Hey you guys! Thanks for joining me on another journey. We are here at Capitol Reef National Park. This is our first time visiting this place, which is considered one of Utah’s Mighty Five national parks. The absolutely amazing beauty had us getting out of the rental car and taking photographs even before we were officially in the park proper. We discovered some really cool rock conglomerate that almost looked like rock candy. We liked it so much, we had to take some with, but figured we should ask the rangers at the Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center if they can be taken and what kind of rock it actually was. Upon arriving at the visitor center, Ranger Jamie gave it her best guess as to what the rock was–quartzite and sandstone–and then she helped us figure out which hikes we’d maybe want to go on, such as the Hickman Bridge Trail, Burr Trail, Goosenecks Overlook, Capitol Gorge Trail, Larb Hollow Overlook, Cassidy Arch, Grand Wash Trail, Cohab Canyon Trail, and Chimney Rock Trail. She also told us about the Fremont Petroglyphs and the Gifford Homestead, informing us that Capitol Reef is famous for “petroglyphs and pie”. We decided we definitely had to go partake of the freshly baked fruit pies. Ranger Jamie also set the record straight, saying that as long as we weren’t within the boundaries of the national park, we could take a couple of rocks–because it’s ok to do on BLM (Bureau Land Management) land. The petroglyphs were fascinating, as they brought the past right to us in the present. We met a group where kids were having more fun looking for pennies and other treasure underneath the boardwalk; that was funny. Afterwards we embarked on the Hickman Bridge Trail. What an awesome hike! The varying scenery gave us spectacular views of the Capitol Dome and even walking under and around a baby arch. Hickman Bridge was a unique arch, and from the other side, it actually camouflaged into its surroundings. We then took a drive on Grand Wash Road. It’s so amazing that this national park tries to leave so much of its territory more natural & rugged. It was incredible to be able to experience Capitol Reef National Park from down among the red rock cliffs and giant geological formations. We had so much fun with the echo while we had the canyon practically all to ourselves. Near the historic Mormon town Fruita, we found some cool old wagons that had likely been sitting in that area for hundreds of years. That’s also where they grow the fruit they use for their famous pies that were quite delicious, by the way! We also drove to view the Waterpocket Fold, which is a formidable canyon that stretches for 90 miles. Most of it is inaccessible to vehicles and unexplored by humans. We firmly believe that even though Capitol Reef National Park is the least known of Utah’s national park jewels, it is certainly a geological marvel in terms of the scale of its features!
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