Capitol Reef National Park

This is another one of this park that we had never heard of before beginning to plan this trip. Of the 5 parks in Utah we just weren’t sure that this one would be up to snuff. However, as it is a NP, we felt obligated to swing by…

And we were glad we did! Once again we were surrounded by an incredible demonstration of the power of erosion on a landscape. All around us there were cliffs, canyons, rock formations, ledges, colors, layers… we were unprepared for yet another amazing landscape that is beyond imagination.

With only an hour before sunset we chose to head straight to the Sunset Trail on the west side of the park. This trail leads to an overlook that gives a view of both of the canyons surrounding the trail. We arrived at the overlook just after the sun had set behind the hills to the west. After appreciating the panorama for a few minutes, we headed back to the car, wishing for more, but enjoying the incredible sunset that was forming over the hills. With night upon us we headed out of the park toward our next destination.

Personnel:
We didn’t meet any personnel at this park, so we assume they are all fine people who perform their jobs diligently.

Climate/weather:
The weather was good, warm enough when we arrived that we felt comfortable with a light jacket. There were some clouds on the horizon (which made the sunset so much better!) and as night fell the temperature quickly dropped.

Facilities/signage:
We didn’t use any of the park’s facilities, so no data to be had there. The entrance sign was smallish and seemed to actually be made out of a slab of rock, which was cool. The signs within the park were unremarkable, clear, and informative.

Hiking experience:
The trail we chose for our hike was only 0.4 miles long, but it was worth exploring! It wound its way along the top of the mesa, over to the edge of one canyon, and finally to the overlook point. The views on all sides from the trail were scenic, and the view from the overlook was spectacular! The trail itself was also interesting in its meandering course over, around, and through the mesa rock formations.

Driving experience:

The road passes through layered canyon walls capped by smooth erosion on top, set off by trees still in the proccess of transition to winter. The colors all mixed together drew our attention continually to our surroundings as we traveled through the park.

Camping options:
There are 3 campgrounds within the park, they are all first come first served fee campgrounds.

Hammockability:
It seemed like the park had potential for tree hammocking, but in the canyon areas where we were hiking we didn’t see any good options.

Scenery:
The scenery at this park was unexpectedly rewarding! Not only were the areas that we explored fantastic, it seems like there are many other locations in the park that would offer plenty to see and experience.

Nearby food:
We didn’t see any food options in the park, but to the west on hwy 24 there are several small towns nearby.

We were very surprised by this park! For being a lesser known park (at least of the Utah parks) it delivered beyond our expectations. We only spent a short time here, but that time was definitely enough to put this park on the (rapidly growing) must return to list. There is just so much more to see!

Next stop: Great Basin National Park in Nevada!