Scenic Drive Rehabilitation Project Update

Capitol Reef National Park is preparing to reopen part of Scenic Drive and the Chimney Rock trail next week. The Chimney Rock parking lot has been refurbished, with a new, accessible toilet, and improved parking and drainage. Access to the Chimney Rock trail and to Spring Canyon will resume Monday, November 25. Some finishing work will be ongoing so use caution as the final touches are completed.

A delayed schedule and colder temperatures have prevented completion of Scenic Drive paving. The first layer of pavement has been installed, and the Scenic Drive will open on November 26 to just past the Grand Wash intersection. The section beyond Grand Wash to Capitol Gorge, as well as the new restroom and parking lot at Capitol Gorge, will open in late December. Work will continue along the Scenic Drive over the winter, with potential lane closures and traffic control.

In spring 2025, Scenic Drive will temporarily close again to allow the second layer of pavement to be placed before its final reopening.

More information and updates throughout the duration of the project can be found on the park website at https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/scenic-drive-rehabilitation-project.htm. This page includes a link to the project planning page which provides information about the improvements and project design.