Drone Rules for Capitol Reef National Park

Name: Capitol Reef National Park
Address: Utah, USA, UT, US

Utah (UT) • United States

Utah, USA

Lat: 38.0877 • Lng: -111.135

Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026

Summary

Capitol Reef National Park prohibits all drone operations under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. The Waterpocket Fold monocline stretches 100 miles through the park, providing one of the most dramatic geological landscapes in the Southwest.

Drone Rules - Capitol Reef National Park

All drone operations are prohibited under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. No exceptions without a Special Use Permit from the park superintendent.

Airspace / Site Context

Remote Wayne County Utah; Richfield Airport (KRCX) lies ~50 miles SW
Park elevation 3,900-8,960 ft MSL; the Henry Mountains and Boulder Mountain flank the park
Waterpocket Fold 100-mile monocline is the primary geological feature
One of the least-visited but most geologically significant NPs in the Colorado Plateau

Key Rules

No drone launches or landings anywhere within park boundaries
Desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, and mountain lion populations are sensitive to air disturbance
Utah prairie dog (ESA delisted) colonies in open meadows
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument adjacent; BLM rules apply there

Source

NPS Capitol Reef: https://www.nps.gov/care

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Rule sources

https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/things-to-know.htm
https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/unmanned-aircraft.htm — NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 and 36 CFR § 1.5 prohibit all drone operations within Capitol Reef National Park. Wilderness Act absolute motorized ban adds additional restriction layer.
https://www.nps.gov/care

Parent Rule Pages

United States
Capitol Reef National Park