things fun for parents, too. Read our guide to teaching kids to ski and plan a trip.
-
Walking The Line Between Risk and Responsibility
Why a Hawaii-based highliner and influencer hasn't returned to Utah — yet.
-
Winter in Southeastern Utah: Arches and Canyonlands
Want to avoid the Utah national park crowds? Plan a winter Southeastern Utah trip. Experience more peace, quiet and solitude.
-
Winter in Southern Utah Like a Local
Southern Utah comes alive in winter with unexpected experiences for those who are well-prepared and solitude for those who want to expand their view.
-
Winter Wonders in Greater Zion
As you’re mapping out your winter trip through southeastern Utah, consider adding the following parks and natural wonders to your itinerary.
-
Yurt Camping in Utah: How To Have a Wintertime Yurt Excursion
Whether you’re glamping or choosing a simpler option, yurt camping in Utah during the wintertime is a fun, unique experience you won’t want to miss out on.
Capitol Reef Winter Activities
-
Dark Skies
As an International Dark Sky Park, Capitol Reef is the perfect place to revel in the wonder of the night sky. Clear winter skies provide the backdrop for a dazzling celestial show, so bundle up nice and cozy and prepare to be mesmerized by Capitol Reef National Park’s night skies.
-
Explore the Area’s History
Delve into the area’s history by exploring Fruita. Think about what life was like in the past and stop by the Fremont Culture petroglyphs by Utah Highway 24 (bring binoculars for the best view). Take a peek at the Gifford Homestead’s exterior (the museum opens in March) as well as the Fruita Schoolhouse to ponder local history.
-
Scenic Drive
Enjoy the park from the warmth and comfort of your car by touring the Capitol Reef National Park Scenic Drive which is 7.9 miles long. Be sure to check road conditions before heading out since closures of the scenic drive — as well as dirt spur roads like Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge — are possible depending on conditions. Make sure you are comfortable with winter driving, check road and weather conditions, and be sure to have tire chains or snow tires as well as a full winter emergency kit in your car.
-
Winter Hiking
Capitol Reef National Park offers lots of great hiking opportunities for well-prepared winter hikers. The Hickman Natural Bridge Trail is a popular hike along rock walls, cottonwoods and junipers to an incredible 133-foot-long sandstone arch that rises up 125 feet. Another favorite option is the hike to the Cassidy Arch, which is a natural arch named after Butch Cassidy. Expect winter hikes to be more difficult and take longer than they would in the summer. Be aware trails can be icy and snow-covered, making for slippery and potentially dangerous conditions. Many hikers like to use “over the shoe” traction devices for extra grip. Make sure you properly prepare for a winter visit.
"Towering red rocks dusted in snow, often set against bright blue skies, welcome winter visitors to Capitol Reef National Park."
Winter Camping Near Capitol Reef
Capitol Reef National Park’s Fruita Campground is open all year, and is first-come, first-served from November 1 through the end of February (reservations are available March 1 to October 31). A site costs $20 per night. Be aware there are no electrical hookups and sites do not have individual water or sewage hookups. Winter campers, especially those tent camping, should be extremely prepared and comfortable in winter conditions and gear up accordingly. Other camping options are also available nearby, and many winter visitors choose to stay at hotels and lodges in nearby towns like Torrey.
Winter Travel Tips
- A winter visit to Capitol Reef National Park is an incredible experience, but it’s important to properly prepare for a winter visit.
- The park is open year-round and the visitor center is open most days, though hours vary by season.
- Check the park website or call to get the most up-to-date information on current conditions. Areas and roads can be closed or restricted with little notice, and some areas can become hazardous in certain conditions.
- The park encourages visitors to carefully plan their trip and leave a trip plan with an emergency contact.
- Be flexible with your plans. Check the forecast the day of the trip and be prepared to switch to Plan B (which could be staying indoors) depending on conditions.
- Always bring appropriate winter gear, including plenty of warm clothes for layering along with extras in case your clothes get wet, as well as sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Make sure you and your car are prepared for winter driving, with chains or snow tires in cases of winter storms, and a full winter emergency kit.
