TORREY, Utah, Jan. 19, 2026—Anchoring Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks in the south-central region of the state, Capitol Reef Country sits at the crossroads of high-alpine mountains to the west and snow-free desert terrain to the east, offering a best-of-both-worlds winter getaway in Utah’s Wayne County.
“Capitol Reef Country’s friendly communities are ready to welcome visitors who are craving a recharge in the New Year in a relatively untouched landscape,” said Nycole Durfey, tourism director of Capitol Reef Country. “Higher elevations allow for ice fishing and snow adventures, while dry desert terrain bodes well for hikes in solitude, all beneath the same endless sky of our International Dark Sky Parks.”
Experiences in Capitol Reef Country this winter include:
Winter Hikes Without the Crowds
Home to more than 150 miles of trails, Capitol Reef National Park is a hiker’s haven in the winter months. The 2-mile Hickman Bridge Trail delivers views of a striking natural arch, while the 3.6-mile Chimney Rock Trail overlooks a towering spire, the park’s signature 100-mile-long Waterpocket Fold, and ancient petroglyphs left by the Fremont people. The steep 3.4-mile Cassidy Arch Trail holds lore of the infamous Butch Cassidy, who allegedly claimed the area as his hideout.
Additionally, the Grand Wash Trail near Torrey follows a 4.4-mile gorge flanked by 500-foot sandstone walls, accessible for hikers of all ages and abilities.
Boulder Mountain in Dixie National Forest and Thousand Lakes Mountain in Fishlake National Forest offer miles of meandering trails through towering alpine groves and picturesque natural mountain lakes.
Off-Road ATV Tours
Not just for summer, outfitters are available year-round to lead guided ATV tours east of Capitol Reef. Traverse destinations such as Moonscape Overlook, Mars, Silver Spire, The Dirty Devil, Goblin Valley, Factory Butte, Robbers Roost, Poison Springs, and the San Rafael Swell.
The Perfect Photo-Op
Winter’s warm light, blue skies, and stark contrasts in terrain create prime photography opportunities throughout the region. Vantage points from Sunset Point and Gooseneck Overlook capture warm earth tones, the luminous river, and dominant rock formations.
Starstruck
A trio of International Dark Sky designated areas—Goblin Valley, Torrey, and Capitol Reef National Park—deliver awe-inspiring nightscapes of far-off worlds unknown, untethering stargazers from life’s perpetual rush.
Ice Fishing
Winter anglers can drop their lines in a variety of mountain lakes in Dixie and Fishlake National Forest. Boulder Mountain, climbing to elevations over 11,000 feet, is one of the most popular fishing locales and transforms into a snowmobile playground thanks to Utah’s famed powder.
For more information about planning a visit to Capitol Reef Country, visit capitolreefcountry.com or contact Christa Graff of Graff Public Relations at christa@graffpr.com or 435-640-7921.
About Capitol Reef Country
Sitting at the center of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks in the heart of Wayne County, Capitol Reef Country is one of the state’s best-kept secrets. Home to Capitol Reef National Park, the destination offers towering cliffs, vibrant canyons, rich cultural history, and thriving desert communities including Torrey, Loa, and Hanksville, welcoming adventurers to experience the region’s expansive paradise. Learn more at capitolreefcountry.com.
