Utah Travel Guide 2008 - (Page 28) Capitol Reef National Park splashes color for 100 miles from its northern to southern boundaries. The central geologic feature, the Waterpocket Fold, is a bulging uplift of rainbow-hued sandstone “reefs” and canyons. Much of Capitol Reef is an inviting wilderness of sandstone formations such as Capitol Dome, Hickman Bridge, and Temple of the Sun and Moon in the backcountry of splendid Cathedral Valley. Rock art petroglyphs are abundant in the midst of Capitol Reef’s red rocks and tell the story of the early indigenous people, the Fremont Culture. Close by are the large orchards of Fruita, an early pioneer settlement – and now headquarters for the park – where a variety of fruit may be picked in season. The visitor center and campground are open year-round. Several easy hiking trails and a 25-mile scenic drive lead from its vicinity. Cathedral Valley and other backcountry areas are reached by traveling on high-clearance dirt roads. The park is 11 miles east of Torrey or 37 miles west of Hanksville on Hwy 24. Capitol Reef National Park, HC-70, Box15, Torrey, 84775, (435) 425-3791, www.nps.gov/care Land of the Sleeping Rainbow Large Photo: Panorama Point, Capitol Reef National Park – MARC MUENCH Small Photo: Historic Gifford barn in Fruita, Capitol Reef National Park – TOM TILL 28 U TA H Tr a v e l G u i d e http://www.nps.gov/care
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