The Capitol Reef Scenic Drive is an 8-mile paved road (one-way, with a return on the same road) running south from near the visitor centre into the canyon country of the Waterpocket Fold. A separate entry fee (beyond the park entrance fee) applies. The road passes through alternating layers of red, orange, and cream sandstone, narrowing as it descends into Capitol Gorge before ending at a turnaround point.
At the end of the paved section, a short unpaved road continues to Capitol Gorge — the original pioneer route through the reef, used until 1962. Walking into the gorge reveals pioneer inscriptions carved into the canyon walls (the "Pioneer Register"), natural water pockets in the slickrock, and narrows barely wide enough for a wagon. This side trip adds about an hour to the drive and is highly recommended.