Lodging

Circle of Destination Motel

LodgingOPERATIONAL★ 4.4
Wooden lodge cabins at Circle of Destination Motel complex in Capitol Reef National Park under a vibrant double rainbow.

It's $116 off-peak. Circle of Destination Motel is a 1936 classic that got a 2023 refresh. 21-22 simple, clean rooms with WiFi, fridge, microwave, and AC. On-site Destination Café plus a budget breakfast option keeps you fueled for Escalante adventures.

Quick facts

Lodging Type
Motel
Price Low Season
116
Price High Season
0

Stay details

Lodging Type
Motel
Price Low Season
116
Price High Season
0
Peak Season Dates
March–November
Off Season Dates
December 1–February 28
Minimum Stay
0
Cancellation Policy
Fully refundable rates are available; cancellations permitted up to a few days before check-in.

Rooms & amenities

Room Types Available
  • Standard Queen Room
  • Standard Double Room (2 Queen Beds)
  • Standard Double Room (2 Double Beds)
  • Single Room (1 King Bed)
  • Single Room (1 Queen Bed)
  • Double Room with Kitchenette
Max Occupancy
0
Bed Configurations
  • Queen bed
  • Two Queen beds
  • Two Double beds
  • King bed
  • Queen bed
  • Unknown bed configuration for kitchenette room
Square Footage
Varies
In Room Amenities
  • Free WiFi
  • TV
  • Coffee maker
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Air conditioning/heat
Property Amenities
  • Heated pool
  • Hot tub
  • On-site Destination Café (Circle D Eatery)
  • Bar
  • Fitness center
Pool Details
Heated pool; hours not published.
Restaurant Details
Destination Café (Circle D Eatery) serves American cuisine; opens 8am-2pm Fri-Mon; dining options include indoor, covered patio, and outdoor patio. Cooked-to-order breakfast is available for $5-$17 per person.

Location & access

Park Area
Capitol Reef National Park region
Distance To Park
Approximately 1 hour drive to Capitol Reef NP entrance
Distance To Town
Escalante, UT
Parking Details
Free self-parking; ample space for guests and trailers; limited parking near the restaurant.
Walkable Amenities
  • Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (9-minute walk)
  • Escalante Library (10-minute walk)
  • Restaurants in Escalante
  • Bank
  • Supermarket
Accessibility
Lever door handles; no elevator; single-level property; ADA accessible units available.

Policies & fit

Pet Policy
Dogs allowed; $25 per pet per night; up to two dogs; dog exercise areas; service animals exempt.
Seasonal Operation
Open March–November; closed December 1–February 28
Best For
Solo travelers, couples, budget-conscious families, outdoor enthusiasts, road-trippers
Who Should Skip This
Travelers chasing luxury or exceptionally spacious, modern rooms.

Planning advice

Review Summary
Clean, budget-friendly base with a great Escalante location and friendly staff. Rooms are compact but comfortable, value is strong for the price. Parking near the restaurant can be tight, and the property shows its age in places.
The Honest Truth
Old-school motel vibe with a solid refresh. Clean, budget-friendly, and in a great Escalante spot. Rooms are compact, parking near the restaurant can be tight, but the on-site café and location make it a smart base for park adventures.
Room Insider Tips
Ask for a mountain-view room; consider back-building to minimize restaurant foot traffic; six dog-friendly rooms available; ADA units exist; verify bed configuration before booking.
Pro Tip Booking
  • Book at least 2 months ahead for peak season.
  • Direct booking via escalantecircledmotel.com may yield better rates.
  • Request mountain-view room.
  • Inquire about ADA accessibility early.
Your Morning Game Plan
Grab coffee at Destination Café; about a 60-minute drive to Capitol Reef entrance; leave by 7:30 AM to beat the crowds.
Best Time To Visit
April–May, September–October
Pro Tips
  • Parking is ample, but near the restaurant parking can get tight.
  • Breakfast is cooked-to-order for $5-$17 per person.
  • Ask for a mountain-view room; six dog-friendly rooms available; ADA units are offered.

More details

Is Valid Lodging
1
Accessibility Features
  • Lever door handles
  • No elevator
  • Single-level layout
  • ADA accessible units available
Hours
  • Monday: Open 24 hours
  • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
  • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
  • Thursday: Open 24 hours
  • Friday: Open 24 hours
  • Saturday: Open 24 hours
  • Sunday: Open 24 hours
Not Recommended For
Those seeking luxury or extra-spacious rooms
Cell Service Wi-Fi
WiFi: Free; high-speed internet.
Year Built
1936
Year Renovated
2023
Notable Views
  • Mountain views
Architecture Style
1930s motel with 2023 renovation; single-level layout
Recent Updates
Renovated in 2023; on-site café added; dog-friendly rooms available; free Wi-Fi.
Family Friendly Notes
Budget-friendly for families on a budget; smaller rooms may feel tight for larger groups; six dog-friendly rooms available.
Babysitting Available
0
Nearby Facilities
Grand Staircase-Escalante NM within 9-minute walk; Escalante Library; Georgie's Outdoor Mexican Cafe (2 min walk); North Creek Grill (8 min drive); bank; supermarket.
Book If
✅ BOOK IF: You want a simple, budget-friendly base for canyon exploration. ❌ SKIP IF: You need luxury, extra space, or modern aesthetics.

Location

Motel room with two queen beds and colorful woven throws in Capitol Reef National Park lodging.Interior of a motel bathroom inside Capitol Reef National Park, with sink, mirror, towels and toilet in a compact guest room.

Frequently asked questions

Is breakfast included?

Cooked-to-order breakfast is available for an extra $5-$17 per person.

Is parking free?

Free self-parking; ample space, though parking near the restaurant can be limited.

Are pets allowed?

Dogs allowed; $25 per pet per night; up to two dogs; dog exercise areas; service animals exempt.

What is the cancellation policy?

Fully refundable rates are available; cancellations permitted up to a few days before check-in.

Which room has the best view?

Ask for a mountain-view room; specific room numbers aren’t published.

How far is the Capitol Reef entrance?

Approximately 1 hour drive.

What accessibility options exist?

ADA accessible units available; building is single-level; lever door handles; no elevator.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated February 2026. Report an issue.