Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park is located in the southern part of central Utah.  The park covers 377.91 square miles (978.8 sq km) of pristine wilderness adding to the stunning protected areas of the state.  It stretches about 60 miles (97 km) in length while only being about 6 miles (9.7 km) deep.

Capitol Reef is probably closest to Bryce Canyon National Park; however, Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park are situated just to the east while Zion National Park sits a little further to the west.  It is kind of hard to find a better collection of national parks anywhere in the United States.

Capitol Reef is renowned for the strikingly colorful buttes, canyons, monoliths, ridges, and other complementary rock formations.  The heart of the park features Waterpocket Fold which is a collection of geological rock formations stretching from Lake Powell to Thousand Lake Mountain.

Along with the rock strata folds, the park is comprised of other geological fascinations that include arches, canyons, cliffs, domes, and towers.

The easiest way for anyone to experience much of what the park has to offer is through the scenic drive along State Route 24.  This drive follows the Fremont River and through the canyon, and for all practical purposes is the only road navigating the wilderness.  All other exploration has to be done on foot, ATV, or bikes.

The park is also known for the Navajo sandstone cliffs that appear like white domes.  The name of the park was derived from these geological features.  They are similar to the white cliffs of Bryce Canyon National Park.

The park is a pristine wilderness and home to wildlife that is similar to neighboring national parks of Utah.  Hopeful sightings include black bear, mule deer, pronghorn, badger, coyote, fox, and bobcat.  The golden eagle and bald eagle are two of the two hundred plus species of birds.