"Capitol Reef National Park" Capitol Reef National Park by KimberlyAnn

Capitol Reef National Park Travel Guide: 200 reviews and 454 photos

Upper Cathedral Valley - Capitol Reef National Park

Capital Reef is named for its reef like cliffs, some of which are capped with white sandstone formations which reminded people of the U.S. Capitol. It was established to protect the spectacular Waterpocket Fold and the historical and cultural history of the area. The Waterpocket fold is a hundred miles of parallel ridges rising from the desert. This is a long wrinkle in the earth’s crust known as a monocline and it extends from the nearby Thousand Lakes Mountain to Lake Powell. The exposed edges of the Fold have eroded into slickrock wilderness of massive domes, cliffs, and a maze of twisting canyons. In Capital Reef along with the Waterpocket Fold you will find brightly colored cliffs that rise 1,000 feet, Pre Columbian Indian petroglyphs, orchards, the Fruita River, and the remains of the historical Fruita district that was settled by Mormon pioneers. Along with the parks paved roads there are miles of unpaved roads that lead into remote areas of the Waterpocked Fold Country. If you have a four wheel vehicle it will be of use in these areas of the park. This is a remote park, if you have to have great shopping, large grocery stores, and fancy restaurants, then this is not the park for you.

Apple Blossoms

If you visit in the spring, although you will miss the delicious fruit, you may be treated to the beauty of the orchard blossoms.

Pros and Cons

Pros:A park with interesting history, stunning geological vista, and the opportunity to pick fresh fruit when they are in season.
Cons:Summers can be very hot, with temperatures in the upper 90s. No food, gas, motels or hotels are located inside the park.
In a nutshell:A remote park with hiking, interesting drives, and historical value.

Last visit to Capitol Reef National Park: Jan 1999
Intro Updated May 7, 2007
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Reviews (13)

Waterpocket Area - Capitol Reef National Park

For Information Favorites (2)

Stop at the Visitor Center and look at the exhibit and watch the film. Rangers and volunteers are available to answer... more travel advice

Henry Mountains in the Waterpocket District - Capitol Reef National Park

When to Visit Favorites (2)

The main season is from May to September when special programs including guided walks, talks, and evening programs are... more travel advice

Hiking In Capitol Reef Sports & Outdoors (1)

There are a number of day hiking trails with trailheads located along Utah Highway 24 and the Scenic Drive. These trails... more travel advice

View From a Waterpocket Picnic Spot - Capitol Reef National Park

Waterpocket Fold Drive Off The Beaten Path (1)

This is a 125 mile drive, so plan a day for this activity. You will begin this drive with the Notom-Bullfrog Road. This... more travel advice

Comments (7)

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BruceDunning Jun 23, 2009 at 2:52 PM

The comments are simply great. I am to make a long trip-3 weeks to the parks in the area in Sept and this helps much. Thank you
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SLLiew Jun 6, 2008 at 1:27 PM

Another amazing National Park. Enjoyed reading the historic school and seeing the pics of the apple flower blossoms and rock carving too :)
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nickandchris Apr 20, 2008 at 11:32 AM

Superb tips and photos. Many thanks for sharing.
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KiKitC Jun 28, 2006 at 3:42 AM

Thanks for the fantastic tips. We're planning a trek out there, next vacation. I'll be visiting here often.
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deecat Sep 27, 2005 at 4:22 PM

Anne, your pages on Capitol Reef National Park is certainly star-worthy. Your details, descriptions, interesting and helpful tips, and wonderful photos make for excellent reading & viewing.
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Easty Oct 26, 2004 at 8:04 AM

Well Done Page!!! Lots of useful information.
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XenoHumph Sep 28, 2004 at 1:46 PM

Another great page! We drove briefly through the park and along water pocket fold drive. I want to go back!!!!