Capitol Reef National Park

The last stop of our Utah trip was Capitol Reef National Park.  After Moab, we drove 2 hours and 15 minutes West to a small town called Torrey, Utah.  We stayed at the Capitol Reef Resort, located less than a mile from the park entrance.  The area is pretty remote, but the resort itself was nice and the rooms were a decent size.  We had a balcony over-looking the Red Rock Cliffs, it quickly become our favorite spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.  The best part of the resort (in my opinion) was the paddock full of horses on the property.  They offered guided horseback rides along the surrounding red rocks and desert terrain.  It was such a beautiful and unique experience.  Since that trip, horseback riding has become one of John and I's favorite ways to explore a new park.

The view from our balcony at Capitol Reef Resort.

Capitol Reef's major attractions include the Water Pocketfold and Fruita District.  Fruita was originally settled by Mormons around 1879.  The town was small, never consisting of more than ten families at a time.  Walking through Fruita today you can find an old barn, a restored schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop and the Gifford Farmhouse.  This area found along the Fremont River quickly became known for its numerous and plentiful orchards, as well.  Compared to the surrounding desert, Fruita was somewhat of an oasis.  Unfortunately, when John and I were there in August, most of the fruit was not yet ripe enough to be picked.  We did however make a stop at the Gifford Homestead, where we picked up two delicious fruit mini pies.  They were delicious!

Capitol Gorge

The Waterpocket Fold is a 75-million-year-old warp in the Earth's crust.  Our favorite hike in Capitol Reef was Capitol Gorge, and 2.5-mile hike on the bottom of a dried up creek bed, through a part of the Waterpocket Fold.  We were surrounded by two walls of rock, which really makes you feel like you're the only ones out there.  John and I actually ran into two big horn sheep as we turned a corner, but they were quick to disappear at the sight of us.  We also did a 2-mile hike to Hickman Bridge, a large natural sandstone arch.  It was worth it, but not quite as impressive compared to our recent visit to Arches National Park.  Lastly, I would definitely recommend taking the time to walk the Capitol Reef Petroglyphs Trailhead.  It is a short boardwalk trail that offers a close up view of ancient petroglyphs.

National Park Ratings
1.  Arches National Park
2.  Canyonlands National Park
3.  Shenandoah Valley National Park
4.  Capitol Reef National Park
5.  Mesa Verde National Park