Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is an American national park in south-central Utah. The park is approximately 60 miles (97 km) long on its north–south axis and just 6 miles (9.7 km) wide on average. The park was established in 1971 to preserve 241,904 acres (377.98 sq mi; 97,895.08 ha; 978.95 km2) of desert landscape and is open all year, with May through September being the highest visitation months.
Partially in Wayne County, Utah, the area was originally named "Wayne Wonderland" in the 1920s by local boosters Ephraim P. Pectol and Joseph S. Hickman. Capitol Reef National Park was designated a national monument on August 2, 1937, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to protect the area's colorful canyons, ridges, buttes, and monoliths; however, it was not until 1950 that the area officially opened to the public. Road access was improved in 1962 with the construction of State Route 24 through the Fremont River Canyon.The majority of the nearly 100 mi (160 km) long up-thrust formation called the Waterpocket Fold—a rocky spine extending from Thousand Lake Mountain to Lake Powell—is preserved within the park. Capitol Reef is an especially rugged and spectacular segment of the Waterpocket Fold by the Fremont River. The park was named for its whitish Navajo Sandstone cliffs with dome formations—similar to the white domes often placed on capitol buildings—that run from the Fremont River to Pleasant Creek on the Waterpocket Fold. Locally, reef refers to any rocky barrier to land travel, just as ocean reefs are barriers to sea travel.
- 1 Geography
- 2 History
- 3 Climate
- 4 Geology
- 5 Visiting the park
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6
Activities
- 6.1 Hiking and backpacking
- 6.2 Auto touring
- 6.3 Camping
- 7 See also
- 8 References
- 9 External links
Links
Images Gallery
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Hickman Bridge
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Petroglyph in Capitol Gorge
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Navajo Dome formation
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Fruita School House
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Capitol Gorge
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Tower and rock layers at Capitol Reef
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Waterpocket Fold from the ISS
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The Golden Throne. Though Capitol Reef is famous for white domes of Navajo Sandstone, this dome's color is a result of a lingering section of yellow Carmel Formation carbonate, which has stained the underlying rock.
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Comments
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Underrated National Park. Believe me it’s worth the visit. Tons of hiking trails and boo docking spots. Don’t forget to visit fruta for fruit pucking when in season and taste their homemaker pies. 😊♥️
6 days ago -
This is my personal favorite of Utah's National Parks. The beauty of the landscape is unmatched. Cathedral Valley was a highlight of the trip. Unlike many other national parks, we had a lot of privacy. We only passed 1 or 2 other cars during our visit of the Temples of the Sun and Moon. There's many different hiking trails, most of which are relatively easy. I really enjoyed my experience and I'll be back soon!
a day ago -
This park is a true gem. Not as popular as Arches or Zion, therefore it is way less crowded. You can hike and explore the canyons without seeing anybody for hours, especially if you can do the more strenuous hikes. There's also an impressive dirt road at the end of the scenic route which feels like driving in the Slot Canyon! Incredibly unique experience! Highly recommend this park.
a month ago -
The drive to Capitol Reef from Bryce is very scenic! The park and its nearby area is filled with gorgeous red rock and sand mountains. Very cool canyon lookouts and hiking trails. We had tons of fun there! If you’re there, stay in Red Sands Hotel, very cool hotel with gorgeous views all around it!
a month ago -
Absolutely stunning! The mountains are beautiful and there is plenty of different levels of hiking areas all over. Definitely planning to return again and visit this beautiful national park.
4 weeks ago -
Mostly just drove through Capitol Reef National Park with a couple stops for photos. A very picturesque park and you need a couple days to explore it. However we did not have the time on this trip.
2 weeks ago -
Capital reef is the most enjoyable national park in Utah, super beautiful views and not as many people as other parks. Everything is spread out and you really have to explore. Tons of activities to do to fulfill your adventure spirit. Been many of times and still find places that I havent visited.
3 weeks ago -
It’s an awesome place to Visit. But the only concern is, I am not a hiking lover. It’s hard for me and my family. If you are a person like this, this isn’t a good place for you. You could visit some where else. We just spent a whole lot of time in our car.
2 weeks ago