"An Eclectic Mix of Rock Formations" Top 5 Page for this destination Capitol Reef National Park by BruceDunning

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

Map of the Central Area Attractions - Capitol Reef National Park

Different Sedimentary Rocks

The park has a variety of rock formations that are distinctly unique from each other depending on the area you are in. A lot is the sedimentary rock for its loose layers of different colored rocks that are eroding. This park combines rock you would find in Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands to name a few for each of their distinct rocks and formations. The iron oxide caused the brown and red rock, and white is from limestone.
A large section of the park is called Waterpocket Fold, because one side has risen and the other still flat. This is called that name because so much of the park is in a preserved area, and the fold is a long narrow valley that goes for 100 miles. The total park length is about 125 miles. The park has nearly 250,000 acres

White Sandstone Monuments

White rock mountain eroding in place

The certain areas in the north part of the park is sandstone that is eroding. It was once desert sand. It is called Navajo formation, and over 1500 feet thick in certain areas.
The park is called Capitol because of the white domes of the Navajo sandstone looking like domes of buildings, and the reef name from the sheer walls that stop/slow up a person's difficulty to travel over or through them

Huge Rock Formations Jut out of the ground

Red/Black Sandstone Rock walls

The reddish brown rock is called shale, and it is in certain areas of the park. It was formed by silt/clay that ended up in lagoons that eventually rose up out of the ground form the Colorado Plateau upheaval-more than twenty plus years ago-like in millions actually

Pros and Cons

Pros:Wonderful views of differnt scenery all in one place
Cons:Too many people/tourists congregating in the middle areas
In a nutshell:A great place to see the varying wonders of Nature

Last visit to Capitol Reef National Park: Sep 2009
Intro Updated Dec 1, 2009
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Reviews (25)

Highway sign of watch out for deer-right side - Capitol Reef National Park

Deer-Animals on Road Warnings and Dangers (5)

There are open fence area all around here. So be aware of the deer and cattle that may stroll across the highway. more travel advice

Biker with all the Needs on Board - Capitol Reef National Park

Over The Road Biking Transportation (2)

I saw this biker about 4 times while I stopped off and then got back on Hwy 12-the scenic route. He was going 800 miles... more travel advice

Attire I had most days. - Capitol Reef National Park

Wear Protective Clothing- Warnings and Dangers (5)

It is advisable to have the right attire to hike and even walk around. A good brim hat, and cover for the arms, even... more travel advice

A big one in the wild - Capitol Reef National Park

Pit Toilets-A necessity with Caution Warnings and Dangers (5)

Watch where you feel you need to have some relief. The pit toilets are merely holes in the ground and they have not vent... more travel advice

Things to Do (11)
See All A couple of dogs
Off The Beaten Path (4)
See All Hidden Dinosaur Fossils

Comments (5)

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toonsarah Feb 7, 2011 at 9:27 AM

We enjoyed this park too on our visit many years ago but sadly didn't spend long enough here, so it's good to read more about it in your tips
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jumpingnorman Dec 2, 2009 at 4:31 PM

Wow, that really looks like a dog in the rock! Amazing rock formation and great hikes you had - you really did a good job on these pages, Bruce! Love the hoodoo's on horizon...and I'll look for that hidden dinosaur, hehe
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goodfish Nov 27, 2009 at 4:40 AM

We didn't get to this park on the last trip but your excellent tips has pushed it up a notch on the Wish List. Thanks, Bruce!!
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Kuznetsov_Sergey Nov 26, 2009 at 12:00 PM

Breathtaking mountain area! Thank you Bruce for sharing!
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richiecdisc Nov 7, 2009 at 3:15 AM

Good to hear you did some hiking here, Bruce. It was one of our favorite parks. Goblins was a great place to spend the night but glad you made it in even if briefly.