Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef is the least well-known of the “Mighty Five” national parks in Utah. Located in south-central Utah, it’s somewhat out of the way from many of the main tourist routes. Combining that with the fact that I visited in the middle of winter, I practically had the place to myself. Which was mostly good, except that meant the town of Torrey that I stayed in was pretty much closed. My first evening there, all the food places were closed by 6 and I had to buy a frozen meal at a gas station and use my room’s microwave. Not. Fun.

The park far exceeded my expectations, mainly because I had never heard anything about Capitol Reef other than what I found in my research. The park is mainly defined by the Waterpocket Fold, which is basically a really long (100ish miles) raised line through all of the park. This creates all kinds of arches, canyons, and other rock formations. The hiking opportunities are incredible here, with trail lengths and difficulties suitable from kids to serious hikers.

The real highlight of this park though, is Cathedral Valley. To start this 58 mile backcountry circuit, you must first ford a river. Check the river depth first…I fortunately had a 4Runner and the water level was at about 11 inches so I was able to cross no problem. It was a cool experience driving in the river, downriver, for about 100 feet before turning out. I didn’t see a single person in the 12ish hours I was back there, I had the single-track dirt road all to myself. Which was a good thing as I “raced” through here at about 15mph, leaping with joy and shouting my disbelief such a place exists.