Capitol Reef National Park
Exploring the Rugged Landscapes and Trails of Capitol Reef National Park
USA
If you like venturing off the beaten path and exploring trails that are rugged, natural with loose rocks everywhere, then Capitol Reef National Park is for you. Capitol Reef is not one of those perfectly manicured national parks, it is raw and does not have paved roads or clear signage on some of the popular trails. We met many people while hiking on the trails that were not sure as to where the trail began or if they were on the right path. So make sure you are prepared before visiting.
We spent one and a half days at Capitol Reef. The first day we hiked the Hickman Bridge Trail, which was a 2.7 km hike with an elevation gain of 127 m. The trail led to the Hickman Natural Bridge, which is a 38 m natural bridge spans 40 m, which makes it one of the largest rock spans in the park.
As you hike back down the trail from the arch you are also treated to views all along the cliff edge where you can look back down the valley and towards Cassidy Arch.
After the hike, we explored the Fruita Historic District at the heart of Capitol Reef. We stopped at the Gifford Homestead where a few deer were hanging out in a grassy field. We then drove just down the road and picked some apples in one of the orchards and paid at their collection box at the parking lot.
The orchards contain approximately 1,900 trees, which were planted by the pioneer community of Fruita settled in 1880. Depending on the season, you may be able to pick a variety of fruits including apples, apricots, cherries, peaches, pears, and plums.
It was a relatively easy trail but also quite exposed. Once you get close to the arch feature the trail turns into a one way loop for you to walk through and behind the Hickman Bridge.
On our second day in the park we completed the Cassidy Arch Trail. This is a 5 km hike with an elevation gain of 209 m. This is a popular hike with gorgeous views of the surrounding area. When we arrived the small parking lot had just filled up and so we parked on the side of the dirt road. When we returned the road was full of vehicles, so arrive early if you can.
Cassidy Arch is a massive arch that you can stand on top of. The surrounding views of the valley and red rock formations are spectacular. You start the trail in the Capitol Gorge trail and then at the Cassidy Arch sign you turn left up the gorge wall to make your way towards Cassidy Arch. The trail was well marked until near the end where the entire trail was slickrock and only a few cairns (rock piles) lead the way.
Just past the viewpoint of Cassidy Arch there is a shaded area that we had a light lunch. Aliya also got into the climbing and exploring of a couple of unique alcoves carved into the rock.
This park's majestic red rock formations, breathtaking landscapes, and backcountry feel were a great unique experience. The memories and experiences we gained during our time at Capitol Reef will forever hold a special place in my heart. Happy exploring!
For thousands of years, people have called this verdant valley home and for our last stop in the park we explored the Petroglyph Panel where previous people had left their marks. The petroglyphs are along Utah State Route 24 and accessible by two wooden boardwalks. With the help of a pair of binoculars, we spotted some large human-like petroglyphs, as well as bighorn sheep petroglyphs, and other animals and geometric designs.
Some of these petroglyphs were remarkably high up on a cliff wall, it was mind-boggling how they climbed up there. Aliya was also in a climbing mood and enjoyed walking around the edge of the boardwalk and seeing the petroglyphs from an upside-down orientation.
On our way out of the park we drove up a dirt road to stop at Goosenecks Overlook and from the same parking lot hiked over to Sunset Point. Stunning views all around!
If you like venturing off the beaten path and exploring trails that are rugged, natural with loose rocks everywhere, then Capitol Reef National Park is for you. Capitol Reef is not one of those perfectly manicured national parks, it is raw and does not have paved roads or clear signage on some of the popular trails. We met many people while hiking on the trails that were not sure as to where the trail began or if they were on the right path. So make sure you are prepared before visiting.
We spent one and a half days at Capitol Reef. The first day we hiked the Hickman Bridge Trail, which was a 2.7 km hike with an elevation gain of 127 m. The trail led to the Hickman Natural Bridge, which is a 38 m natural bridge spans 40 m, which makes it one of the largest rock spans in the park.
