We're in Heaven!

On Friday, May 9th, we snagged the "perfect" campsite in the Capitol Reef (Utah) Fruita campground and we ended up staying there for eight idyllic days! We hiked and explored daily and then in the afternoon, we would return to the lovely "green" garden where we camped.

Camping in a beautiful park of fruit and Cottonwood trees

Red rock contrasted against green trees, water and shade

An historic Mormon farm in the canyon

Deer rested here lazily in the late afternoon shade of the apricot trees

Prince's plume celebrates life!

Fuscia blooms on a prickly pear

Wildlife was abundant here - birds, turkeys, marmots, horses, lizards, ground squirrels, deer, and couger.  They clearly thrive in this rich environment. We saw all but the mountain lion daily.  And the wildflowers were in bloom - everywhere!  We saw scarlet penstemon, delicate primroses, globemallow, daisies, purple asters, prince's plume, and prickly pear cactus - all in bloom everywhere we walked - even the Cottonwood trees were sending their white cotton puffs out in the wind! There is space here for plants to grow and their color and texture is easier to appreciate, because of this separation.

On the human scale the immensity of the fold is difficult to imagine

These huge cliffs were uplifted as a result of the fold

Capitol Reef is famous for its Waterpocket Fold - or fold in the earth's crust which was caused millions of years ago when the two tectonic plates in North America collided and this area (originally on the coast of a great sea) was pushed up and folded back.  The water pockets in the folded sandstone (or petrified dunes) are the many holes that were formed by erosion where rainwater now collects.  Wildlife and small creatures depend on this resource in order to sustain life in this most challenging environment.

Our hike up the the Golden Throne - just don't look down!

On the second day there, we hiked up to the Golden Throne - a four mile hike up the rim from the Capitol Gorge canyon.  We had incredible views down to the canyon floor as well as views out across the park.  We could feel the temperature drop as storm clouds gathered on the horizon, so we quickly scurried back to camp.  It was cold that night.  The temperature dropped quickly from the mid-60's to near freezing, so we were happy we had a heater in the trailer. It snowed that night in Torrey and remained in the 30's the entire next day.

9600 foot pass after it snowed - Hwy 12

Aspen waiting for Spring warmth - not today!

Weren't these red cliffs yesterday?

Two days later, because there was still snow everywhere, but in the valley where we were camping (and because it was still in the 30-40's), we decided to take a scenic tour of the Escalante Staircase.  We drove out toward Torrey, then down Hwy 12 toward Boulder (Utah), visited the Anazasi Museum, then continued driving on the Burr Trail Rd. (an old cattle drive trail) through the Escalante Staircase (through Long Canyon) and back up through the eastern side of Capitol Reef.  Even though it was a dirt road for much of the way, the road was great.

A slot canyon along the Burr Trail Rd. 

Capitol Reef magic

Switchbacks down the Burr Trail - hikes!

Please; don't get too close to the edge!

Folds and water pockets

Snow remained on the ridge-tops for several days

How far in can we go?

Red tapestried walls contrasted with new growth

And - how did this happen?

So close; yet so far away! Mt. Henry (explored by John Wesley Powell) in the distance.

Nature's art!

Fire and ice juxtaposed

Escalante sandstone magic - twist and shout!

Our favorite hike in Capitol Reef was the nine mile RT hike from Hickman Bridge (off Hwy 24) up to the Rim Viewpoint on to the Navajo Knobs - a 2400 foot gain straight up from the main canyon floor.  We hiked along the ledges of the sandstone formations and when we reached the top of the knobs, we had a near 360 degree view and we rested at the highest point in the park.  A little too exciting?

Petrified sand - looks soft and wet, but it's not!

You could see forever and ever...yikes!

Do you have a squirrel suit?

Our little Casita has been a people-magnet...and we have met so many nice people, just because of this little trailer!  One night 16 other Casitas rolled into the Campground - they were having a rally - and we were treated as if we were "instant family."

We sadly left this beautiful park to continue on our journey and to get a good shower.  We stayed one night in Goblins State Park (of misbehaving boyscout leader fame), then two nights in a KOA in Arches (so we could do laundry and get the vehicles cleaned up).  Unfortunately, we'd been spoiled by Capitol Reef and no other park or campground could easily follow what was a paradise for us.

Goblins campground - where is the wildlife???

We're now heading for Mesa Verde, where we will meet up my sister and brother-in-law on May 23rd.  We are very much looking forward to seeing family, enjoying the fun of exploring this fascinating historical park, and celebrating being with our loved ones.