Capitol Reef National Park, Utah 1

(9/21) Our first look at the park

Why do they call this park "Capitol Reef"? Well, it protects a long north-south ridge that was an obstruction to westward traveling pioneers. They referred to any such obstruction as a "reef." A prominent rock formation here often weathers in the form of a white dome reminiscent of the Capitol dome. The ridge itself also has an odd name -- the "Waterpocket Fold." It is a 100-mile long fold in the Colorado Plateau where the normally level rock strata are pushed up on one side exposing a cross-section of rock types. The "waterpockets" are depressions in the sandstone that hold water after a rain. For us, the park provided an opportunity to enjoy beautiful landscapes and learn some geology.

The first day, we drove the Scenic Drive, without knowing much about the rocks we were seeing, and walked sections of two trails. The first trail was along the "Grand Wash," which is dry most of the time, but caries a lot of water after a deluge.

The second walk was along the "Capitol Gorge," a narrow passageway through the rocks that was once a pioneer road.

At lunch, we enjoyed a great ambience . . .

. . . as well as live entertainment (an Antelope Squirrel).

The Mormon settlers who once lived here grew fruit near the river. The park service still maintains the orchards and allows visitors to pick the fruit.