Black Canyon of the Gunnison to Capitol Reef: Road Trip Guide & Distance

190.8 miles 307.1 km · straight line
238.5 miles estimated 383.9 km · driving distance
4h 48min estimated drive time
$23 - $28 estimated fuel cost
~53min flight time
265° W bearing direction

How far is Black Canyon of the Gunnison from Capitol Reef?

The distance from Black Canyon of the Gunnison to Capitol Reef is 190.8 miles (307.1 km) as the crow flies. Capitol Reef is located W of Black Canyon of the Gunnison. By car, the driving distance is approximately 238.5 miles, taking about 4h 48min. A direct flight would take roughly 53min. Both are located in United States — Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Colorado and Capitol Reef in Utah.

For a drive of this length, it's recommended to plan at least one quick rest stop to stretch your legs and grab a coffee. Since you'll be heading mostly West, pack a good pair of sunglasses if you plan to drive during the late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun glare. Given the short distance, driving or taking a train is often faster and more convenient than dealing with airport security and flight boarding times.

Coordinates come from public place data for Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Capitol Reef. The driving distance is estimated from straight-line distance with a road-factor model, so confirm the route in your navigation app. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Black Canyon of the Gunnison to Capitol Reef

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 4h 48min $23 - $28 Flexible stops
Fly ~53min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~5h 46min $19–$36* Budget
Train ~4h 34min $29–$83* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Black Canyon of the Gunnison & Capitol Reef

Quick Facts

Black Canyon of the Gunnison
38.58°N, 107.74°W
America/Denver
2722m elevation
Capitol Reef
38.28°N, 111.25°W
America/Denver
1693m elevation
Explore more routes from Capitol Reef

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 64 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 16 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 130.5 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · Driving distance estimated using road factor coefficients