A 58-acre high-desert resort in Torrey featuring traditional lodge rooms, standalone cabins, and seasonal glamping in Conestoga wagons and teepees.
Capitol Reef Resort sits on a 58-acre property along Scenic Highway 24 in Torrey, Utah, just over one mile from the entrance to Capitol Reef National Park. Originally opened in the 1980s as a straightforward roadside motel, the resort has evolved under owner Jeremy "Jerry" Johnson into a sprawling basecamp that blends traditional hotel lodging with high-desert glamping. The property is framed by the massive red sandstone cliffs that characterize the region, offering immediate visual immersion into the landscape of the Waterpocket Fold. Accommodation choices here are highly varied, ranging from standard lodge rooms to standalone cabins, seasonal teepees, and custom-built Conestoga wagons. This mix of lodging styles caters to travelers seeking either the familiar comforts of a modern hotel or a more rustic, frontier-inspired experience under the desert sky.
The resort features 98 traditional guestrooms and suites, including those in the dedicated View building, which are designed with private balconies oriented toward the surrounding red rocks. For more privacy, 22 standalone cabins offer spacious layouts that accommodate up to six guests, complete with private verandas, Adirondack chairs, and, in select configurations like the King Cabin Loft, kitchenettes and elevated loft spaces. The glamping options, available from mid-May through mid-October, include nine 250-square-foot teepees and 18 luxury Conestoga wagons. The teepees feature king beds, sitting areas, televisions, and private bathrooms located just steps away. The water-resistant Conestoga wagons, modeled on 19th-century designs, sleep up to six guests with a king bed and twin bunk beds, utilizing modern climate control instead of televisions to preserve a rustic atmosphere, with dedicated private bathrooms assigned to each wagon.
Beyond lodging, the resort serves as an active hub for exploration with a variety of on-site amenities and guided excursions. Guests can dine at the Pioneer Kitchen, the resort's full-service restaurant that serves hearty breakfast and dinner menus with views of the cliffs. Recreational facilities include a seasonal heated outdoor pool, a year-round hot tub, a fitness center, and nightly fire pits where guests can roast s'mores using kits purchased from the gift shop. The resort also operates its own adventure outpost, allowing visitors to book guided trail rides on horseback, jeep safaris, or unique day hikes accompanied by friendly pack llamas. Because Torrey is a certified International Dark Sky Community, the property provides an exceptional vantage point for stargazing once the sun dips below the red rock horizon.
If you want to stay in the Conestoga wagons or teepees, book several months in advance as these seasonal options sell out quickly for the mid-May to mid-October window. Also, make sure to reserve your guided llama trek or horseback ride directly through the resort's adventure desk when you book your room.
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