Planning your trip to Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

THE BEST WAY TO CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK, UTAH

From LAX, Delta, Southwest and American offer nonstop service to Salt Lake City, and Southwest, United and Delta offer connecting service (change of planes). Restricted round-trip fares begin at $414, including fees and taxes. United, American, Southwest and Frontier offer nonstop service to Denver; Southwest offers direct service (stop, no change of plane); and Southwest, US Airways, American, Delta and United offer connecting service. Restricted round-trip airfares begin at $312, including taxes and fees. US Airways, American, United and Delta offer connecting service to Grand Junction, Colo. Restricted round-trip airfares begin at $568, including taxes and fees.

If you don’t stop to stare at the scenery — but you most certainly will — then the park is a four-hour drive from Salt Lake City, six hours from Denver and three hours from Grand Junction.

You also can drive from L.A. and enjoy the scenery. Take Interstate15 past Las Vegas and overnight in St. George or Cedar City, Utah. Then take State Route 24 to Capitol Reef.

WHERE TO STAY

Capitol Reef National Park, https://www.capitol.reef.national-park.com. The Fruita Campground has sites for $10 a night on a first-come, first-served basis. Not far from the Capitol Reef visitor center is the restored Gifford farmhouse, where you can buy small seasonal berry pies. They are delicious, and a great way to start the day.

The nearby town of Torrey, Utah (www.torreyutah.com), has several decent motels in which you can stay.

Red Sands Hotel, 670 E. State Route 24, Torrey; (435) 425-3688, https://www.redsandshotel.com. From $88 a night, including continental breakfast.

Broken Spur Inn, 955 E. State Route 24, Torrey; (435) 425-3775, https://www.brokenspurinn.com. From $89 a night.

Thousand Lakes RV Park, Campground and Cabins; (800) 355-8995, https://www.thousandlakesrvpark.com

WHERE TO EAT

Cafe Diablo, 599 W. Main St., Torrey; (435) 425-3070. Very good Mexican food.

Slacker’s Burger Joint, 165 E. Main St., Torrey; (435) 425-3710. Excellent burgers and shakes.