Capitol Reef Resort

As the last hotel before the Capitol Reef National Park, Capitol Reef Hotel has a rather isolated feeling with wide open landscapes and the Red Canyon Cliffs. Inside, it's a typical southwestern-style hotel with a brown, beige, and maroon color-scheme, animal hides on the floor, wooden furniture everywhere, and horse-themed decor and artwork. The restaurant is, again, southwestern-themed with both leather-cushioned booth seating and wooden tables and chairs, patterned carpeted flooring, low-hanging light fittings, and a random mix of potted plants and artwork on the walls. The laid-back atmosphere and location attracts travelers, usually families or couples on a road trip through the area, looking to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings.

Capitol Reef Resort is the closest resort to the Capitol Reef National Park. It's just a two-minute drive to get the park and an 11-minute drive to the visitor center. Its close location to the park means that it has stunning views of the Red Canyon Cliffs, though there's little in the way of restaurants or shops in the nearby vicinity. The center of the small town of Torrey is four minutes away by car. The location is popular for travelers looking to explore the surrounding cliffs, canyons, domes, and natural bridges. It's a 12-minute drive to Hickman’s Bridge, while other nearby sights are a slightly longer drive: Anasazi State Park (60-minute drive), Grand Staircase and Bryce Canyon National Park (two-hour drive), Fishlake National Forest (two-and-a-half-hour drive), and Canyonlands National Park (about a three-hour drive). The nearest domestic airport is Canyonlands Field Airport, which is a two-hour and 15-minute drive. Salt Lake City International Airport is three and a half hours away by car.

The 138 rooms at Capitol Reef Resort feature a southwestern theme, with various accommodation options available. Decor in the traditional guest rooms is sophisticated with country-style white furniture and a beige and brown color scheme throughout. The western-themed artwork on the walls, quirky bedside lamps, and engraved symbols on the wooden furniture all contribute to the overall southwestern vibe. All rooms include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, tea- and- coffee-making facilities, telephones, iron and ironing boards, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have private balconies overlooking the Red Canyon Cliffs. Bathrooms feature shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and basic toiletries.The hotel also offers various accommodation options apart from their traditional rooms, including Cabins, Teepees, and Conestoga Wagons. They each offer similar amenities to the traditional rooms with the added bonus of a more memorable experience. The wagons are based on authentic 19th-century designs and can sleep up to six guests in a slightly tight vicinity, while the cabins are more spacious with two-bedroom options and much larger terraces.

Capitol Reef Resort is ideally located for guests looking to enjoy the natural surroundings -- either to relax or go out and about to explore. The available facilities are quite limited and mostly seasonal. The Pioneer Kitchen, with its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful views of the Capitol Reef National Park, is open for breakfast and dinner. Note that buffet breakfasts are not included in all room rates. There's a heated outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, both open seasonally. The pool and hot tub area have a few surrounding sun loungers, though no parasols, and beautiful views of the landscape. For the adventurous traveler, the hotel offers horseback riding excursions and hiking with llamas. There's also a small gift shop on the property for any last minute souvenirs. Parking and Wi-Fi throughout the property are free.