The early pioneers found the 100 mile ridge called the Waterpocket Fold almost impassable.
These pioneers called such barriers reefs. Erosion of these reefs or ridges over a huge expanse of
time uncovered domes that look like capitol buildings. This gave rise to the name; Capitol
Reef National Park.
The most famous of these domes is called Capitol Dome, which can be seen rising high over
Hwy #24.
Capitol Dome.
Campground
As with campgrounds in most national parks, it is a good idea to arrive in the morning
in order to find yourself an empty site. Most days by late afternoon, the campground
at Fruita is full. There is only one campground inside the Park.
Capitol Reef Campground.
Exploring
There are two roads within Capitol Reef National Park to explore by car. They are
Highway #24 and Scenic Drive. Many of the fantastic features of the Park may be seen
along these two roads.
The Farm at Capitol Reef.
Scenic Drive.
Hiking.
If you like to hike, there are some very nice and not too strenuous trails inside the Park.
Grand Wash and the Cassidy Arch trails are two of these.
Cassidy Arch trail.
Grand Wash trail.
Shopping
Although there is some shopping in the nearby town of Torrey, we suggest that you arrive
at Capitol Reef Park fully stocked up for your stay. This part of Utah does not offer
too many fully stocked grocery stores.
