The rainbow-colored layers of rock and incredible formations in Utah’s Capitol Reef National Park make this national park a worthwhile stop for anyone exploring Utah. Amazing scenery and the opportunity for excellent hiking further provide opportunity for adventure, and the remnants of history – petroglyphs and the remnants of prehistoric Fremont people, a schoolhouse, and other small uranium mines from the 20th century.
While our family only spent one day in Capitol Reef National Park, located about 2 1/2 hours from Bryce Canyon, and 2 1/2 hours from Canyonlands National Park, it was definitely a worthwhile stop. Our family intends to return at some point in order to soak up more of the goodness we saw there, even though our first trip did not allow for a longer stay.
On our day in Capitol Reef National Park, we arrived at the Visitor Center after enjoying a GORGEOUS drive on Highway 12 from Bryce, watching the landscape change before our eyes. The air was chilly, even in the summertime, and the landscape surprisingly wooded, with a backdrop of incredible rock formations right and left. We stopped at several scenic overlooks along the way to take in the view, with the kids only selecting to disembark at a few of them. On our Road Trip, we had very quickly learned that a vista is a vista is a vista in many cases for them, so we were even more discerning about what overlooks were most “worth the effort.”
While our family only spent one day in Capitol Reef National Park, located about 2 1/2 hours from Bryce Canyon, and 2 1/2 hours from Canyonlands National Park, it was definitely a worthwhile stop. Our family intends to return at some point in order to soak up more of the goodness we saw there, even though our first trip did not allow for a longer stay.
On our day in Capitol Reef National Park, we arrived at the Visitor Center after enjoying a GORGEOUS drive on Highway 12 from Bryce, watching the landscape change before our eyes. The air was chilly, even in the summertime, and the landscape surprisingly wooded, with a backdrop of incredible rock formations right and left. We stopped at several scenic overlooks along the way to take in the view, with the kids only selecting to disembark at a few of them. On our Road Trip, we had very quickly learned that a vista is a vista is a vista in many cases for them, so we were even more discerning about what overlooks were most “worth the effort.”
At the Visitor Center, we viewed a film on Capitol Reef National Park, and the kids received their Junior Ranger Books and requirements. We knew we did not have a ton of time to waste, so we headed out immediately for a hike to really get a taste of the park.
Our hike led us to a destination called Hickman Bridge, a natural rock bridge. The trail had a steady climb initially, but leveled off at the top a bit before finally reaching the Bridge, as well as providing some pretty gorgeous views as we began to loop back to “Thor,” the endearing name for our rented RV.
We had a lovely day exploring Capitol Reef, and can see why this Utah gem is so special. We cannot wait for a return to explore more of this incredible park.
At the Visitor Center, we viewed a film on Capitol Reef National Park, and the kids received their Junior Ranger Books and requirements. We knew we did not have a ton of time to waste, so we headed out immediately for a hike to really get a taste of the park.
Our hike led us to a destination called Hickman Bridge, a natural rock bridge. The trail had a steady climb initially, but leveled off at the top a bit before finally reaching the Bridge, as well as providing some pretty gorgeous views as we began to loop back to “Thor,” the endearing name for our rented RV.
We had a lovely day exploring Capitol Reef, and can see why this Utah gem is so special. We cannot wait for a return to explore more of this incredible park.
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