Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is a U.s. National Park which was established in 1971. 100 miles long and quite narrow, the park preserves about 378 square miles and is open year long, the busiest months being May through October. Since the park is located in southeastern Utah, the climate is usually good throughout the year.
During the 1920’s the area was called Wayne Wonderland by locals, and today it protects many exquisite canyons, buttes, monoliths and ridges colored by the natural yellows, oranges and rusts of the sandstone that these formations are made of. The area was actually named for a line of white domes and cliffs of Navajo Sandstone, which have the likeness of the Capitol Building of the United States. This area is both stunning and rugged, and is part of an area called Waterpocket Fold near the Fremont River.
Until 1962 this was considered a very remote area and was difficult to reach; however with the construction of Utah State Highway through the Fremont River Canyon beginning in 1962, access to this spectacular area became much easier.
The geography of Capitol Reef National Park dates back over 65 million years, when the continental plates in the area collided to create a wrinkle in the earth. This is most likely the same activity that helped create the Rocky Mountains. There is amazing history, geography, geology and archeology throughout the area, surrounded by the brilliant sandstone cliffs and layers of earth, as well as the white domes. The wrinkle, also called a fold, runs north to south and forms a barrier that is difficult to travel, even by the few paved roads.
The geology of the park is striking, and a must to explore. Many types of sandstone, including white sandstone, Navajo sandstone and entrada sandstone provide incredible colors and textures. The area also encompasses formations that have carved out rivers and streams, volcanic layers and fossils dating back millions of years.
The closest town to Capitol Reef National Park is the tiny town of Torrey, Utah, located about eight miles west of the Park off of Utah State Highway 24 in southeastern Utah. Motels are available. Some of the activities to enjoy in the park include hiking, horseback riding, driving tours and camping.
Utah's National Parks
During the 1920’s the area was called Wayne Wonderland by locals, and today it protects many exquisite canyons, buttes, monoliths and ridges colored by the natural yellows, oranges and rusts of the sandstone that these formations are made of. The area was actually named for a line of white domes and cliffs of Navajo Sandstone, which have the likeness of the Capitol Building of the United States. This area is both stunning and rugged, and is part of an area called Waterpocket Fold near the Fremont River.
Until 1962 this was considered a very remote area and was difficult to reach; however with the construction of Utah State Highway through the Fremont River Canyon beginning in 1962, access to this spectacular area became much easier.
The geography of Capitol Reef National Park dates back over 65 million years, when the continental plates in the area collided to create a wrinkle in the earth. This is most likely the same activity that helped create the Rocky Mountains. There is amazing history, geography, geology and archeology throughout the area, surrounded by the brilliant sandstone cliffs and layers of earth, as well as the white domes. The wrinkle, also called a fold, runs north to south and forms a barrier that is difficult to travel, even by the few paved roads.
The geology of the park is striking, and a must to explore. Many types of sandstone, including white sandstone, Navajo sandstone and entrada sandstone provide incredible colors and textures. The area also encompasses formations that have carved out rivers and streams, volcanic layers and fossils dating back millions of years.
The closest town to Capitol Reef National Park is the tiny town of Torrey, Utah, located about eight miles west of the Park off of Utah State Highway 24 in southeastern Utah. Motels are available. Some of the activities to enjoy in the park include hiking, horseback riding, driving tours and camping.
Utah's National Parks
