Sunset Point

Sunset Point: erosion-carved layered overlook in the Waterpocket Fold; sunset light reveals deep time.

Insider tip

Arrive early for parking

Insider tip

Use the earlier, quieter viewpoint

Natural Attraction

Natural AttractionOPERATIONAL★ 4.8
Geological Formation0 ftNo permit neededGolden-hour pick

Sunset Point frames Capitol Reef’s layered rock walls from a broad rock outcrop at the edge of the Waterpocket Fold. The late-afternoon light makes the stratigraphy stand out against the canyons below. This overlook conveys an erosion-driven narrative—water and gravity have carved the rock over millions of years, exposing the fold and its sedimentary history.

Getting there & parking

How To Get There
From Highway 24, drive ~1 mile on a passable dirt road to the Sunset Point trailhead, then follow the main path to the overlook.
Distance From Entrance
1 mile drive to the Sunset Point trailhead; 0.8-mile roundtrip
Road Type
Passable dirt road
Parking Availability
Parking lot fills early, especially at sunset; arrive at least 60 minutes before sunset
Peak Fill Times
Parking fills early, especially around sunset
GPS Coordinates
38.2700° N, 111.1800° W

When to go

Best Time To Visit
Spring (Mar–May) and Fall (Sept–Oct) offer mild temperatures. Late afternoon to sunset provides the best light for photography.
Best Visit Times
Late afternoon to sunset; avoid midday heat
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Alpenglow potential; sunset colors
Best Season
Spring and Fall
Busiest Season
Spring and Fall
Weather Patterns
Summer thunderstorms possible; heat in midday

What you will experience

Attraction Type
Geological Formation
Main Features
Rock outcrop overlook with views of the Waterpocket Fold and layered sedimentary rocks
What Youll See
Layered rock walls, distant canyons, sunset lighting on the fold; lizards and rock squirrels nearby
Unique Characteristics
Waterpocket Fold monocline exposure; Permian-Cretaceous rocks spanning millions of years
Photo Opportunities
Golden hour at sunset; warm light on stratification; long-distance silhouettes
Photography Spots
Main rock outcrop; preceding overlook; sunset light angles
Best Viewpoints
Main rock outcrop viewpoint; optional earlier viewpoint before main outcrop
Common Wildlife
Lizards, rock squirrels
Best Wildlife Times
Spring and fall; wildlife active along the trail
Geological Formation Type
Monocline (Waterpocket Fold)
Scientific Interest
Visible stratification and monoclinal tilt; record of Permian–Cretaceous rocks

Facilities, fees & access

Entry Fees
Varies
Permits Required
No
Restrooms Available
No
Picnic Areas
No
Water Available
No
Interpretive Signs
No
Accessibility
Mostly flat with rocky sections; not wheel-friendly
Accessibility Level
Drive-up view; ~0.8-mile roundtrip; not wheelchair accessible
Nearby Services
Torrey, ~15 minutes away
Nearby Facilities
Torrey services; Visitor Center at park; Chimney Rock Trailhead facilities
Family Friendly Notes
Exposed edges; keep children close; stay on trail

Safety

Safety Considerations
Sun exposure; rattlesnakes; steep ledges; gravity near the overlook

Nearby

Nearby Attractions
Goosenecks Overlook; Panorama Point; Chimney Rock
Connecting Trails
Chimney Rock Trail; Goosenecks Overlook path; Sunset Point Loop
Trailheads Here
Sunset Point Trailhead

Planning advice

Insider Tips
  • Arrive early for parking
  • Use the earlier, quieter viewpoint
  • Late afternoon light on the fold is ideal
Tips Advice
  • 0.8-mile roundtrip; mostly flat with rocky sections.
  • Arrive an hour before sunset due to crowded parking.
  • Stay on the trail; beware of exposed edges and rattlesnakes in warm weather.

More details

Park Area
Capitol Reef National Park
Elevation Feet
0
Visitor Center Present
No
Guided Tours Available
No
Fishing Nearby
No
Swimming Allowed
No
Boating Allowed
No
Climbing Areas
No
Review Summary
Visitors note expansive sunset views and dramatic lighting; parking often fills before sunset; the trail is easy but not wheel-accessible

Location

Sunset Point at Capitol Reef National Park captures warm sunset light over red rock canyons and sparse desert shrubs.Sunset Point at Capitol Reef National Park features a weathered, twisting dead juniper and red desert landscape.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to arrive hours before sunset to park?

Parking fills early; arrive at least 60 minutes before sunset.

Is the 0.8-mile roundtrip hike doable for most visitors?

Yes, mostly flat with some rocky sections; not wheel-friendly; plan for modest elevation change.

Is water available at the trailhead?

Potable water is not available; bring water.

Is the sunset view worth the effort?

Late-afternoon light on the Waterpocket Fold reveals color and texture in layered rocks.

Will I have cell service at Sunset Point?

Cell service can be spotty within Capitol Reef.

Head of the Rocks Overlook

Head of the Rocks Overlook: Slickrock Navajo Sandstone at 5,648 ft with a drive-up view on Scenic Byway 12.

Larb Hollow Overlook

Waterpocket Fold panorama with the Henry Mountains in the distance. Uplift and erosion shaped the scene.

Pioneer Register

Historic names carved into Capitol Gorge walls from 1871 onward. Walk 0.8 miles to see 150 years of explorer signatures.

Bentonite Hills

Colorful striped badlands in gray, red, and purple—Cathedral Valley's remote geology. High-clearance 4WD required.

Capitol Dome

White sandstone fins that named Capitol Reef. Visible from Hickman Bridge Trailhead, especially in late afternoon light.

Fruita Schoolhouse

Restored 1896 schoolhouse where a 12-year-old teacher shaped pioneer children's education.

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.