Capitol Reef

(435) 425-3791, ext 4111

Location: HC-70, Box 15, Torrey, UT 84775

Capitol Reef National Park splashes color for 100 miles from its northern to southern boundaries. The central geologic feature, the Waterpocket Fold, is a bulging uplift of rainbow-hued sandstone "reefs" and canyons. Much of Capitol Reef is an inviting wilderness of sandstone formations such as Capitol Dome, Hickman Bridge and Temple of the Sun & Moon in the backcountry of splendid Cathedral Valley. Rock art petroglyphs are abundant in the midst of Capitol Reef's red rocks and tell the story of the early indigenous people, the Fremont Culture. Nestled in teh valley near the park headquarters are the large orchards of Fruita, an early pioneer settlement where a variety of fruit may be picked in season. Cathedral Valley and other backcountry areas are reached by traveling on high-clearance dirt roads. The park is 11 miles east of Torrey or 37 miles west of Hanksville on Highway 24.