Riding here
Capitol Reef covers every kind of riding. The paved Scenic Drive runs south from the Fruita orchards beneath the Waterpocket Fold, with dirt spurs into Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge. Twice a year the park closes it to cars for Reef Ride Bike Days. Out in the backcountry, the Cathedral Valley loop and the big Burr Trail and Notom-Bullfrog loop are serious, remote rides.
Where you can ride
Bicycles must stay on designated roads: the Scenic Drive and its spur roads, Cathedral Valley, South Draw Road, Notom-Bullfrog and the Burr Trail.
Where you can't
No riding on hiking trails (except the trail between the visitor center and Fruita Campground), off-road, in washes, on closed roads or on backcountry routes. Bikes may not go beyond the Strike Valley Overlook parking area.
Rides
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Scenic Drive and spur roads
- Road
- 28.8 mi round trip including Grand Wash, Capitol Gorge and Pleasant Creek spurs
- Paved, with dirt spurs
- Moderate
7.9 miles of pavement each way plus three unpaved spurs into canyons, returning the same way. Heavy traffic April to October, except on Reef Ride days.
Start: Fruita
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Cathedral Valley Loop
- Bikepacking
- 57.6 mi loop
- Dirt, sand, bentonite clay, rock
- Hard
A strenuous backcountry loop past the sandstone monoliths of Cathedral Valley, including a Fremont River ford usually 1 to 1.5 feet deep. Best in spring or fall.
Start: Hartnet Road or Caineville Wash Road off SR 24
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South Draw Road
- Mountain bike
- 10.7 mi to SR 12 (5 miles to the park boundary)
- Dirt
- Hard
Very steep hills; not recommended in winter or spring.
Start: End of the Scenic Drive
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Boulder Mountain – Burr Trail – Notom-Bullfrog loop
- Bikepacking
- 124 mi loop
- About 70 miles paved, rest graded dirt
- Hard
A very strenuous multi-day loop over Boulder Mountain and back along the Waterpocket Fold.
Start: Torrey or Boulder
Car-free riding
Reef Ride Bike Days: on September 19 and 26, 2026, the 7.9-mile Scenic Drive was reserved for cyclists (including Class 1–3 e-bikes), hikers and runners from sunrise until 3 pm. Watch the park's news page for next year's dates.
When to go
Spring and fall. Cathedral Valley tops 100°F in summer, and clay roads turn impassable when wet.
Safety
Water is hard to find on every route. The Scenic Drive is narrow with no shoulders; ride early or late. Helmets advised.
E-bikes
The park's Superintendent's Compendium sets e-bike rules; Class 1–3 e-bikes are welcome on Reef Ride days. There's no charging in the park.
Fees
The fee applies on the Scenic Drive: $20 per vehicle (valid 7 days), and a cyclist who hasn't paid pays $10. America the Beautiful passes are accepted. Primitive backcountry campgrounds at Cathedral Valley and Cedar Mesa are free and first-come, with no water.
Rentals, tours and shuttles
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Your bike shop hereSample listing
This spot is for one rental shop, guide service or shuttle near Capitol Reef: your name, what you offer, and a link straight to your booking page, at the top of this section.
Feature your shop on this page, free until spring 2027
Run a shop near Capitol Reef? Add it here.
Sources
Checked November 2026 against these sources. Rules, closures and fees change; confirm with the park before you ride.
Edited by David Bussell. Spot something out of date? Tell us.