UTV & Fly Fishing Adventures with Capitol Reef Outfitters
Capitol Reef Outfitters provides guided UTV tours and fly fishing expeditions near Capitol Reef National Park. Discover thrilling rides and peaceful fishing lakes in southern Utah’s dramatic landscape.
Kanab, Utah
•moderate
UTV & Fly Fishing Adventures with Capitol Reef Outfitters
moderate
Difficulty
2–4 hours
Duration
Suitable for average fitness levels; some physical endurance needed for handling ATV terrain and casting for fly fishing.
Fitness Level
About This Experience
Capitol Reef Outfitters provides guided UTV tours and fly fishing expeditions near Capitol Reef National Park. Discover thrilling rides and peaceful fishing lakes in southern Utah’s dramatic landscape.
Situated near the striking canyons and sweeping red rock formations of southern Utah, Capitol Reef Outfitters offers an adventure firming up outdoor experiences that connect you to the rugged beauty of the Capitol Reef region. Based out of Torrey, UT, just a short drive from Capitol Reef National Park, this outfitter crafts trips that bring you face-to-face with the raw landscapes of the Colorado Plateau, ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Capitol Reef’s signature experiences include guided fly fishing on mountain lakes ringing the high country at elevations around 8,000 feet. Anglers can expect to encounter vibrant rainbow and tiger trout in crystal-clear waters, with expert guides imparting knowledge about local fish behavior and casting techniques. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned fly fisherman, the patient instruction and well-choreographed outings make for a memorable day on the water.
If two wheels and throttle thrills are more your style, Capitol Reef Outfitters’ ATV and UTV tours navigate the dramatic terrain of the Bentonite Hills and surrounding ridges. Guided rides range from family-friendly outings to more spirited tours demanding attentive handling. Highlights often include sunset vistas with expansive views of desert landscapes that change color with the light and stops that reveal local geology and native plants. Guides share insights into the land’s formation and ecology, enriching the ride with context and storytelling.
What sets Capitol Reef Outfitters apart is the blend of tailored adventure with deep knowledge of the region’s geology and ecology, paired with a warm, approachable team who make safety and fun a priority. This makes it ideal for families, novices, and outdoor adventurers aiming to go beyond the typical tourist route in Utah’s red rock country. Capitol Reef Outfitters holds its place as a distinctive gateway to engaging with one of America’s less crowded but stunning national parks.
For outdoor travelers based near Grand Junction, CO, or Salt Lake City, Capitol Reef Outfitters provides a convenient and thrilling way to add hands-on adventure to any Utah itinerary.
Adventure Tips & Safety
Know Your Limits on the UTV Trails
ATV and UTV terrains can be steep and uneven; follow your guide’s instructions carefully and communicate your comfort level.
essential PriorityBring Water and Sun Protection
The Utah desert can be unforgiving; carry plenty of sunscreen and water, even on short trips.
essential PriorityWear Layered Clothing
Temperatures can shift quickly in the high desert, so layers help keep you comfortable throughout your trip.
info PriorityRespect the Wildlife and Plantlife
Stay on designated trails and avoid disturbing native plants or animals to help preserve the fragile ecosystem.
warning PriorityRecommended Gear
Closed-Toe Sturdy Shoes
EssentialProtects your feet during ATV rides and provides good footing while fishing.
Best for: null
Sunscreen
EssentialIntense desert sun requires high SPF protection on exposed skin.
Best for: spring|summer|fall
Layered Clothing
EssentialKeeps you comfortable as temperatures swing between cool mornings and warm afternoons.
Best for: spring|fall|winter
Fishing Hat or Cap
Shields your face and eyes from glare while on the water.
Best for: summer|spring
Seasonal Guide
spring
Spring offers mild temperatures perfect for fishing fresh mountain lakes and quieter trails ideal for ATV rides, with blooming desert plants adding color.
Best For:
- fly fishing as waters warm
- cooler ATV rides
- wildflower spotting
Challenges:
- possible afternoon rains
- muddy trails early season
summer
Summer brings intense heat midday, making early and late trips best for comfort. Evening ATV tours provide stunning sunset views across the horizon.
Best For:
- early morning fishing
- late evening UTV tours
- sunset photography
Challenges:
- hot daytime temps
- high sun exposure
- smaller windows for fishing
fall
Fall cools the desert landscape, extending the time anglers can fish and making UTV tours more enjoyable with crisp air and vivid scenery.
Best For:
- cooler ride conditions
- colorful foliage on high ridges
- extended fishing windows
Challenges:
- variable weather
- shorter daylight hours
winter
Winter tours offer solitude and unique snowy desert landscapes, but require warm clothing and flexibility with weather conditions.
Best For:
- quiet solitude
- snow-capped landscapes views
- whitewater trout fishing
Challenges:
- cold temperatures
- possible snow or ice on trails
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior experience to join the fly fishing trips?
No prior fishing experience is required. Guides provide all the instruction and gear needed to fish comfortably.
Are the UTV tours suitable for children?
Yes, children as young as 7 have enjoyed these tours in two-seater UTVs with an experienced guide.
What is included in the ATV and UTV rental tours?
Tours include a guided route, safety instruction, and all necessary equipment including helmets.
Can I drive the UTV myself?
Yes, guests have the opportunity to drive under guide supervision. If preferred, the guide can drive while guests ride.
What kind of fish can I expect to catch on fly fishing trips?
Common catches include rainbow and tiger trout, often found in mountain lakes and streams around 8,000 feet elevation.
When is the best time of day for fly fishing or UTV riding?
Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light and cooler temperatures, especially in summer months.
Photography Tips
Best Photo Spots
- Golden hour at sunset
- Early morning light
- Late afternoon
Golden Hours
Red rock formations under changing lightTrout in crystal-clear watersExpansive desert skies and distant mountain ridges
Recommended Equipment
- Bentonite Hills ridges along the ATV trails
- Fishing spots along the mountain lakes around 8,000 feet
- Sunset overlooks visible near the UTV tour stops
Essential Information
Nearby City
Grand Junction, CO
Activity Details
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for average fitness levels; some physical endurance needed for handling ATV terrain and casting for fly fishing.
Technical Skills
- • Basic motor vehicle operation for UTV tours
- • No prior fishing experience necessary
Local Insights
History
Capitol Reef National Park preserves an area once inhabited by Native American Fremont culture and later Mormon settlers, with the park officially designated in 1971.
Hidden Gems
- •A quiet backcountry pond known for abundant trout just outside of main park trails
- •A scenic ridge overlooking the Bentonite Hills that offers panoramic sunset views without the crowds
Wildlife
- •Mule deer often spotted grazing near water
- •Golden eagles soaring above the canyons
Experience Level
moderate
Experience Needed: This natural landmark is recommended for those with some outdoor experience.