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Capitol Reef National Park

Hwy 24, 10 miles (16 km) E of Torrey nps.gov/care

Located in the heart of red-rock country in south-central Utah, Capitol Reef National Park is filled with colorful cliffs, deep canyons, enormous domes, and hidden arches. A scenic drive runs past the main highlights, while hundreds of miles of trails lead into the backcountry of desert rock.

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t Sun setting over the red rocks of Capitol Reef National Park

Experience Southern Utah

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t Fremont petroglyph figures carved into sandstone

Around the turn of the 20th century, prospectors coming across the desert were forced to stop at the Waterpocket Fold, a vast 100-mile- (160-km-) long wall of rock that runs north–south through the desert. They likened it to an ocean reef and thought its round white domes resembled the nation’s Capitol Building, hence the park’s name. As the light changes through the day, the multicolored cliffs, buttes, and rock formations do indeed resemble a tropical reef. Among the sandstone landmarks that can be seen from Highway 24 that cuts across the park are the sculpted red tower of Chimney Rock and the massive white bulk of Capitol Dome. An 8-mile (13-km) scenic drive runs south from the visitor center to the towering cliffs of Capitol Gorge. Hiking trails in the Waterpocket District have fantastic views of Waterpocket Fold. Cathedral Valley, the rugged northern section of the park, holds numerous impres-sive desert landscapes and rock formations.

The park has a long record of human habitation, dating to the Fremont Culture. Named after the river, these people lived in the Capitol Reef area from around AD 300 to 1300. Their rock art can be seen along Highway 24, at Capitol Gorge, and in backcountry areas. The homestead of Mormon settlers who moved here in the late 19th century is now a museum.

Experience Southern Utah

Fruita Historic District

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In the 1880s, Mormon settlers moved into the isolated Fremont River valley. They planted thousands of apple, peach, plum, pear, and apricot trees, and also grew grapes, walnuts, and almonds, and consequently founded a village called Fruita. Today you can see the historic remains of the Fruita school-house, blacksmith shop, the Gifford House Store and Museum, and more than 22 orchards which are still thriving.

Exploring Capitol Reef National Park

Start by exploring the pioneer buildings of the Fruita Historic District, just beyond the visitor center. Past the Fruita Schoolhouse on Highway 24, a short trail leads to a wonderful group of Fremont petroglyphs carved into the rocks. The petroglyphs depict human figures often decorated with headdresses and jewelry, animal figures, and abstract designs. Nearby, the Hickman Bridge Trail leads past the ruins of a Fremont pit house and granary.

In Capitol Gorge, at the end of the Scenic Drive, a short walk brings you to the Pioneer Register, where early travelers marked their passage by carving their names and dates on the canyon walls. The Cathedral Valley Scenic Backway is an adventurous, off-road loop 58 miles (93 km) long, popular with mountain bikers and four-wheelers.

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t A hiker standing below Hickman Bridge, a large natural arch

Experience Southern Utah

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Did You Know?

The Hickman Bridge Trail is an easy 2-mile (3-km) round-trip hike .

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