Capitol Reef to Carlsbad Caverns: Road Trip Guide & Distance

567.4 miles 913.1 km · straight line
680.8 miles estimated 1095.7 km · driving distance
13h 42min estimated drive time
$66 - $81 estimated fuel cost
~1h 38min flight time
136° SE bearing direction

How far is Capitol Reef from Carlsbad Caverns?

The distance from Capitol Reef to Carlsbad Caverns is 567.4 miles (913.1 km) as the crow flies. Carlsbad Caverns is located SE of Capitol Reef. By car, the driving distance is approximately 680.8 miles, taking about 13h 42min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 38min. Both are located in United States — Capitol Reef in Utah and Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico.

This is a serious multi-day road trip! We strongly recommend breaking this journey up with an overnight stay to ensure you arrive safely and refreshed. Heading East means you'll be driving into the sunrise if you start early. Keep your windshield clean for the best visibility.

Coordinates come from public place data for Capitol Reef and Carlsbad Caverns. 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 Capitol Reef to Carlsbad Caverns

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 13h 42min $66 - $81 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 38min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~16h 26min $54–$102* Budget
Train ~17h 49min $82–$238* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Capitol Reef & Carlsbad Caverns

Quick Facts

Capitol Reef
38.28°N, 111.25°W
America/Denver
1693m elevation
Carlsbad Caverns
32.15°N, 104.56°W
America/Denver
1340m elevation
Explore more routes from Carlsbad Caverns

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 189 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 47 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 43.9 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · Driving distance estimated using road factor coefficients