Capitol Reef National Park

Once called “Wayne Wonderland,” the Capitol Reef Natural Park is a 100-mile long, but narrow, area that encompasses the Waterpocket Fold in south-central Utah. The Waterpocket fold is a warp in the earth's crust, in which, over millions of years, new layers of earth folded, then eroded, creating what is today a beautiful display of colorful sandstone cliffs, white domes, canyons, gorges and monoliths, as well as exposed, multicolor layers of stone and earth. The area received this name because of its domes and cliffs' resemblance to the United States Capitol building, while “reef” implies the area is forbidding and difficult to travel.

History

Native Americans of the Fremont culture populated the area near the Fremont River in the northern part of the Capitol Reef Waterpocket Fold until the 13th century, when a long drought drove them away. Later on, the Paiutes arrived and settled here, but the area was never explored by the colonists until late 1800's. At this time, Mormons seeking to find natives and establish missions penetrated the area and established their location here. By the year 1920, no more than ten families lived in Fruita, the only surviving Mormon settlement. Later abandoned, some of the Fruita buildings were restored by the National Park Service. After decades of struggles to preserve the area into a national park, the Capitol Reef was established in 1971.

Activities

The Capitol Reef Natural Park still remains an unpopulated, rugged area. It is accessed through the 1962's State Route 24 that passes through the Fremont River Canyon near Fruita. The orchards originally planted by the Mormon pioneers still produce fruits that visitors can harvest for a small fee. Hiking, horseback riding and visiting the park by means of a driving tour are other activities permitted in the park. Mountain biking is, however, not allowed, and visitors need a permit in order to camp overnight within the park limits.

A rugged and spectacular area, the Capitol Reef National Park offer its visitors a view over a dramatic and unforgiving corner of nature, but also gives them moving hints of the human desire to conquer it.