Capitol Reef - Our Favorite Wonderland

Wed 5/29 - Sun 6/2
Capitol Reef - Wonderland RV Park

In order to avoid a 10,000 ft  elevation pass and the associated snow, we drove from Bryce to Capitol Reef following the Sevier River and Hwy 22 toward Antimony. The valley, framed by snow-capped peaks, was lovely. We turned right at the Otter Creek Reservoir - a small state park, then headed toward Torrey following Hwy 62, then 24. This was a much quieter, more relaxing route than the more direct, snowy route over the mountains. 

In the early afternoon, we arrived at the Wonderland RV campground in Torry - a private RV park, since we had been unable to secure a campsite at Fruita in December, six months before.  Everything had been booked out and this was our next best choice. Our campsite was perfect - located right next to the "Sheep Camp" (an authentic old sheep tender's wagon) and our ranch view provided close encounters with the local cows and a family of ducks.

Sleepy cows

Our Sheep Camp

Capitol Reef continues to be one of our favorite parks. The uplifted sandstone rock, the multiple changing colors, the waterpocket fold, and the twisting canyons provide unlimited entertainment and hiking opportunities. Following is just a sampling of the places we visited and enjoyed the days we were there:  

The Gifford House Bakery and  Original Mormon Homestead

"Ole Timey" Treasures

Picnic area - We enjoyed the cherry pie from the Gifford House here

Fruita Campground fruit trees contrasted against the rock walls.

Hiking up to Navajo Knobs from the river - 9.5 RT miles.
Putting my new hip to the test!

Sandstone mushroom art - looks a bit like cow-pies!

Overhead View of the Fruita campground from the Navajo Knobs trail

Fantastical Formations

Trail view of water action on Sandstone

After the roads appeared to have dried out and the weather stabilized, we headed up to the Dixie National Forest and the Anasazi Museum and ruins to view their artifacts, then drove a portion of the Burr Trail road - which started just south of the museum and entered the Escalante Staircase park, then Capitol Reef. We were warned by the Park Service to avoid the non-paved portions traveling alongside the Waterpocket fold and along the cliffs. Sand and mud are extremely slippery when wet and the local rescue vehicles will not venture out to save a careless tourist that gets stuck. In addition, lack of cell service ensures that foolish adventurers have a true independent adventure in the wild. So we drove the canyon to the end of the pavement, then did a quick U-turn.

Burr Trail Rd South of Capitol Reef - part of the Escalante Staircase

Tall Canyon Walls

View out toward the Waterpocket Fold from Burr Trail

More Burr Trail Formations

Entrance to a slot canyon off the Burr Trail Rd.

Slot Canyon magic

Slot Canyon Grand Entrance & Exit

Tacos at the Anasazi Museum were a surprise treat! 
The owner was from Nevada City!

We could spend weeks exploring this fascinating area!

Our next destination was Blanding, Utah - which would provide easy access to the Canyonlands, Natural Bridges and Hovenweep parks. Because of overcrowding and excessive tourism in Arches we had decided to skip that park this year. We had camped there numerous times while we were young and when it was still a relatively new park and was virtually unknown, with few visitors. It is time for us to let the rest of the world to see it. Yes, we are a bit crowd-averse.