Capitol Reef National Park
The fifth of Utah's national parks, Capitol Reef features a 'waterpocket fold', a geologic monocline, with canyons, cliffs, and domes.
Contents
9 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Capitol Reef National Park
Welcome to Capitol Reef National Park, an extraordinary and frequently underrated treasure nestled deep in the center of southern Utah. Located geographically off the beaten path between the more heavily trafficked parks of Bryce…
Listen in the app2The Striking Profile of Chimney Rock
As you enter the park from the west along the Highway 24 corridor, one of the very first major points of interest to command your attention is the striking profile of Chimney Rock. Rising abruptly from the scrubby desert floor,…
Listen in the app3Voices from the Past: The Fremont Petroglyphs
Continuing eastward, we arrive at a location that profoundly shifts our focus from geological time to human history. Cut directly into the sheer, dark-red canyon walls alongside the road are the magnificent Fremont Petroglyphs. …
Listen in the app4The Ascent to Hickman Bridge
Our exploration now takes us onto the trail, specifically to the trailhead for Hickman Bridge, undoubtedly one of the most popular and rewarding hikes within Capitol Reef. The hike is a moderate, one point eight-mile round trip…
Listen in the app5The Verdant Oasis of Fruita
Turning south off the main highway, past the park's visitor center, we enter an area that feels completely incongruous with the harsh desert environment we have been exploring. This is the Fruita Historic District, a lush,…
Listen in the app6The Gifford Homestead and the Famous Pies
At the very heart of the Fruita Historic District sits a charming, rustic farmhouse that has become a mandatory pilgrimage site for anyone visiting Capitol Reef. This is the Gifford Homestead. …
Listen in the app7Into the Depths: The Scenic Drive and Capitol Gorge
Leaving the shade of the Fruita orchards behind, the journey continues southward along the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive. This eight-mile paved route follows the western edge of the Waterpocket Fold, offering a front-row seat to the…
Listen in the app8The Heights and Narrows of Grand Wash and Cassidy Arch
Returning up the scenic drive, we reach the turnoff for Grand Wash, a deep, winding canyon that serves as the access point for two of the park's most spectacular hiking experiences. The road into Grand Wash is a dirt track that…
Listen in the app9Closing
As our exploration of Capitol Reef National Park draws to a close, it is clear why those who take the time to delve deep into this landscape leave with a profound sense of reverence. This park is not merely a collection of pretty…
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What is Capitol Reef National Park?
Capitol Reef National Park is a place with 9 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Type | Activity |
|---|---|
| Story sections | 9 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 38.3147, -111.2625 |
| Last updated |