Scenic Drive to close to vehicles for Capitol Reef ‘Reef Ride’ public biking event

Views along Scenic Drive in Capitol Reef National Park. Photo: NPS Photo

CAPITOL REEF, Utah — Capitol Reef National Park will celebrate the newly repaved Scenic Drive and National Public Lands Day with a special two-day cycling event on Sept 27 and 28.

The “Reef Ride” will give cyclists, hikers, and runners a rare chance to enjoy the park’s Scenic Drive without vehicle traffic. The road will be closed to cars from sunrise until 2 p.m. on both days.

Participants are welcome to ride traditional bicycles as well as Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes. The 7.9-mile (12.7 km) Scenic Drive begins near the visitor center and passes through Capitol Reef’s iconic landscape of sheer sandstone cliffs, colorful rock layers, and the towering western escarpment of the Waterpocket Fold. The route provides access to Grand Wash, Capitol Gorge, and Pleasant Creek, with a total round trip of about 15.8 miles (25.4 km).

Park officials note that the road reaches an elevation of 5,973 feet (1,821 meters) and includes some moderately steep grades, making it suitable for riders of various skill levels.