EXPLORE
Red Sands Hotel is your retreat and home base to exploring the stunning and dramatic geography that surrounds us
Planning your trip can be so over whelming with so many choices out there on the internet. The Red Sands Team is here to help! We are sharing our favorite "must see" hikes and excursions with you. Our team has personally experienced everything recommended. We update this often so check back to see what new adventures we are sharing!
Looking for a great way to experience Capitol Reef National park? We recommend booking 2-3 nights with us and scheduling a trip with one of our local adventure guide's for the ultimate experience. We work closely with these guides to ensuring your getting the best service and experience in town.
Explore the links below to experience our top 8 recommendations of areas to visit during your stay with us!
CAPITOL
REEF NP
ESCALANTE
GOBLIN VALLEY STATE PARK
FISH LAKE NATIONAL FOREST
BOULDER
MOUNTAIN
TORREY
TOWN
THE GREAT WESTERN TRAIL
SCENIC HWY 12
There is so many amazing things to do while visiting Capitol Reef National Park. We have partnered with these amazing tour operations to help you plan your most memorable trip. If you have any questions about the area or things to do please reach out! Our knowledgable staff will be happy to assist you with your plans.
GET IN THE WILD
Experience the silence and solitude of the wild at Capitol Reef National Park, the Dirty Devil/Robbers Roost Wilderness, San Rafael Swell, Goblin Valley and Canyonlands National Park.
RED ROCK ADVENTURE GUIDES
Red Rock Adventures offers canyoneering, backpacking and touring trips throughout the Capitol Reef Area.
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Sleeping Rainbow Adventures
Sleeping Rainbow is based out of Torrey, Utah, offering private tours of Capitol Reef, Grand Staircase-Escalante, Bryce, and Goblin Valley as well as yoga & Star Gazing
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the weather?
Average temperatures range from 44-55 degrees in the winter and spring. 52-83 degrees in the fall and summer.
Are dogs allowed in the in Capitol Reff National Park?
No dogs are not allowed in the park.
Is the Hotel dog friendly?
Our hotel is dog friendly and can accomoate your dog in one of our pet friendly rooms. Please call or book direct to reserve a pet friendly room they sell out fast!
What are the hours of the National Park?
The park and campgrounds in Capitol Reef National Park are open year-round. The visitor center is open daily (except for some major holidays) from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with extended hours in the summer.
What is the entrance fee?
Entrance passes to the scenic drive behind the visitor center cost $15 for vehicles and $7 for individuals (pedestrians and cyclists) for a 7-day period. The Scenic drive is the only road with a fee. You can access most of Capitol Reef National Park without paying a fee.
Where can I backpack?
There are a number of great day and multi day backpacking hikes in Capitol Reef National Park. A popular one would be Chimney Rock Canyon to Pleasant Creek. Visit backpackers.com to read more. Backpacker.com
Where can I find slot canyons?
Burro wash, Cottonwood wash, Sheets gultch, Lower muley twist canyon. Check with a local tour opperator in Torrey if you would like to schedule a guided hike or canyoneering trip.
When was the park established?
The park was established in 1971.
What is the best place to stargaze?
Right on our own start deck located at the Red Sands Hotel.
What is the best place to watch the sunset?
The sunsets are stunning no matter where you are in the area of Torrey or Capitol Reef National Park. However if your looking for one specific place try Sunset Point.
Road biking
The Scenic Drive is one of the best roads for cycling. The road is paved with a few rocky or sandy areas, and is generally considered easy to moderate. You can make your route as short as a mile or ride the entire 24 miles out-and-back through the colorful desert landscape, turning around at Capitol Gorge.
Book stores
Robbers Roost Book Store
Fly fishing and stores
Fremont River Guides and Gift Shop
Where are the closest bars?
The Rock Garden Eatery and Bar is located inside the Red Sands Hotel.
Where to eat?
The Rock Garden Eatery and Bar is located inside the Red Sands Hotel. There are other great options nearby as well.
Where are the local churches?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 89 E Main St, Torrey, UT 84775
Is there a local Theater?
Yes there is one located in Bicknell 11 East Main, Bicknell, UT 84715. They play 1 movie each weekend. Check their website for current selections.
What is the closest airport?
Wayne Wonderland Airport. W 2100S, Lyman, UT 84749
38-21.761667N / 111-35.745000W
38.3626944 / -111.5957500
(estimated)
Who founded Capitol Reef National Park?
President Richard Nixon
What is the elevation of Capitol Reef.
Its elevations ranges between 6,000 and 9,000 feet.
What is the elevation of Torrey?
6837
Are there ATV trails and rentals?
Yes, there are many great trails in and around Torrey for ATV and offroad vehicals. Capitolreef.org is a great resource to find maps and information.
Where is the closest grocery store?
The Chuckwagon is located in Torrey Utah and supplies a good variety of grocery items. Royals Food Town and the Dollar Store is located in Loa about 20 minutes from Torrey.
Where is the closest laundromat?
We have one onsite for guests use.