CAPITOL REEF COST CALCULATOR
Scenic Drive fees, the cheapest pass for your trip, and everything that's free — your exact total. Free, no sign-up.
Driving Highway 24 through the park, visiting the Fruita orchards and historic district, stopping at the visitor center, and reaching most trailheads and viewpoints cost nothing. The entrance fee below applies only to the paved Scenic Drive beyond the Fruita Campground.
Your trip
You pay each Scenic Drive entry separately — best for a single visit.
Compare every option
| Pass | Total for the year* |
|---|---|
| Pay at the gate | $20 |
| Capitol Reef Annual Pass | $35 |
| America the Beautiful | $80 |
*Total = Scenic Drive entries for the year + any other national parks (estimated at your Capitol Reef entry rate). Verify current rates at nps.gov/care before your trip.
Capitol Reef Cost FAQ
Do I have to pay an entrance fee at Capitol Reef?
Not necessarily. Driving Highway 24 through the park and visiting Fruita, the visitor center, and most trailheads is free. The fee only applies if you drive the paved Scenic Drive beyond the Fruita Campground, where it's $20 per private vehicle ($15 motorcycle, $10 per person on foot or bike) for 7 days.
Is the America the Beautiful pass worth it for Capitol Reef?
If Capitol Reef is your only stop and you drive the Scenic Drive once, the $20 vehicle fee or the $35 Capitol Reef Annual Pass is plenty. But if you're touring multiple parks (Zion, Bryce, Arches, Canyonlands), the $80 America the Beautiful pass covers all of them for a year and pays for itself in about four park visits.
Do I need a reservation or timed-entry ticket for Capitol Reef?
No. Capitol Reef has no timed-entry reservation system and no permit lottery, so you can arrive any time without booking in advance. Free backcountry permits are required only for backpacking, canyoneering, and climbing, and Fruita Campground sites are reserved separately through Recreation.gov.
Are seniors, kids, and military members eligible for discounts?
Yes. Kids 15 and under are always free. Seniors (62+) can get a $20 annual or $80 lifetime America the Beautiful pass, while the Access pass (permanent disability), Military pass, and 4th-grade pass are all free and cover the Scenic Drive entrance fee.