Capitol Reef Audio Tour: Explore Utah's Hidden Gem

Embark on a self-guided audio tour of Capitol Reef, Utah’s hidden gem. Explore stunning landscapes, hike scenic trails, and uncover the park’s rich history. Book now!

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Twin Rocks - The first major landmark you’ll encounter are the Twin Rocks, a funky rock formation that people swear looks exactly like a pair of human molars. Take a look and decide for yourself!

Note: This 17+ -mile-long tour covers the essentials of Capitol Reef in 2-3 hours.

  • Chimney Rock Trail - Next comes Chimney Rock, a bright red pillar of rock that looks like a chimney. Here, you’ll also find a great, 3-mile hiking trail to start your trip.
  • Goosenecks Overlook - If Panorama Point left you wanting more, you’ll find it up next at Goosenecks Overlook.
  • The Fluted Wall - You’ll arrive next at the Fluted Wall, a cool cliff face which actually offers a look back in time… up to 240 million years!
  • The Castle - As you drive, you’ll also notice The Castle looming over you. This imposing rocky fortress is sure to inspire awe in any traveler!
  • Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center - The visitor center is up next, a great place to stop if you need snacks, a restroom, or just a quick break to get your bearings.
  • Ripple Rock Nature Center - Continuing on, you’ll also pass the Ripple Rock Nature Center, which offers some great educational opportunities for younger visitors.
  • Gifford Homestead - After that you’ll come to the Gifford Homestead, a perfectly preserved slice of what life was like for the early Mormon pioneers who founded this tiny, remote town.
  • Fruita - Beyond that is the Fruita Barn, offering a similar glimpse back in time.
  • Cohab Canyon Trailhead - Then you’ll arrive at the Cohab Canyon Trailhead, which leads to some stunning canyons with a seriously strange history.
  • Danish Hill - Continuing on, you’ll reach the top of Danish Hill, which boasts some of the best views of the entire park.
  • Ferns Nipple - Ferns Nipple is a 7,065-foot elevation summit located in Capitol Reef National Park, in Wayne County of Utah, United States. This iconic landmark is situated 4 mi southeast of the park’s visitor center.
  • Teasdale - Beyond that is the Slickrock Divide, a sort of miniature continental divide which helps ensure flora in the Reef is able to flourish.
  • Golden Throne - The Golden Throne is a 7,041-foot mountain in Capitol Reef National Park in Wayne County, Utah, United States. It is a rock formation dome made of a gold color stained Navajo Sandstone, which is particularly special because normally the sandstone is creamy white or red.
  • Capitol Gorge Trailhead - As you continue, you’ll come to the Capitol Gorge Trailhead. This is one of the most popular trails in the park for a reason. It doesn’t just lead down into a gorgeous canyon, but also boasts some ancient petroglyphs along the way!
  • Fruita Schoolhouse - Returning to the north side of the park, you’ll get another look at life for the residents of Fruita at the Fruita Schoolhouse, where children of all ages were taught by a 12 year-old!
  • Torrey Petroglyphs - Next, you’ll have the chance to see some ancient petroglyphs for yourself. Some of these ancient drawings are pretty clear, but others have meanings that are yet to be deciphered!
  • The Hickman Bridge Trail - The next trail, the Hickman Bridge Trail, leads to a truly astonishing part of the landscape–a natural bridge. Much like a natural stone archway, the bridge at the end of this trail seems to defy gravity itself!
  • Grand Wash Trailhead - Beyond that is the Grand Wash Trailhead, which leads into the narrow slot canyons beneath the park’s surface. If you’ve never seen a slot canyon up close before, this is a must-do!
  • Behunin Cabin - If you thought Fruita was remote, you’re in for a surprise at the next stop: Behunin Cabin. This was once the home of a family who thought even the tiny town of Fruita had too many people for them!
  • Capitol Reef Sign / Orientation Pullout - Here you will find all you need to know about the natural history of the park.
    Learn about the geology, trees, mammals, birds, or other plants and wildlife of the area.
    Capitol Reef National Park is located in the Southcentral area of Utah in Sevier, Wayne and Garfield counties
  • Sunset Lane - If you’re in the park aroud sunset, there’s no better place to stop than Sunset Point. Watching the sinking sun from here is a memory that will last you a lifetime.
  • Pioneer Register - Another optional stop is the Pioneer Register, a fascinating historical relic bearing the names of the first European-Americans to arrive in Capitol Reef centuries ago.
  • Capitol Reef National Park - Get ready to explore one of Utah’s hidden gems: Capitol Reef National Park. This fabulously colorful, awe-inspiring landscape is packed full of perfect photo ops and fascinating history, and you driving tour will introduce you to all of it!
What's Included
  • Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
  • Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
  • Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
  • Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
  • Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
  • Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
  • Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
  • Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
What's Not Included
  • Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Additional Information

Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together!

Discover the hidden gem of Utah’s national parks! This self-guided driving tour takes you through the colorful, awe-inspiring Capitol Reef. This park is home to hundreds of millions of years of history as well as tons of fantastic hikes and vistas. Plus, dig into the long, surprising history of the park’s human inhabitants, from the ancient tribes to the Mormon pioneers scraping out a life in one of the most remote parts of America.

After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.

New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

This isn’t an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

  • How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
  • How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
  • Amazing Savings: why pay for an expensive, crowded, and limited bus tour — priced per person! — when you can have ONE amazing audio guide on your OWN phone for your WHOLE group?
  • Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
  • Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
  • Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
  • Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
  • Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
  • Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
Location
Torrey Pioneer Schoolhouse
After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.3
(12 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Michael_k
Aug 13, 2024
Easy to use - The tour was easy to follow, educational and hit all the biggies. Narrator was enjoyable to listen to and very clear and concise.
Review provided by Viator
Carrie_f
Aug 1, 2024
Beware—Scenic Road is closed - We were loving the tour BUT the Scenic Road was closed. It won’t open till October. We didn’t get to the spots where we could see #22-#28. Ugh! We listened to them and tried to imagine what they looked like.
Review provided by Viator
Kevin_p
Jun 19, 2024
I felt like we had a ranger riding along with us. - The view, the scenery, the photos, the narrative, everything about our visit to Capitol Reef was nothing short of spectacular.
Review provided by Viator
Kimberly_p
May 27, 2024
Excellent self driving tours - These self guided driving tours are awesome. The narrator gives great history and its easy to follow along.
Review provided by Viator
Judy3wood
Sep 23, 2023
Capital Reef tour - The audio tour was so interesting and informative as we drove through the beautiful areas of Capital Reef.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Debbyguttery
Jul 23, 2023
Bucket list - Enjoyed audio very much. Would of missed many places of interest and history. Would recommend to all especially those not wanting to hike
Review provided by Viator
Annem1225
May 16, 2023
Audio Capital Reef Auto Tour - The Capital Reef driving tour was great. It was easy to use and very informative. You will learn everything about Capital Reef.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
O6515zxgeorgiab
Sep 20, 2023
Great option! - This is a wonderful option. Instructions were easy enough as long as you’re familiar with technology. We didn’t have any connectivity issues. We ran out of time so had to cut the tour short.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mark_h
Jul 12, 2024
No go until 2025 - Capitol Reef Natl Park Scenic drive is closed until Nov 2024. I had already purchased this before that notification was public. I have requested a refund as we decided to change our travel itinerary since a large portion was no longer available to the public.
Review provided by Viator
Sheila_j
Jun 5, 2024
Didn’t work for me. - Had everything downloaded as instructed, tried it prior to going to park and once we got there could not get it to work. Disappointing. Could not figure out what I did wrong. Thought I had followed instructions. Only time I have ever had an issue with any Viator tour. Have used them all over the US and Europe.
Review provided by Viator
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