Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef is located in the red rock country of south-central Utah. We think its remoteness, rather than lack of beauty, is what makes it one of the least visited of Utah’s 5 National Parks. Several people have told us it’s their favorite in Utah (we struggle with ranking them but think it’s our second, behind Zion).

We scored a fantastic free boondocking spot on Beas Lewis Flat Road 10 miles west of the park’s entrance. We visited the 3rd week of September and had perfect weather temperature-wise, but were a bit too early because of a persistent monsoon season. Some roads were closed from a storm the weekend before we arrived and we also experienced a storm that turned our yard into sticky red mud.

Capitol Reef’s defining feature is the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile-long one-sided uplift of sedimentary rock that has eroded over time, showcasing all its colorful sandstone layers.

The Waterpocket Fold reminded early explorers of a barrier reef and the large white Navajo Sandstone domes reminded them of the capitol building, hence the name Capitol Reef.

The Fruita area is the easiest area to visit and the only one we were able to because of rain and also just a lack of time. Mormon settlers planted fruit trees in this desert oasis created by the Freemont River and the park continues to take care of the orchards today. We were hoping to be able to pick some fruit but the spring snow storms caused a very low yield this year.

A local bakery in nearby Torrey makes fruit pies that are sold at the Gifford House inside the park. We tried them all and are partial to the strawberry rhubarb!

Capitol Reef is a hiker’s dream. Also, we really did eat a ridiculous amount of pie so we needed to hike. There were plenty of short hikes with big view payoffs to do during the week, and we even have more left for our next visit.

On Saturday we hiked the longer more strenuous trail to Navajo Knobs.

Next up, we explore Arches and Canyonlands National Parks!