Established in 1971, this 378 square mile park surrounds the area known as the Waterpocket Fold. During the last half of the 1870s, the town of Junction was established at the confluence of the Freemont river and Sulphur creek. The Morman settlers planted orchards in the sheltered canyon and survived by the barter system. In 1902 the towns name was changed to Fruita. The National Park Service eventually purchased Fruita and now preserves the orchards and remaining buildings as historical.
Several orchards grow in this valley.
The Park Service also preserves the history of a prior civilisation in the form of petroglyphs.
These photographs have been edited to enhance the petroglyphs.
The campground at Capital Reef National Park is surrounded by orchards.
Trailhead above the campground. This trail goes down through this canyon for about 10 miles. No, I did not hike it.
The campground here was typical of national park campgrounds with no hookups, available water, and restrooms. The road, however, was paved as were the camper pads and picnic tables were provided. The large well maintained grassy areas make for comfortable tent camping and all the campsites are at least partially shaded. Our site allowed plenty of sun for recharging batteries via our solar system. A dump station is also provided on site.
We stayed at Capital Reef for two nights before we continued our westward journey and the quest to visit all five of Utah's national parks. Next time, Brice Canyon, until then we are, as always, C & L On The Road.
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