Capitol Reef National Park is a U.S. national park located in south-central Utah, known for its dramatic geological features including the Waterpocket Fold—a nearly 100-mile long up-thrust formation. The park covers approximately 241,904 acres (about 978.95 square kilometers) and features colorful cliffs, domes resembling the United States Capitol building, canyons, arches, and historic orchards in the town of Fruita. It was originally designated a national monument in 1937 and later became a national park in 1971. The park is popular for hiking, scenic drives, and exploring petroglyphs and natural rock formations, with its peak visitation between May and September. Key highlights include the Scenic Drive, Hickman Bridge Trail, Cohab Canyon, and Grand Wash Trail.
Location and Geography
Capitol Reef National Park is in south-central Utah, extending about 60 miles north to south and around 6 to 10 miles wide. It protects part of the Waterpocket Fold, a large geological monocline formed by faulting and uplift about 65 million years ago. The park's unique landscape includes Navajo Sandstone cliffs and domes, formed by erosion and sedimentary layering.
History and Status
The area was first protected as a national monument in 1937 to conserve its striking geological features. It became a national park in 1971 after Congressional approval, motivated by the area's unique natural beauty and geologic significance. The name "Capitol Reef" refers to the white domes resembling the U.S. Capitol building and "reef," a term used locally for rocky barriers to travel.
Attractions and Activities
Visitors can enjoy scenic drives through the colorful rock formations, hiking trails of various difficulty levels, petroglyph panels related to the Fremont culture, and the historic Fruit orchards of Fruita. Popular trails include the Hickman Bridge Trail, Cohab Canyon Trail, and the Grand Wash Trail.
Additional Information
The park is open year-round, with the best visitation during late spring through summer. It is part of Utah's "Mighty Five" national parks and lies between other famous parks like Arches, Canyonlands, and Bryce Canyon. Access is primarily via State Route 24. This information gives a comprehensive overview of Capitol Reef National Park's location, geology, history, visitor activities, and natural beauty as a significant U.S. national park.
