Our glorious joyride could not go one forever so we knew today was the final leg to Natural Bridges to live for the next few months. Though our plan was to head directly there just a couple of miles down the road we were taken aback by the immense beauty of Capitol Reef National Park.
Soon we were slowing down, getting out of the car, taking pictures and heading to the visitor center. We were going on dirt by ways to witness the massive boulders and strange rock formations that populate this magnificent tract of land. It was stunning.
The park is filled with brilliantly colored sandstone cliffs, gleaming white domes, and contrasting layers of stone and earth. From the paved scenic drive, a twisting dirt spur road took us into Grand Wash. Along the trail we saw Cassidy Arch named for infamous outlaw Butch Cassidy who allegely hid out in Grand Wash on more than one occasion.
The end of the paved road marks the end of the Scenic Drive, but an unpaved spur continues for a few miles and provides access into Capitol Gorge. By hiking a short distance into Capitol Gorge, you can see a panel of petroglyph rock art created by ancient Fremont people.
On the way back we stopped at the historic fruit orchards that were first cultivated by pioneers in the late 1800s. The Historic Gifford Homestead, located along the Scenic Drive, is a typical rural Utah farm-houses of the early 1900s and is open during the summer season.
We were sad we had to move on but content that there would be more beautiful sites along the way. Please leave your comments below.
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Trish,
absolutely amazing photography! I love the beaches and warm weather here in Florida but it’s all flat and not too scenic, really. Thanks for reminding me of the beauty of nature and the natural resources we have here in the United States.
Hope you enjoyed your trip!
~ Jupiter Jim
Hi Jim
I am actually here in Florida as well. I agree while it is beautiful there is nothing like the variety of Utah. Deserts, waterfalls, mountains, hoodoos, arches. I can’t wait to go back west someday!
Hi Trish,
These pictures are gorgeous!
I live in Europe and never have I see such a magnificent colors, landscape and shine of the red stones!
Thanks for sharing these fotos with us and remind us to spend more time with mother nature!
Thanks Patricia. You will have to come out and visit sometime. It is truly amazing beyond words!
Wow, I just love those pictures!
I am an outdoor person who loves nature and those pictures are just gorgeous. They remind me some of the pictures I took years ago in Death Valley and Yosemite Park.
Thanks for sharing the beauty 🙂
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Thanks! I haven’t made it to Death Valley or Yosemite. I was offered a volunteer park ranger positons but both parks but choose Natural Bridges because they offered housing.
Wonderful photography Trish, I’ve been through Salt Lake on my way to Vancouver, and was definitely awed by how majestic the landscape was. Inspiring place. Inspiring photos Trish, thank you.
Chris
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Thanks Chris. I haven’t made it to the Northern Utah but maybe for my next trip…