Capitol Reef Private Tour: Temple of the Sun and Moon

See dinosaur bones and outlaw names carved into Capitol Reef's hidden rocks.

A private half-day tour of Capitol Reef National Park in Utah with a live English-speaking guide, park entry fees, and access to remote sites (including the Temple of the Sun and Moon and traces of Jurassic-era fossils) that most visitors cannot reach due to vehicle restrictions. You travel in a spacious SUV with bottled water, trail bars, fruit and candy included. Choose between an 8am or 1pm departure, or book a flexible start time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Capitol Reef National Park

• Travel along Hwy 24 through park
• Visit Queen of the Wash site
• See Temples of Sun and Moon
• Discover Jurassic dinosaur bones

The Experience

The tour starts by traveling Highway 24 through Capitol Reef National Park, where your guide points out sights most visitors miss while driving past. You'll stop at Queen of the Wash to see names and initials left behind by cowboys and outlaws who passed through the area generations ago. The route takes you to the Temple of the Sun and Moon, landmarks only accessible because your guide knows the routes and has the vehicle clearance that standard park access doesn't allow.

Along the trail, dinosaur bones from the Jurassic period are visible in the rocks, and your guide can show you signs of ancient life embedded in the stone. The SUV is designed for comfort and visibility: spacious enough that you're not cramped, with windows that let you see the landscape clearly as you move through the park. Bottled water, trail bars, fruit and candy are provided. You're welcome to bring your own reusable water container.

Park fees are included in the price. The tour runs four to five hours. You can choose an 8am or 1pm departure time, or select a flexible start time that works with the rest of your day. Hotel or location pickup is included.

What’s included

• Capitol Reef National Park entry fees.
• bottled water, trail bars, fruit and candy.
• hotel or location pickup.
• a spacious SUV with a live English-speaking guide.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Western Whiptail Adventures

Is this one for you?Book the 8am or 1pm fixed departure if you want a set schedule. Choose flexible start time if you need to coordinate with other activities in your day. The SUV's size and comfort suit travelers who prefer not to be cramped during the drive, and the four- to five-hour length fits a half-day itinerary without dominating your schedule.

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Top questions

What exactly are the Temple of the Sun and Moon in Capitol Reef?

The Temple of the Sun and Moon are iconic rock formations within Capitol Reef National Park that are part of this tour's route. They're among the remote sites most visitors don't access because of vehicle and knowledge restrictions your guide navigates.

Will I actually see dinosaur fossils on this tour?

Dinosaur bones from the Jurassic period are visible in the rocks along the trail. Your guide can point out signs of ancient life embedded in the stone as you walk.

Why can this tour reach places most Capitol Reef visitors don't?

The operator's guides have routes and vehicle access that bypass standard park restrictions. Fewer than 1% of Capitol Reef visitors reach the sites included on this tour.

How long is the tour and what times does it depart?

The tour runs four to five hours. You can book an 8am or 1pm departure, or choose a flexible start time that fits your schedule.

What's included in the price?

Capitol Reef National Park entry fees, bottled water, trail bars, fruit, candy and hotel or location pickup are all included. You travel in a spacious SUV with a live English-speaking guide.