Capitol Reef
Capitol Reef is a spectacular National Park located in southern Utah. It is not as well know as its neighbors (Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce and Zion) but is similar in many ways. It has desert mountains, slot canyons, arches and a fascinating rock formation called Waterpocket Fold which runs almost 100 miles from the southern edge of the park to the North. Wterpocket Fold is considered a geologic monocline or a wrinkle on the earth that was a difficult barrier for early settlers to cross.
On our first day we ran/hiked a slot canyon called Burro Wash. You can see a portion of Waterpocket Fold in the distance.
Burro Wash begins as a broad desert wash and then narrows into a challenging slot canyon.
The canyon begins to narrow and show deep cracks.
The canyon walls get steeper.
Lots of climbing techniques are required to navigate slot canyons. Stemming the canyon is the most popular way to get through sections too narrow to walk at the bottom.
Utah has been exceptionally dry this spring and we saw very few flowers.
This chockstone was particularly difficult to get past.
We camped at Thousand Lakes RV Park with about 30 other Airstream friends. There are no lakes anywhere near Thousand Lakes RV Park…
Within Capitol Reef is the tiny town of Fruita which was was settled by Mormans in the late 19th century. There are still fruit orchards along the Fremont river.
The next day we hiked up a mountain called Navajo Knob. Much of this hike traversed the top of Waterpocket Fold.
Walking along the top of the Waterpocket Fold.
Looking down on Chimney Rock.
Looking East from the top of Navajo Knob.
The third day we drove a large loop around Capitol Reef. The Burr Trail is a dirt road that crosses the Waterpocket Fold.
We ran some trails near the Southern part of the park.
The top of Waterpocket Fold is slickrock that continues forever.
Rich looking out from a viewpoint.
The final day we ran through the Grand Wash which is the most-popular canyon in the park.
From Grand Wash took another trail that led to Cassidy Arch.
Staci near the top of Cassidy Arch.
Much of the Cassidy Arch Trail was a beautiful for running.
