This is a full day’s scenic drive that can begin either in Torrey or Hanksville, depending on where you choose to overnight after visiting Capitol Reef.

From Torrey, follow UT‑24 east for approximately 75–80 miles to Hanksville, where it’s worth taking time to refuel and reset before continuing.

If starting in Hanksville, you’ll begin directly on the next phase of the route. From here, turn south onto UT‑95 and continue for roughly 120 miles to Blanding.

Early in the drive, an optional detour to Factory Butte offers a noticeable shift in terrain, while farther along, Hog Springs and Hite Overlook provide well-placed opportunities to pause.

As the road descends toward the Colorado River, the landscape transitions from open plateau into deeper canyon before widening again beyond.

For those with more time, a detour to Natural Bridges National Monument adds a different perspective and a closer look at the region’s geology.

Behunin Cabin

Located just east of the Fruita area, the Elijah Cutler Behunin Cabin is a small, well-preserved log structure set against the red rock backdrop of Capitol Reef. Built in 1883-84, it offers a quiet glimpse into the lives of early settlers who made use of the narrow, fertile corridor along the Fremont River. A brief roadside stop provides context to the human history of the area without requiring much time away from the drive.

Caineville

As you pass through the small town of Caineville, the landscape becomes more open and less defined. This is a quiet stretch with little in the way of services or places to stop. Most travelers continue through, using it as a reference point as the drive moves away from Capitol Reef and into a more remote part of the route.

Hanksville

As you enter Hanksville, pull off along the main road where services are clustered, including gas stations and Stan’s Burger Shack. This is a practical but enjoyable stop and an important checkpoint in the day’s route. Take a few minutes to refuel both the car and yourself, and check fuel levels carefully before continuing, as the next segment to Blanding along UT‑95 runs roughly 120 miles with very limited services. A quick milkshake or snack feels well-earned after the morning and early afternoon on the road, and it’s a good opportunity to stretch and reset. Hanksville is small and unpretentious, but it serves an important role as the last reliable service stop before entering a longer, more remote stretch of highway.

Hog Springs Rest Area

Continue on UT‑95 for about 20 miles south of Hanksville. Turn into the clearly marked Hog Springs Rest Area. This is a simple, functional stop, but a welcome one after the initial stretch of remote driving. A short break here allows you to reset—stretch your legs, take in the quiet, and prepare for the more dramatic scenery ahead. The setting is modest, with basic facilities and a few picnic tables, but the surrounding landscape remains expansive.

Colorado River Crossing at Hite

Continuing beyond the overlook, the road descends toward the Hite Crossing Bridge, where UT‑95 crosses the Colorado River. The bridge itself becomes the focal point here—a long, arching span set low within the canyon, placing you directly in the landscape rather than above it. This crossing marks an important transition point: the upstream reach of Lake Powell and the end of Cataract Canyon. It’s also one of the few places where you can cross the Colorado River by road in this part of Utah, with long distances to the nearest bridges in either direction.

Fry Canyon

Continue south and east on UT‑95 for approximately 50–60 miles toward Fry Canyon and beyond. This segment is best experienced from the road. The terrain transitions again, moving from deeper canyon formations into broader desert plateaus dotted with sparse vegetation. You may pass Fry Canyon, a quiet outpost with limited or closed services, reinforcing the sense of isolation. The drive remains steady, with long stretches between any signs of activity.