Trail Running
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.
On the bottom of every page on OhRanger.com there is a square box that offers a link to ordering guides. The guides are not 100% free, but they are offered for less than $1/piece to cover handling.
If you want to find out where the guides are locally, you can send an email to distribution@americanparknetwork.com
Here's the link just in case:
http://www.altrec.com/american-park-network/national-park-guide-set/?american=1&market=1&cm_mmc_o=4zyLwfCjCzFwybgzECjCtff5cccBtyzETwygBFCjCndzFwybgzEC5zyLCEwfcByLndEzfbBEzkC5zyLCTAbpwClwfnd
You're getting in just under the wire to have your own campfire in the park (at designated locations) as the last day permitted is October 15th. In terms of hosted NPS campfires and Ranger campfire talks, you'll have to check with the park itself for an updated schedule. The best number to call is: (209) 372-0200; press 3 then 5.
Have a great trip!
I hope you have an exciting time exploring Illinois' caves. Be sure to check back in at OhRanger.com after you trip to share you park experiences with us!
Waterton Lakes National Park has a huge variety of vegetation, much of which is unique. (The park is a biosphere reserve, which means the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) set it aside specifically because of its ecological uniqueness.
There are 45 vegetation types and over 1400 forms of vegetation within the park.
For a list of plants of particular concern in the park, click here.
Have fun exploring the unique ecosystem of Waterton National Park. Please come back to OhRanger.com to post photos of the interesting plants you spot during your trip!
