Since we lived in Las Vegas for seven years, we had taken the opportunity to travel to Zion and Bryce National Parks, but we had not ventured further to complete the Mighty 5. Capitol Reef was recognized as a national park the year I was born, 1971. What makes this park unique is the geologic features such as the Waterpocket Fold, archeological evidence of native peoples, and remnants of early Mormon settlers. We allowed ourselves two days to explore the park, but like some of the other stops we have made, we could have taken a week.
Our first day was short so we drove through the historic Fruita District which was an area the Mormon settlers lived. A blacksmith shop, school house and a former homesteader house (Gifford House) still remains. Furthermore, the Mormons planted orchards of apple, peach, pear, apricot, plum and cherries. Many of these original orchards of over 2000 trees remain today and still receive water through the system the settlers constructed. If you arrive during the season, you can harvest from the orchards; some of which are rare breeds. Unfortunately, arriving in late October, the fruit was gone. However, if you can arrive at the Gifford House early enough in the day, you can experience fresh baked goods.
We opted for a hike to Hickman Bridge where we could see Capitol Dome (named for is resemblance of the U.S. Capitol) and could look down upon the Fruita District. We stopped at an overlook to view the Waterpocket Fold (a barrier of rock that hindered early travelers like a barrier “reef”. Combining these two geological features is how the park derived is name: Capitol Reef. We also stopped to view some of the Fremont petroglyphs found in the park that date to between 600 and 1300 A.D.
Hickman Bridge 
Fruita Valley
Our second day at Capitol Reef gave way to the eight mile scenic drive through the park, ending down the Capitol Gorge dirt road. This is the trailhead to the Golden Throne as well as into the gorge. Feeling a little more determined, I coaxed Al into hiking the Golden Throne Trail which is a strenuous two mile hike. The views from atop were outstanding and what a feeling of accomplishment. Returning, we wandered a short distance up the gorge trail to an area known as the Pioneer Register. Mormon settlers used this route and left their mark on the canyon walls.
Between the natural features and the history of the area, Capitol Reef is a fascinating place worth exploring and preserving.
Beautiful pictures
Thank you. This whole area is so awesome
Some of those places would be so neat if one could do some digging to find artifacts. Great pictures.
Doug & I recently watched a movie about how the Mormans used handcarts to travel across the United States to Zion, and all the hardships they endured. It was really nice seeing these pictures, and hearing some more information about their settlements, as the movie ended when they reached Zion. Thank you for posting these pictures.