The Underdog
The least visited of Utah's Mighty 5® national parks is full of incredible geological features and history that are not to be missed. Like this park, the 10k is often overshadowed by the more ambitious half marathon. This undervalued distance is making a comeback. Be part of the movement.
How To Complete the Virtual Capitol Reef 10k
Step 1: Register and Share
Step 1: Register and Share
Step 1: Register and Share
Sign up for this event by itself or with any number of other Utah National Parks Challenge series races. Then, share your referral link and earn a full refund.
Step 2: Get Your Swag
Step 1: Register and Share
Step 1: Register and Share
Participants of the Capitol Reef 10k will receive a winter beanie and finisher medal themed to the Capitol Reef National Park.
Step 3: Run or Walk
Step 4: Record Your Results and Share Your Experience
Step 4: Record Your Results and Share Your Experience
Pick a day and do it! Plan your own route and use the RaceJoy app to track your participation. By using the app, you'll also receive fun information about the Capitol Reef National Park, transforming you to a virtual paradise.
Step 4: Record Your Results and Share Your Experience
Step 4: Record Your Results and Share Your Experience
Step 4: Record Your Results and Share Your Experience
Post instant results from the RaceJoy app or submit your time manually on runsignup.com. Then, it's time to party. Post your pictures, share on social media, and tune in for a special post-race party in early January.
About Capitol Reef National Park
Hidden Gems
One of Utah's "Mighty 5" parks, Capitol Reef National Park is another area of impressive rock formations. Approaching from the south, particularly in the late day when the sun is low in the sky, Capitol Reef looks like a giant wall of orange, pink, and purple hues on the horizon. Less visited than the other major parks, Capitol Reef offers a different experience, with less people, more solitude, and a feeling of tranquility. The park also has one of the nicest national park campgrounds in Utah, backed by orange cliffs and hedged in by an orchard. The scenic drive through the park offers a close-up look at the most dramatic section, but you'll also find interesting stops as you approach the park's visitor center coming from the town of Torrey, including Goosenecks Overlook and Panorama Point. This park does not require as much time to see as places like Arches, Canyonlands, or Zion National Park, but it's definitely worth a stop.
CRNP Up Close
Hickman Natural Bridge
Hickman Natural Bridge
Hickman Natural Bridge
Hickman Natural Bridge is impressive as it spans 133 feet wide and 125 high, and is the largest natural bridge in Capitol Reef National Park.
Goosenecks Overlook
Hickman Natural Bridge
Hickman Natural Bridge
The gooseneck rock formations display strong evidence of the powerful forces of relentless river currents.
Cassidy Arch
Hickman Natural Bridge
Panorama Point
The arch is named for infamous outlaw Butch Cassidy who used to hide out in the canyon’s nooks and crannies with the Sundance Kid.
Panorama Point
Pioneer Register
Panorama Point
This location provides an expansive view of the multicolored layers of rock that give the Capitol Reef National Park its distinctive look.
Mummy Cliff
Pioneer Register
Pioneer Register
Formed out of dark red Moenkopi siltstone and mudstone, the area features unique structures.
Pioneer Register
Pioneer Register
Pioneer Register
Once part of a major road into Utah, the rock walls contain inscriptions from pioneers date back 200 years.