Capitol Reef National Park

CONTENTS

Capitol Reef National Park

The Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth's crust known as a monocline, extends from nearby Thousand Lakes Mountain to the Colorado River (now Lake Powell). Capitol Reef National Park was established to protect this grand and colorful geologic feature, as well as the unique historical and cultural history found in the area. For more information, click on the "In Depth" button on the right.

IN DEPTH

Who's Who at the Park Park Partners To contact the park, please dial (435)425-3791. You will be transferred to the park's voice mail system, which will then provide instructions on contacting the staff member or...read more

History HISTORY & CULTURE DEVELOPMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Called "Wayne Wonderland" in the 1920s by local boosters Ephraim P. Pectol and Joseph S. Hickman, Capitol Reef National Park comprises 378 square miles of...read more

Preservation Centennial Initiative 2016 On August 25, 2006 - the 90th anniversary of the National Park Service - Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne launched the National Park Centennial Initiative...read more

Just For Kids For Kids Just for Kids at Capitol Reef National Park! Interview a ranger, map an ancient earthquake, or get your feet wet watching waterbugs! These adventures await you this...read more

Sights to See Orchards You are welcome to stroll in any unlocked orchard and you may consume as much ripe fruit as you want while in the orchards. Fruit may not be picked...read more

Natural World The Waterpocket Fold defines Capitol Reef National Park. A nearly 100-mile long warp in the Earth's crust, the Waterpocket Fold is a classic monocline: a regional fold with...read more

Plants Plants Many plants are found throughout Capitol Reef, both common and exotic. Rare and Protected Capitol Reef is home to many plants. Here are just a few of the rare and...read more

Animals Mountain Lion Mountain lions (Felis concolor) are also called cougars, pumas, panthers, painters, and catamounts. They roam throughout this area in both desert and mountain country, and are usually...read more

Geology Geology CAPITOL REEF The most scenic portion of the Waterpocket Fold, found near the Fremont River, is known as Capitol Reef: capitol for the white domes of Navajo Sandstone...read more

Walking & Hiking Hiking and Backpacking DAY HIKING In the Fruita area, there are 15 day hiking trails with trailheads located along Utah Hwy. 24 and the Scenic Drive. These trails offer...read more