Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Information and Map
Capitol Reef intrigued me. It’s a lesser known National Park, and an article on this beautifully desolate land is what first stirred my thoughts toward a western adventure with my kids in 2008. It would be the eastern edge of our driving loop, the point at which we would wistfully stare down the horizon, wishing for more time to explore it all.
The drive from the Escalante region on to our next night’s stay was less than an hour but Torrey, Utah would be a much better base camp for exploring Capitol Reef National Park.
The Lodge at Red River Ranch did not disappoint. Once we’d checked in though, we shot right back out for a peek at our next park. We needed dinner, but no one felt like sitting in a restaurant. Sub sandwiches were our compromise, and we enjoyed the traveler’s version of “dinner and a movie” as we drove into Capitol Reef.
We were too late for the visitors’ center that first afternoon but not for the sunset. Our slow drive through the fiery landscape was a remarkable introduction to Capitol Reef. Every turn revealed something newly spectacular:
Absurd rock formations that sat like installed art at the edges of the road. Majestic pillared cliffs tinged into life by the low glow of a hot sun. And an endless enticing horizon, vacant of people and things, that made us feel like the privileged last few walking an emptied earth…
Eventually, we made a reluctant turn back, intent on catching the sun’s final light at The Goosenecks Trail’s vista point. Once there, it was a short and easy ascent to yet another beautiful memory.
Far below the fenced viewpoint, Sulphur Creek had steadfastly searched out a path of least resistance and carved out its twisting course of “goosenecks” through shale, sand and limestones. The wind whipped aggressively through the open spaces as the sun sank lower and shadows grew.
Twisted junipers slipped into striking silhouette and the colors of the canyon below slipped through shades of warm before sliding toward inky blackness. We watched, and we waited. Reluctant to let it go but unable to hold it all except as a mind’s eye photograph.
Updated from September 23, 2008.
More album photos: Heather Dugan Creative on Facebook
Capitol Reef National Park: Visitor Information and Map
Capitol Reef National Park (Torrey, Utah) 378 miles of colorful canyons and ridges… Slot canyons, rock arches and monoliths Pick-your-own fruit (June – Oct) HC 70 Box 15; Torrey, UT 84775 435-425-3791 x 111 Park Website Park Hours: Open year-round; see website for details Entrance Fee: $3.00/individuals or $5.00/private vehicle Valid for 7 days. Annual pass available.
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