Overlook Capitol Reef NP
This overlook sits at mile 3 of 123 along the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway, at an elevation of 8,694 feet. The terrain drops 704 feet within 600 meters of the viewpoint. The view faces east, directly toward sunrise, taking in Laurel and Hardy Arch 7.1 miles to the east-southeast at 7,208 feet, The Salmon peak 7.2 miles east-southeast at 7,174 feet, Nicks Peak 7.6 miles east-southeast at 6,884 feet, and Buck Point 8.5 miles east at 7,646 feet. Sunrise times vary by season, from 06:03 at the June solstice to 07:39 at the December solstice. Bicknell lies 18.0 miles northwest, Loa is 24.8 miles northwest, and Escalante is 29.7 miles south-southwest. This stop follows Overlook Waterpocket Fold and precedes Head Of The Rocks Overlook along the byway.
What you’re looking at
Named terrain inside the view from this overlook, nearest first.
- Laurel and Hardy Arch7,208 fteast-southeast · 7.1 mi
- The Salmon7,174 fteast-southeast · 7.2 mi
- Nicks Peak6,884 fteast-southeast · 7.6 mi
- Buck Point7,646 fteast · 8.5 mi
Light
This overlook faces sunrise — 0° off square to it.
| Date | Sunrise | Sunset | Golden hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| March equinox | 07:30 | 19:37 | 19:03 |
| June solstice | 06:03 | 20:52 | 20:13 |
| September equinox | 07:14 | 19:24 | 18:49 |
| December solstice | 07:39 | 17:09 | 16:28 |
Local time (America/Denver). Computed for this exact position.
Where it is
Mile 3 of 123 along Journey Through Time Scenic Byway.
- Bicknell18.0 mi northwest
- Loa24.8 mi northwest
- Escalante29.7 mi south-southwest
Take the scenic way to Overlook Capitol Reef NP.
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How high is Overlook Capitol Reef NP?
Overlook Capitol Reef NP sits at about 8,694 feet (2,650 m).
What can you see from Overlook Capitol Reef NP?
From Overlook Capitol Reef NP: Laurel and Hardy Arch (ESE, 7.1 mi); The Salmon (ESE, 7.2 mi); Nicks Peak (ESE, 7.6 mi); Buck Point (E, 8.5 mi).
Is Overlook Capitol Reef NP better at sunrise or sunset?
Sunrise. The land falls away from Overlook Capitol Reef NP toward the sunrise, so at sunset the light is behind you. Exact times shift through the year; the page shows the current window.
What is the nearest town to Overlook Capitol Reef NP?
Bicknell, 18 miles NW of Overlook Capitol Reef NP.
What is the next lookout after Overlook Capitol Reef NP?
Head Of The Rocks Overlook is the next surfaced lookout along the same route after Overlook Capitol Reef NP.
Drive to Overlook Capitol Reef NP with Byway
Byway plans the scenic way there — real places along Journey Through Time Scenic Byway, real weather, zero hallucinations — and hands the turns to the navigation you already use.
Byways with this lookout
Day trips start here
- Capitol Reef National Park · 10 mi
Locals make it Verified.
Overlook Capitol Reef NP — confirmed, rated, and photographed by people who actually pulled over. A local confirmation is what upgrades a lookout from Discovered to Verified. Zero hallucinations.
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