Torrey, Utah: Capitol Reef National Park

The Capitol Reef referred to in "Capitol Reef National Park" was named after two of its geographic elements. The first are several rock monoliths that look very much like monuments in the US Capitol, right down to the white material. 

The second part of the name has to do with another geological feature of this area, which is a huge water pocket fold. It's a massive up swelling of the earth's crust that runs North & South for over 100 miles. This up swelling is so massive and so twisted that for many years it completely blocked the passage of early settlers and travelers headed West (or East). Sailors refer to such features in the ocean as a reef and that was the name applied here.

Put the two features together and you get Capitol Reef.

OK, not very exciting. The park itself however is a different story -- it is very exciting. We drove the 10 mile scenic drive located by the Visitor's Center, stopping at what used to be a small settlement specializing in fruit orchards, named appropriately enough Fruita. 

One of the farms & orchard has been turned into a display of life in the late 1800's and a campground. Mary Lynn and I sampled the homemade ice cream, fruit pies, caramel, strawberry preserves and blended honey which is is honey blended with raspberries -- apply to crusty bread and you are in heaven.

Once we had explored the farm we jumped back on the scenic drive, and at the end of the paved road there is a dirt road. 

Now the ideal way to explore most of Utah and it's incredible national and state parks is in a jeep or on ATV's. Our Honda CR-V is a great car however it's four-wheel drive system is intended for inclement weather, not off-roading. It does not have the ground clearance necessary for off road exploring. 

None the less, we decided to drive the gravel road through the canyon. Feeling like an real adventurer I drove our CR-V back through this canyon, surrounded by steep, rocky cliffs. I felt pretty good about how well the CR-V did until I arrived at the end of the road and found two rental RV's, several standard, non four wheel drive cars parked at the trail end, including a Lincoln Town car.

I mean, come on, who drives a big Lincoln Town car a few miles back on a dirt road? Oh well, the trip was incredible, especially the fact we were just a few feet from the base of these soring cliffs. There were plenty of massive boulders that had cleaved from the cliffs and landed on and right next to the road. Some of these boulders weighed over 100 tons - wow.

In any case, another beautiful day in yet another beautiful part of Utah. Tomorrow we head to Moab to spend time in Arches National Park -- I can't wait.

Se Ya!