Bryce Canyon National Park vs Capitol Reef National Park

Two of Utah's Mighty Five offer contrasting experiences. Bryce Canyon dazzles with otherworldly hoodoo formations in a compact amphitheater, while Capitol Reef stretches 100 miles with a hidden gem feel and historic fruit orchards.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Utah

Established

1928

Size

35,835 acres

Annual Visitors

2.4 million

Entry Fee

$35/vehicle

Elevation

6,620 - 9,115 ft

Crowd Level

High

Capitol Reef National Park

Utah

Established

1971

Size

241,904 acres

Annual Visitors

1.4 million

Entry Fee

$20/vehicle

Elevation

3,900 - 8,960 ft

Crowd Level

Low

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Bryce Canyon National Park	Capitol Reef National Park
Best Time to Visit	May-September, Winter for snow on hoodoos	March-May, September-November
Top Highlights	Sunrise Point, Thor's Hammer, Navajo Loop Trail	Waterpocket Fold, Capitol Dome, Fruita orchards
Main Activities	Hiking among hoodoos, Stargazing, Photography	Hiking, Fruit picking, Scenic driving
Crowd Level	High	Low
Entry Fee	$35/vehicle	$20/vehicle
Nearest Airport	St. George (SGU) - 130 miles	Grand Junction (GJT) - 200 miles

Pros & Cons

Bryce Canyon National Park

Pros

+ Unlike anywhere on Earth
+ Excellent dark skies
+ Manageable size
+ Stunning at all hours

Cons

- High elevation means cold
- Crowded viewpoints
- Limited shade on trails
- Altitude can affect some

Capitol Reef National Park

Pros

+ Least crowded Utah park
+ Free fruit picking in season
+ 100-mile Waterpocket Fold
+ Affordable entry

Cons

- Less famous attractions
- Fewer amenities
- Remote location
- Some roads need 4WD

Best For

Bryce Canyon National Park is Best For:

PhotographersHoodoo enthusiastsDark sky stargazers

Capitol Reef National Park is Best For:

Solitude seekersGeology enthusiastsBudget travelers

Our Verdict

Bryce Canyon wins for sheer visual impact - there's nothing else like it. Capitol Reef wins for uncrowded exploration, lower cost, and a sense of discovery.

Choose Bryce Canyon National Park if...

Choose Bryce Canyon if you want to see formations found nowhere else on Earth, enjoy designated viewpoints, or plan a Utah highlights tour.

Choose Capitol Reef National Park if...

Choose Capitol Reef if you prefer uncrowded trails, want to pick free fruit from historic orchards, or seek the road-less-traveled in Utah canyon country.

Ready to Visit?

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