Capitol Reef National Park is in Utah’s south-central desert. It surrounds a long wrinkle in the earth known as the Waterpocket Fold, with layers of golden sandstone, canyons and striking rock formations. Among the park’s sights are the Chimney Rock pillar, the Hickman Bridge arch, and Capitol Reef, known for its white sandstone domes. In the north are the towering monoliths of Cathedral Valley.

The stunning Capitol Reef NP occupies Utah’s south-central desert. Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden treasure (I am yet to find a friend who knows where it is) filled with cliffs, canyons, domes, and bridges in the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline (a wrinkle on the earth) extending almost 100 miles.

As soon as I arrived, I hiked to the Cassidy Arch then continued on the Frying Pan to Cohab Canyon, then over to Hickman Bridge and then back through Cohab Canyon, over the Frying Pan trail, back passed Cassidy Arch. Absolutely stunning rock formations with colors that alter every few seconds, expansive constantly-changing views, ridge-top panoramas, even some short slot canyons. Highly recommend this trail combination.

I then hiked the Grand Wash, a gorgeous deep canyon with narrows and spur trails. Also highly recommend.

I slept in the Capitol Reef Lodge in Torrey: super friendly staff and beautiful views from the rooms. I would have camped but it was cold and I was in need of a shower. I had hiked good 15 miles after all.

The next day, I hiked Rim Overlook trail then continued on Navajo Knobs. Views, views, views. 360 panoramas, great views of the Waterpocket Fold… I hung out on top of a knob for a good hour and a half. Then returned. I then hiked the Capitol Gorge to learn about the area’s history. Then, I hiked – really played around – the Cohab Canyon again. And then Grand Wash again. I just loved both so much!

I got up in the morning to a sight of deep snow. I cleaned my new car of 1.5 foot of snow and continued on to the Southern end of the Escalante/