Historic Sites
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.
That's a tough question to answer. Bears, which are omnivorous, are not natural hibernators. If there's a sufficient food supply—berries, insects, nuts, carrion— they'll stay active all winter. Approximately 1,500 bears live in the park (approximately two per square mile) and they inhabit all elevations. That said, it's more likely that you'll see bears at this time of year because the lush foliage common during the summer has thinned substantially. That holds true for Elk, too, which generally stay within Cataloochee year round.
This summer was especially wet, and recent heavy rains should ensure that waterfalls are running strong… so don't forget your camera!
Safe travels!
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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
Water levels in Yosemite in the fall tend to be very low, with waterfalls (including Yosemite Falls) containing little or no water. Some waterfalls, including Vernal, Nevada, and Bridalveil, run all year, however their flow slows to a trickle by fall.
For more information about visiting the park in autumn, click here.
Detailed descriptions of the park's waterfalls are available here.
Let us know if you want to learn more!
The Grand Canyon in winter is a special, special place. Color contrasts are profound, the skies are deep, numbers of people are well down, and if you catch a snowfall, it's as if the snows are falling forever...
Temperatures on the rim will be cold (45° Highs and 21° Lows on average) and typically very dry. You should be prepared for snow, icy roads and trails, and possible road closures. Also, fog occasionally forms (due to cooling from snow cover on the ground) and makes driving difficult. Typically though, the fog will break up quickly by morning.
Some park lodges are open, though not all. Trails will depend on the conditions. But generally, in contrast to some other high-elevation national parks, most of the activities and services remain open at the South Rim. And, the Grand Canyon Railway, runs all year! http://www.thetrain.com/
The average high temperature at Mount Rushmore in October is in the 60's and 70's and lows can drop into the 40's. You can get the most up-to-date weather forecast here.
A list of suggested tours in the park is available here.
For information about tours by local organizations, contact local chambers of commerce. You can find links to all of them here.
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!
