We never planned to go to Capitol Reef. It wasn't on our itinerary and we never mentioned going there to our families. So when we lost phone service during that two hour drive it means we lost our chance to let anyone know which will come into play later. Entering the park we were all smiles. We had checked off another box on the bucket list by making it to another one of Utah's National Parks while inching closer to our next destination at the same time. Capitol Reef is completely free for patrons to come through 24/7. Attractions here are abundant and well marked. Driving around though, we could see the white sandstone domes that look like the U.S. capitol building that gave this place it's name. We didn't have a full day here, so we stuck to the highlights. Highlights•Twin Rocks - Fraternal twin rocks balancing together alongside the main road. No trail needed. •Chimney Rock - a trail exists here, but you can get great photos and views from the lot as well •Fruita's Jackson Orchard - part of the Fruita Rural Historic Landscape listed on the National Register of Historic Places after the land was bought up little by little federally. Pick delicious apples off the trees they grow from for $2/lb. or just snag a ripe one with a provided apple picker tool and sample it free. Leave a tip! This was seriously the coolest thing about this park. The only fruit in season were these delicious yellow crisp apples. We were glad for the experience! There are tons of small orchards along the main road and when the gate is unlocked, the fruit is in season (still best to double check). •Hickman Natural Bridge - hike a quick couple miles to a big arch. This was the first one of these natural wonders we got to see and it was the perfect one to get us started. HUGE! •Petroglyphs - Park in the lot and walk along the canyon wall on a man made bridge and see how many of them you can find. Some are easier to spot than others. Now since we already threw $20.00 down the drain at Bryce, we decided to try the free camping outside the park. We know we're lucky to have found camping inside the parks everywhere, there were open spots here as well, but I'm glad we passed on it. There is BLM (Bureau of a Land Management) land on both ends of Capitol Reef and all of it is completely free. We picked a spot on a hill at the east side exit. There are small rock piles for a fire to help indicate a designated area. GPS: 38.277878, -111.130745 We were rewarded with 360° views of the hills and canyon and mountains beyond. The sun was beginning to set and everything around us changed to hues of purple and blue and left the clouds a coral pink color. We set up our MoonLence chairs (compare these to the Helinox brand's Big Agnes and you'll be happy you didn't splurge that much for a portable camping chair - Shout out to Kirby for this excellent birthday gift!) and boiled some water to rehydrate our packaged noodles and cabbage for a pad thai meal (thanks Annie Chung). As the sun disappeared we began to realize how alone we were out there. No headlights in the horizon, no highway sounds, no town nearby for miles and no phone service- it was just me and Tate. So as we are staring up at the first stars of the night this realization is setting in and how stupid we are for forgetting our own rule. Always let someone know where you are or where you're going. I listen to too many crime podcasts to have forgotten this simple rule! We pushed it out of our minds and set up our bed for sleep. When the stars were out completely, we crept out of the car for an hour of stargazing in one of the most remote areas of the U.S., where the stars shine brightest. What did we learn? NEVER change your plans without letting someone that cares about you know!
Obviously we are okay, but it's still important! Learn some more about Capitol Reef here. It's great article that talks about CR's Waterpocket Fold and all the history behind the Mormon's, the government and the geology of this super cool place.
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AuthorReesa Faris ArchivesCategories |