Redcliffs and Landscapes

Capitol Reef National Park can be described by its vibrant palette of red hues that are on display everywhere across the landscape in this part of Utah. This park consists of folded geological shapes, lifted rugged earth that was created millions of years ago.

The geological feature that defines Capitol Reef is a wrinkle in the earth’s crust that extends nearly 100 miles from Thousand Lake Mountain to Lake Powell. The Waterpocket Fold was created as a result of deposition, uplifting, and erosion of the rock layers. (Source: Capitol Reef info brochure)

Last Minute Road Trip
We made a last minute decision to take a road trip to visit another national park while on business travel in Utah. And wow; were we glad we did! The drive from Salt Lake City is over 400 miles round trip. As a result of being so far, it did make for a bit of a stressful experience. This also put us on a restricted time limit, because we had a flight scheduled to return home from Salt Lake City later on this day.

This national park did not disappoint with its towering cliffs, massive domes, arches and bridges; this bedrock of beauty was spectacular!

Abundant Life
As you peruse through the park, you might think there is no life here. But if you look closely, this place is home to over 100 species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish; 239 species of birds; over 900 species of plants; and 33 ecological systems. (Source: Capitol Reef Park brochure)

Highlights

Take a preview of these captions; they include some highlights and points of interest of the surrounding landscapes.

Chimney Rock

The Fluted Wall

Path to the historical petroglyphs area.

“…the light seems to flow or shine out of the rock rather than to be reflected from it.”-Clarence Dutton, geologist and early explorer of Capitol Reef, 1880s.

This is a mare sneak peek of what we saw here today. There is still much more to explore in this beautiful national park. If you’re an avid hiker, there is an abundance of trails. Here are a few more must-see points of interest:

Hiking:
Chimney Rock
Grand Wash
Cassidy Arch
Cohab Canyon
Scenic Drive
Hickman Bridge

More info below for your next visit:

Capitol Reef National Park
HC 70, Box 15
Torrey, UT 84775
435-425-3791
nps.gov/care

Want to see more of Utah?  Read about more Utah adventure here:
Zion National Park