Leaving Bryce Canyon on Tuesday 25 March 2008, we headed towards Capitol Reef National Park. There were a few National Monuments / state parks we tentatively had on the 'may visit' list along the way. But in the end we by passed them for reasons including a lack of enthusiasm of staff in the visitor centres along the way. This was mostly because what was worth seeing involved walks a bit beyond the capability of the kids. However we still saw some impressive snow capped mountains, rock formations and colours along the way to our 3pm arrival at Capitol Reef. We also had the pleasure of a good espresso coffee at a cafe in Torrey where there was also some great photography for sale from one of the Backpacker magazine photographers (whose name I forget!)
Making the most of the day, we continued along Utah 24 and down the Scenic Drive, albeit after the obligatory stop and shop at the Park's visitors centre. Capitol Reef is less visited again and doesn't have the reputation of Zion and Bryce. However we really enjoyed our time there and were impressed with the range, diversity and intensity of the colours. The variety of rock formations and colours continued to amaze us throughout the Park.
Along with many photo stops along Scenic Drive, we also did short walks at Capitol Gorge and at Grand Wash. In addition to the rock formations, we also saw our first petroglyphs and pioneer markings (ie old 'I woz ere' scratchings in the rock as compared to the graffiti classification of contemporary equivalents). Knowing Butch Cassidy used to hole out in the area also added to the history. Both stops involved a couple of dirt tracks so we could pretend that having a 4x4 was warranted, despite the evidence of all the other cars there! It did result in the Durango getting mud splattered so it now looks the part ...
We finished Tuesday with the drive / walk into Sunset Point around 6.30 pm. Despite this being close to an hour before sunset, the light and colours were fantastic. Our room at the back of Best Western Capitol Reef even looked out over a red rock reef.
Wednesday 26 March 2008 concluded our sightseeing at Capitol Reef with the sights along Highway 24. First though we went back along Scenic Drive to Fruita where Donna checked out some quilting at Gifford Homestead and we saw a possum / racoon like animal we still haven't been able to identify on the roof of the old blacksmithing building. (Even the ranger at Grand Canyon couldn't identify it from our photo.)
First stop was at the Petroglyphs (ie carvings into the rock), rock art done by the Fremont Indians around 600 AD. Then down to Hickman Bridge where we walked most of the way up the mile long track to the natural bridge, amongst Kieren's grumbling about how hot and how long it was. Hence why we only walked far enough to see the arch rather than going right up to it! Last stop was at Behunin Cabin, a one room stone cabin on the side of the road which was originally home to a family of 10. although the girls slept outside in a wagon box and the boys in a rock alcove just near the cabin!
Photos here.
Malcolm
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