• About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Media
  • #outfam
  • NEWSLETTER

Outdoor Families Magazine

Where Families and Nature Unite

  • HOME
  • REWILDING
  • OUTDOOR EDUCATION
  • OUTDOOR GEAR
  • OUTDOOR FAMILY TRAVEL
  • GETTING OUTDOORS

8 Reasons Why Glamping at Capitol Reef Resort Should Be on Your Family Travel Bucket List

February 24, 2020 by Jennifer Fontaine 3 Comments

  • Share2583
  • Tweet
  • Reddit
  • Pocket
  • Flipboard
capitol reef resort glamping conestoga wagons
capitol reef resort conestoga wagons

by Jennifer Fontaine – Capitol Reef Resort has been hosting travelers from around the globe for decades on the doorstep of Capitol Reef National Park. And as good hosts do, they up their game with more creative accommodations each year.

From teepees and family cabins, to decked-out tents and authentic 19th century Conestoga Wagons, there’s a glamping experience likely to appeal to every adventurous traveler.

Situated in the Henry Mountains, just 7.6 miles from Capitol Reef National Park and 18.8 mi from Lyman Natural Arch, Capitol Reef Resort‘s phenomenal red rock views, inviting pool, and well-suited hotel rooms just weren’t enough.

capitol reef resort teepees

Now there is a bona fide glamping compound, perfect for communing with nature and loved ones alike, where you can find amenities like yummy hot buffet breakfast served (for a surcharge) each morning between 7 am and 9:30 am, a 24-hour fitness center, and even a hot tub for soaking trail-worn toes.

Surrounded by red cliffs, deep canyons, and all the luxuries of a hotel, it’s clear to see why these family glamping sites fill up quickly. But, just in case you’re still not convinced, here are eight more reasons why Capital Reef Resort should be on your family travel bucket list.

8 Reasons to Book a Family Vacation at Capital Reef Resort

capitol reef resort red canyon views

1. The Red Canyon Views

Take in the sunset fire-side with front row views of the red sandstone hoodoos jutting out from a cloud of ponderosa pines. Sculpted by ages of water and wind erosion, these whimsical rock spires are one of Southern Utah’s most popular attractions.

2. A Conestoga Wagon Fit for Six

The covered wagons used by pioneers to traverse the west certainly were not luxurious, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy modern amenities, old-west style. These authentic covered wagons — whose history can be traced to the Conestoga River region of Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County in the mid- to late-18th century — are decked out with king size accommodations featuring fun bunk beds, air conditioning, and separate private bathrooms, so you can live out your wild west fantasies.

Pro Travel Tip: Booking.com guarantees the best prices for any type of property and no booking fees (yes, please!).

capitol reef resort conestoga wagons

3. Cozy Up To a Llama

Experience the Capitol Reef backcountry from a unique point of view alongside your very own pack llama. Capitol Reef Resort offers llama excursions for everyone, at every level. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced adventurer, these treks allow visitors to explore archaeological artifacts and learn, up-close and personal, about the  geology, flora, and fauna of this unique landscape.

4. Southwest National Park Adventure Basecamp

Due to Capitol Reef Resort’s convenient location, build time in your family vacation itinerary to take a day trip to Grand Staircase, Bryce Canyon National Park, or Zion National Park, all of which are just a few hours away.

Or drive through Utah’s Scenic Byway 12, a 120-mile long designated All-American Road, where you are rewarded with views of beautiful red rock formations, vast expanses of slickrock country, the aspen-covered Boulder Mountain, and even a prehistoric Native American village.

Also, check out our southwestern National Parks road trip guide, loaded with tons of tips and tricks for the perfect road trip itinerary, which hits the 10 best national parks in Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico.

southwestern national park road trip

5. Family Friendly Capitol Reef Hikes

With the national park just a few minutes away, there is no shortage of hiking in the area. If you’re looking for flat and easy try Pioneer Register, Sunset Point, or Grand Wash. For a bit more of a challenge, head over to Hickman Bridge, the most popular hike in the park.

For the adrenaline junkies, Cassidy Arch trail offers stunning views and a difficult ascent, but be aware that its steep drop offs may not be suitable for young children.

6. Ancient Petroglyphs of Capitol Reef National Park

More than 2,000 years ago the Fremont and ancestral Puebloan people inhabited this land, building pit houses and farming crops like corn, beans, and squash along the river bottoms. Their ancient art (petroglyphs) can be found throughout the park.

For best viewing, look for a road sign on the left side of the road, just east of the visitor center on HWY 24. It will guide you to the parking lot where you’ll find a convenient boardwalk and telescopes to get a closer look.

southwestern national park road trip

7. The Artisans & Small Town Charm of Torrey, Utah

Torrey, Utah‘s main street is lined with farmers markets, art galleries, guides and outfitters, trading posts, and the historic 1914 Torrey Schoolhouse Bed and Breakfast Inn, nestled under the cover of grand old cottonwood trees.

Long before the current locals, an eclectic mix of pioneer townies and red-rock-country lovers, walked the famous and infamous likes of John Wesley Powell, Butch Cassidy, Maynard Dixon, and Wallace Stegner.

Pop in to Shooting Star Cowboy Shop where Western isn’t just a style, it’s a way of life. Then, mosey on over to Cafe Diablo for rattlesnakes cakes, but don’t forget to save room for homemade confections at Castle Rock Coffee.

capitol reef mesa farm market

8. Stop By Mesa Farm Market

Just 30 minutes east of Capitol Reef Resort, you’ll find Mesa Farm Market, an oasis on the edge of a 50-acre sustainable farm, in the middle of Utah’s Colorado Plateau region. Inside you’ll be greeted by the delightful smells of fresh artisan breads and baked goods made daily in their wood-fire stone oven. For a day full of outdoor adventure, stock up on their array of fresh fruits and vegetables picked daily from their orchard and garden.

READ NEXT :: National Park-to-Park Highway Road Trip Itinerary

jennifer fontaine about ofo

Jennifer Fontaine is the founder of Outdoor Families Magazine, publisher of MommyHiker.com, a blog to encourage outdoor activities with children, and an activist filmmaker inspiring dynamic change in the world.

Related

Filed Under: TRAVEL Tagged With: Camping, Capitol Reef Resort, Conestoga Wagons, Fall 2016, glamping, Winter 2017

Comments

  1. Tanya Raedeke says

    May 16, 2019 at 2:06 pm

    This glamping site looks amazing! We made it to Capitol Reef in 2014 and camped, but next time I’m going here. Thanks for sharing! Love your pictures.

    Reply
  2. Natalie VanCleave says

    January 16, 2021 at 10:04 am

    This is definitely getting added to the list. Our family has wanted to do a SW trip for a while and this is that perfect little extra that sounds like perfection. Thank you for this!

    Reply
  3. Rebecca Matheis says

    May 1, 2021 at 7:02 pm

    Capital Reef Resort is amazing! The cabins were great for our visit to this national park!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Trending Outdoor Families Articles

  • Hiking in Asheville – 15 Must-Hike Trails For Kids
  • The 12 Best Family-Friendly Whitewater River Rafting Trips in the U.S.
  • 26 Outdoor STEM Activities For Kids
  • 35 Nature Books for Kids
  • 130+ FREE Outdoor Learning Activities For Kids Unexpectedly Stuck at Home
  • What is Wildschooling?
  • 8 Reasons Why Glamping at Capitol Reef Resort Should Be on Your Family Travel Bucket List

NATURE NEWS

A Little Nature a Day Keeps Negative Self-Feelings At Bay, Science Says

Human-Induced Climate Change Takes its Toll On Our Tallest Peaks?

Love of Nature Is In Your Genes, Research Shows

OUTDOOR FAMILIES MAGAZINE

  • HOME
  • REWILDING
  • OUTDOOR EDUCATION
  • OUTDOOR GEAR
  • OUTDOOR FAMILY TRAVEL
  • GETTING OUTDOORS

Search Outdoor Families Magazine

Outdoor Families Magazine Mission

Outdoor Families Magazine and Community strives to enrich the lives of multi-generational families internationally by providing unparalleled, award-winning outdoor and adventure related content meant to inspire a connection to, participation in and stewardship of the natural world.

Outdoor Family Community

  • View OutdoorFamiliesOnline’s profile on Facebook
  • View @outdoorfammag’s profile on Twitter
  • View outdoorfammag’s profile on Instagram
  • View outdoorfammag’s profile on Pinterest
  • View OutFam’s profile on YouTube

Privacy Policy

Outdoor Families Magazine Tree Logo - Cheryl Robertson Rosa

Copyright © 2023 · Magazine Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

  • 2583
 

Loading Comments...