Capitol Reef Scenic Drive will be open to cyclists, pedestrians on these Sept. days

SALT LAKE CITY — To celebrate the completed rehabilitation of the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, the national park will host an event dedicated to bicycles. 

Beginning at sunrise on Sept. 27 and 28, cyclists, hikers and runners will be welcomed onto the 7.9-mile paved road. 

Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes will be allowed during the event, the National Park Service said. 

“Participants will experience stunning landscapes, including sheer sandstone cliffs and the western escarpment of the iconic Waterpocket Fold,” officials from the National Park Service said in a press release. 

The road will be closed to vehicle traffic until 2 p.m. on both days. 

Per the NPS, the road features some steep grades, but it’s suitable for riders of varying skillsets. 

Note that the road is not a loop, so returning via the same route is required. Round trip, Capitol Reef Scenic Drive measures 15.8 miles. 

Tips for a successful ride on Capitol Reef Scenic Drive

The NPS is encouraging all cyclists to wear a helmet. Per the National Institute of Health, failure to wear a helmet can increase the risk of dying from a head injury. 

Cyclists are advised to yield to foot pedestrians. If you’ll be riding an e-bike, ensure that it’s fully charged, as there are no charging stations available within the park. 

Regardless of whether you choose to cycle, run or walk, the NPS recommended checking the weather leading up to the event. Prepare for sudden condition changes by packing extra layers of clothing and brushing up on what to do if you get stuck during a storm.

Additionally, Capitol Reef Scenic Drive is almost entirely outside of cellular service. Pack a satellite phone for emergency use.

Some modern smartphones also come equipped with a satellite communication function. Consult your device’s user manual to learn how to activate it. 

To maintain visibility, the NPS recommended wearing bright clothing, especially before sunrise. 

If you’ll be participating in the event with people who typically live at lower elevations, ensure they take time to adjust to the elevation. Capitol Reef Scenic Drive reaches 5,973 feet above sea level. 

Princeton University recommended spending the first few days at higher altitude resting, or at least, avoiding overly strenuous activities. Providing time to rest can help with acclimatization and prevent elevation-related sickness. 

Finally, regardless of whether you live at elevation or not, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. 

Scenic drive has been closed for construction

An initial rehabilitation closure occurred in spring 2024, according to a report published by KSL.com. 

Per the NPS website, part of the scenic drive was reopened in Nov. 2024. The road was later closed again in spring 2025. 

The project’s completion had been postponed from 2024 due to cold temperatures and scheduling. 

Currently, the road is closed for repair, fog sealing and painting. The NPS said it will reopen on Friday, Aug. 15. However, it will be closed again from Aug. 18 to Aug. 21. 

It’s unclear when Capitol Reef Scenic Drive will be fully, permanently reopened.

Looking for other scenic Capitol Reef drives? Try these

If you’ll be in the park during the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive closure, there are a few other scenic drives. Note that they require more planning than their paved counterpart. 

Cathedral Valley

First, the 57.6-mile Cathedral Valley Loop boasts easy off-road trails and incredible desert views. It features several scenic stops and a campground at the loop’s approximate midway point. 

Many recommend driving this loop over two days. If campsites on the loop fill up, dispersed camping on Bureau of Land Management land is an alternative. 

Before embarking on the trek, ensure you’re driving a high-clearance vehicle (an SUV or four-wheel drive), as you will need to drive across the Fremont River. Check conditions with park rangers and pack plenty of food and water. 

Loop the Fold

Loop the Fold is a 125-mile scenic drive that travels around the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic feature in the park. EarthTrekkers said it can be driven in approximately four hours, but it may take longer if you stop to hike slot canyons or take in the views. 

Some recommend driving the loop in a clockwise direction. It is accessible by standard-clearance vehicles. Check conditions with the NPS before embarking. 

Highway 24

Finally, Highway 24, which runs west to east through the park, is a picturesque, paved alternative to Capitol Reef Scenic Drive. The designated scenic byway travels through red rock formations and the Fremont River Valley and provides views of Waterpocket Fold.