Discover Wayne County

Wayne County includes parts of Capitol Reef and Canyonlands National Parks. Both Capitol Reef and Canyonlands extend beyond Wayne County’s boundaries. Another point of reference is Scenic Byway 12, which runs through Wayne County. This makes it possible to consider visits to the national parks and a drive along the route as separate focuses.

Putting Scenic Byway 12 and Capitol Reef in context

Scenic Byway 12 runs for more than 120 miles from west to east through Garfield and Wayne Counties. The endpoint of Scenic Byway 12 is in Wayne County, at the intersection of SR-12 and Highway 24. If you include the route in your plans, you can distinguish it from the specific destination of your visit. Check current road conditions before driving.

From the intersection of SR-12 and Highway 24 in Wayne County, drive nine miles east to the Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center.

County officials link the more recent increase in tourism to the completion of Highway 24 through Capitol Reef National Park and Scenic Highway 12 over Boulder Mountain. Both road developments provide regional context for planning your trip and are connected with the increase in tourism in Wayne County.

Fruita: Petroglyphs and Ranger Programs

In Fruita, Wayne County, visitors can see Fremont culture petroglyphs. The rock art offers a specific cultural focus within your county trip planning, alongside using the national parks or Scenic Byway as points of reference. If you’re interested in Fremont culture, Fruita is the place to plan a visit to.

Fruita Campground in Fruita is the only developed campground in Capitol Reef National Park and has 71 sites.

Ranger programs take place in the Fruita Campground amphitheater on several evenings a week, near sunset. They last 45 to 60 minutes; topics and start times vary. Weather or staffing may also change the schedule or location. If you’d like to attend a program, check the dates and location in advance.

What information can help with planning?

Scenic Byway 12 runs for more than 120 miles from west to east through Garfield and Wayne Counties. From its endpoint, drive nine miles east to the Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center; allow 45 to 60 minutes for a ranger program. If you’re looking for a hotel in Wayne County, you can first decide whether the route, a park visit, or Fruita will be the main focus of your stay.

Discover more destinations: Torrey, Loa, Bicknell, Wasatch, Beaver County, Okanogan County, Utah County, Augusta County.

For the main travel overview: Utah.