Four-Wheel Driving
Capitol Reef, Waterpocket Fold, Land of the Sleeping Rainbow—all are colorful names to describe a park with many striking characteristics.
Waterpocket Fold, the main feature of the park, is the name of a 100-mile-long fold in the earth's surface. This uplift contains innumerable eroded basins or pockets that hold thousands of gallons of rainwater. These pockets of water have affected the history of humanity within the park and the flora and fauna of the region.
Entering the park from the west gives the most impressive view of the 1,000-foot-high stone barrier into which erosive forces have sculpted fascinating canyons, mesas, buttes and mazes. Once in the park, other astonishing panoramas await you.
Within a short distance of the visitor center, you will see Capitol Dome, Chimney Rock, the Goosenecks and the Egyptian Temple. Hickman Bridge, the Golden Throne and Capitol Gorge reward you after easy to moderate hikes. Prehistoric petroglyphs, the Fruita Schoolhouse, the Gifford Farmhouse and the Behunin Cabin speak of bygone eras and can be reached by car. The 20-mile round-trip Scenic Drive will take you past the Ripple Rock Nature Center and many of the park's features.
If you are seeking a remote wilderness experience, Capitol Reef has it. To the north of Route 24, dirt roads, which generally require high-clearance or 4-wheel-drive vehicles, lead into the park's north end through the heart of Cathedral Valley, an area of monolithic formations of Entrada and Curtis sandstones, some of which are 500 feet high. South of Route 24, graded roads, usually suitable for high-clearance vehicles, lead into some very fine hiking country. Besides good hiking opportunities, the southern part of the park also offers spectacular views of the folded strata of Capitol Reef and the Henry Mountains. Muley Twist Canyon is in the southern end of the park, as is Brimhall Bridge. Check with a park ranger before setting out for any of these more remote locations. Weather conditions may make the roads slick and impassable.
Off-road vehicles are prohibited in Yellowstone and most national parks. In spite of these restrictions, it is easy to get off-the-beaten track into the backcountry. My favorite is on foot… you'll quickly escape the crowds of the frontcountry a mere one or two miles off the loop road. The hike to Slough Creek in Tower country has breathtaking landscapes, lots of opportunities to see wildlife and great flyfishing. For more hikes, check out
If you are eager to cover more ground and want to spend an extended period in the backcountry, consider taking a guided stock trip. Guided stock trips into the backcountry (on horse or llama) may be arranged with one of the stock outfitters licensed to operate in Yellowstone (see http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/stockbusn.htm).
You may also bring private stock into the park. PLease note that overnight stock use is not permitted prior to July 1, due to range readiness and/or wet trail conditions. Horses are not allowed in frontcountry campgrounds, but are permitted in certain backcountry campsites.
For information on planning a backcountry trip with stock please see the online Backcountry trip planner (available at http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/backcountrytripplanner.htm) or call the Backcountry Office at (307) 344-2160.
Have fun and be sure to visit OhRanger.com to share your experience with other park-lovers.
