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Live · updated todayTypical peak look

Capitol Reeffall foliage

No reports yet this season for Capitol Reef National Park.

Regional timing
Sep 11–Oct 31
The National Park Service says southern Utah's fall colors run from about mid-September through October. For the wider region, not this place alone, and not a forecast.

Next 7 days

Flood WatchFlood Watch issued September 28 at 12:24AM MDT until September 30 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Salt Lake City UT
  • Windy · winds up to 23 mphTuesday Night, Wednesday
  • Rain likely · up to 95% chanceToday, Tonight, Tuesday

National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 2:31 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.

Frost near Capitol Reef National Park

First frost usually in ~4 weeks

Oct 28Average first fall frost

Apr 18Average last spring frost

The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's Capitol Reef Np station (0.9 mi away, 5,500 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Capitol Reef National Park through the year

  • Orchard blossomsMar–May
  • Apricot harvestJun–Jul
  • Monsoon seasonNowJul–Sep
  • Apple harvestNowAug–Oct

Best spots around Capitol Reef National Park

  • Fremont RiverCottonwoods turn yellow; shrubs turn red and yellow in fall
  • Fruita orchardsAbout 1,900 historic fruit trees along the Fremont River
  • Scenic DriveA 7.9-mile paved road for passenger vehicles

How we know

National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · USA National Phenology Network, colored leaves observations (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Park Service, View fall colors (Cedar Breaks) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Capitol Reef orchards (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Capitol Reef Scenic Drive (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Capitol Reef weather (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Fruita orchards (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual/seasonal) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)

All our sources and how we use them →

Questions people ask

When is peak fall foliage in Capitol Reef National Park in 2026?

We don't have local timing for Capitol Reef National Park yet. The National Park Service says southern Utah's fall colors run from about mid-September through October: Sep 11–Oct 31. That's for the wider region, not this place alone, and not a forecast.

How is the fall color in Capitol Reef National Park right now?

There's no official report yet this season.

Can I pick fruit in the fall?

Apples are usually harvested from mid-August to mid-October. Pick only in orchards posted with U-Pick Fruit signs; times can shift a few weeks with the winter.Source: National Park Service, Capitol Reef orchards ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Can the Scenic Drive close?

Yes. The Scenic Drive and the Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge roads can close for snow, ice, mud or flash floods.Source: National Park Service, Capitol Reef Scenic Drive ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Where are the best spots in Capitol Reef National Park?

Fremont River: cottonwoods turn yellow; shrubs turn red and yellow in fall; Fruita orchards: about 1,900 historic fruit trees along the Fremont River; Scenic Drive: a 7.9-mile paved road for passenger vehicles.

What is Capitol Reef National Park like through the year?

Orchard blossoms (Mar–May), Apricot harvest (Jun–Jul), Monsoon season (Jul–Sep) and Apple harvest (Aug–Oct).