Explore
In the Winter
Visit Red Sands Hotel for your winter retreat and home base to exploring the stunning and dramatic geography in Capitol Reef
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!
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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.
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Explore the links below to experience our top WINTER recommendations of areas to visit during your stay with us!
Get out of the smog and pollution and visit us in Capitol Reef National Park. Take advantage of our great winter rates while avoiding the crowded trails. The temperatures are perfect for afternoon hikes and adventures.
We'll have the HOT TUB, and HOT CHOCOLATE ready when you get back to relax and warm up in the evenings!
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Book a tour with Sleeping Rainbow Adventure's to make the most out of your visit to Capitol Reef National Park. If you have any questions about the area or things to do in the winter please reach out! Our knowledgable staff will be happy to assist you with your plans.
Plunge
Yoga + IceBath
November Event
Stretching and ice baths are two commonly used recovery techniques and can offer several benefits when used in combination.
Enjoy increased flexibility, reduced muscle soreness, improved circulation, and accelerate healing. Ice baths target inflammation and numb nerve endings, providing quick pain relief.
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Join our Yoga and Ice bath retreat at the Red Sands Hotel November 20th from 6pm-7pm
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Only $35 per person
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What is the weather?Average temperatures range from 44-55 degrees in the winter and spring. 52-83 degrees in the fall and summer.
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Are dogs allowed in the in Capitol Reff National Park?No dogs are not allowed in the park.
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Where can I keep my dog while I am in the park?There is a local kennel located in Loa. Loa's Ark
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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When was the park established?The park was established in 1971.
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What is the best place to stargaze?Right on our own start deck located at the Red Sands Hotel.
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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.
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Road bikingThe 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.
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Book storesRobbers Roost Book Store
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Fly fishing and storesFremont River Guides and Gift Shop
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What is the elevation of Capitol Reef.Its elevations ranges between 6,000 and 9,000 feet.
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What is the elevation of Torrey?6837
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Where are the closest bars?The Rock Garden Eatery and Bar is located inside the Red Sands Hotel.
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Where to eat?The Rock Garden Eatery and Bar is located inside the Red Sands Hotel. There are other great options nearby as well.
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Where are the local churches?The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 89 E Main St, Torrey, UT 84775 St Anthony's of the Desert Catholic Church 608 Sand Creek Rd, Torrey, UT 84775 Grace Christian Church 66 W Main St, Torrey, UT 84775
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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.
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What is the closest airport?Wayne Wonderland Airport. W 2100S, Lyman, UT 84749 FAA Identifier: 38U Lat/Long: 38-21-45.7000N / 111-35-44.7000W 38-21.761667N / 111-35.745000W 38.3626944 / -111.5957500 (estimated) Elevation: 7029 ft. / 2142.4 m (surveyed) Variation: 14E (1985) From city: 3 miles SE of LOA, UT Time zone: UTC -7 (UTC -6 during Daylight Saving Time) Zip code: 84749
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Who founded Capitol Reef National Park?President Richard Nixon
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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.
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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.
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Where is the closest laundromat?We have one onsite for guests use.