Capitol Reef National Park is in Utah's south-central desert. It surrounds a long wrinkle in the earth known as the Waterpocket Fold, with layers of golden sandstone, canyons and striking rock formations. Among the park's sights are the Chimney Rock pillar, the Hickman Bridge arch, and Capitol Reef, known for its white sandstone domes. In the north are the towering monoliths of Cathedral Valley.
Campground Map of Elkhorn Campground in the Fremont River Ranger District of Fishlake National Forest (NF) in Utah. Published by the U.S. National Forest Service (USFS).
Campground Map of Sunglow Campground in the Fremont River Ranger District of Fishlake National Forest (NF) in Utah. Published by the U.S. National Forest Service (USFS).
Campground Map of Singletree Campground in the Fremont River Ranger District of Fishlake National Forest (NF) in Utah. Published by the U.S. National Forest Service (USFS).
Campground Map of Rosebud ATV Campground in the Fremont River Ranger District of Fishlake National Forest (NF) in Utah. Published by the U.S. National Forest Service (USFS).
Campground Map of Oak Creek Campground in the Fremont River Ranger District of Fishlake National Forest (NF) in Utah. Published by the U.S. National Forest Service (USFS).
Campground Map of Pleasant Creek Campground in the Fremont River Ranger District of Fishlake National Forest (NF) in Utah. Published by the U.S. National Forest Service (USFS).
Campground Map of Lower Bowns Campground in the Fremont River Ranger District of Fishlake National Forest (NF) in Utah. Published by the U.S. National Forest Service (USFS).
Map of Allotments and Pastures of the Teasdale Section of Fremont Ranger District in Fishlake National Forest (NF) in Utah. Published by the U.S. National Forest Service (USFS).
Map of Allotments and Pastures of the Loa Section of Fremont Ranger District in Fishlake National Forest (NF) in Utah. Published by the U.S. National Forest Service (USFS).
Map of Allotments and Pastures of the Salina Section of Richfield Ranger District in Fishlake National Forest (NF) in Utah. Published by the U.S. National Forest Service (USFS).
Motor Vehicle Travel Map (MVTM) of Fremont River Ranger District (Teasdale Portion) in Fishlake National Forest (NF) in Utah. Published by the U.S. National Forest Service (USFS).
Motor Vehicle Travel Map (MVTM) of Fremont River Ranger District (North) in Fishlake National Forest (NF) in Utah. Published by the U.S. National Forest Service (USFS).
Map of the Daily Lottery Permit Application Geofence Perimeter for Coyote Buttes North (The Wave) and South in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument (NM), Arizona Strip BLM Field Office area and Kanab BLM Field Office area in Utah and Arizona. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Visitor Map of Burr Trail Scenic Backway and Wolverine Loop Road at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (NM) in Utah. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Brochure and Map of Burro Wash, Cottonwood Wash, Sheets Gulch Slot Canyons at Capitol Reef National Park (NP) in Utah. Published by the National Park Service (NPS).
List of Fruit and Nut Varieties in the Fruita Orchards of Capitol Reef National Park (NP) in Utah. Published by the National Park Service (NPS).
https://www.nps.gov/care/index.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capitol_Reef_National_Park
Capitol Reef National Park is in Utah's south-central desert. It surrounds a long wrinkle in the earth known as the Waterpocket Fold, with layers of golden sandstone, canyons and striking rock formations. Among the park's sights are the Chimney Rock pillar, the Hickman Bridge arch, and Capitol Reef, known for its white sandstone domes. In the north are the towering monoliths of Cathedral Valley.
Located in south-central Utah in the heart of red rock country, Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden treasure filled with cliffs, canyons, domes, and bridges in the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline (a wrinkle on the earth) extending almost 100 miles.
From I-70: Take exit 149, then take UT-24 west toward Hanksville; continue for 43.8 miles (70.5 km). Turn right to continue on UT-24 west and continue for 37.3 miles (60 km). From I-15: take exit 188 then US-50 east toward Scipio. Left on UT-50; continuing 0.7 miles (1.1 km). Turn right onto US-50 east; continue for 24.4 miles (39.3 km). Turn right onto UT-260 south and continue 4.2 miles (6.8 km), then right on UT-24 for 71.3 miles. UT-12: North on highway 12 to Torrey, UT. Right onto UT-24.
Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center
Capitol Reef National Park visitor center sits at the intersection of UT-24 and the Scenic Drive.
From I-70: take exit 149 then travel UT-24 west toward Hanksville and continue for 43.8 miles (70.5 km). Continue right on UT-24 west for 37.3 miles (60 km). From I-15: Take exit 188, then US-50 east toward Scipio; turn left onto UT-50 and continue for 0.7 miles (1.1 km). Turn right onto US-50 east/ North State Street and continue for 24.4 miles (39.3 km). Turn right onto UT-260 south and continue for 4.2 mile. Turn right onto UT-24 east for 74 miles. UT-12: North to UT-24. Right at Torrey.
Backcountry Camping
A free backcountry permit, available at the visitor center, is required for camping outside of campgrounds. Capitol Reef offers many hiking options for serious backpackers and those who enjoy exploring remote areas. For more information on possible backpacking routes, route descriptions and maps are available on our hiking and backpacking page.
Fruita Campground
The 71 site Fruita campground is the only developed campground in the park, offering picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, water and a dump station. A $25 nightly fee is charged. It is open year-round. Campsites are reservable year-round; visit www.recreation.gov to make a reservation. Reservations are accepted 6 months ahead of time. The busy season is mid March through October when the campground is typically fully booked. In the winter, there is less demand and it is easy to secure a campsite.
Campground nightly fee
25.00
Cost per site, per night for the Fruita Campground
Pendleton Barn in the Fruita Historic District
Pendleton Barn in the Fruita Historic District
Explore the historic Gifford House and Pendleton Barn along the Scenic Drive.
Cathedral Valley at night
Cathedral Valley at night
Capitol Reef National Park is a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park signifying the highest quality night skies.
"The Castle" landform visible from the Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center
"The Castle" landform visible from the Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center
Capitol Reef National Park has 19 distinct geologic layers that tell a story from the Permian (as old as 270 million years old) to the Cretaceous (as young as 80 million years old.)
Petroglyphs found along Hwy. 24
Petroglyphs found along Hwy. 24
Petroglyphs found along Hwy. 24 depict people, animals and other shapes and forms on rock surfaces. The figures are often elaborately decorated with headdresses, ear bobs, necklaces, clothing items and facial expressions.
Group Campsite
The Group Campsite is a secluded site located near the Fruita Campground and can accommodate a maximum of 40 people. It may be reserved through www.recreation.gov up to one year in advance. The Fruita Group Campsite is open from mid-April to mid-October. It is closed every Tuesday and Wednesday nights for maintenance. The nightly rate is $125.
Group Site Nightly Fee
125.00
Nightly cost to stay at the group site in Fruita
Capitol Reef Group Campsite
A grassy area shaded by tall trees with covered areas for picnic tables.
The group campsite can be reserved for groups up to 40 people
Primitive campsites at Cathedral Campground
It is located approximately halfway on the Cathedral Valley Loop Road. About 36 miles (57.9 km) from the visitor center, this primitive, no-fee campground has 6 sites, each with a picnic table and fire grate. There is a pit toilet, but no water available. The campground is open year-round; however, visitors should check road conditions with the Capitol Reef Visitor Center prior to planning an overnight stay. The campground is at ~7,000 feet (2,133 m) in elevation, No reservations; first-come, first-served.
Primitive Camping
0.00
There is no fee for Cathedral Valley Campground.
Cathedral Valley Campground
a dirt road passes a metal picnic table under juniper trees
A campsite at Cathedral Valley campground
Primitive campsites at Cedar Mesa Campground
It is located approximately 23 miles (37.0 km) south of Utah State Highway 24 on the Notom-Bullfrog Road and is at 5,500 feet (1,676 m) in elevation. This primitive, no-fee campground has five sites, each with a picnic table and fire grate. There is also a pit toilet, but no water is available. The campground is open year-round, but visitors should check with the Capitol Reef Visitor Center for road conditions prior to planning an overnight stay. No reservations; first-come, first-served.
Primitive Camping
0.00
No fee for the Cedar Mesa Campground.
Cedar Mesa Campground
a tent is set up on a red dirt campsite with a fire pit and picnic table
A campsite at Cedar Mesa campground
Gifford House and Pendleton Barn
Wingate Sandstone cliffs behind historic barn and farmhouse
Windgate sandstone towers above historic Fruita farms and homes
Hickman Bridge
A hiker stands beside Hickman Bridge, a natural sandstone bridge
Hickman Bridge, a natural sandstone bridge, is a popular hike in the park.
Strike Valley
Exposed layers of rock in the Waterpocket fold
The Strike Valley shows colorful layers in the Waterpocket fold.
Capitol Reef Visitor Center with "The Castle"
Cliffs known as "The Castle" tower above the Capitol Reef Visitor Center
The Capitol Reef Visitor Center sits below cliffs known as "The Castle".
Capitol Reef Peach Orchard
Fruit tree with peaches in front of red sandstone cliffs
The Capitol Reef Orchards, planted in the pioneer era, remain a popular place for visitors today.
Pioneer Women of Capitol Reef
Discover the lives of early pioneer women who settled in Fruita, Utah (now in Capitol Reef National Park). These women were teachers, homesteaders, mothers, and midwives. Learn more about Rena Holt, Mary Jane Behunin Johnson Cooper, Nettie Behunin Noyes, and Thisbe Read Hanks.
black and white engraving of wagon, oxen, tent, and people.
Modern Women of Capitol Reef
Learn about the lives of modern women who lived in the Capitol Reef region. Learn about Cora Oyler Smith, Elizabeth Russell Lewis Sprang King, Harriette Greener Kelly, and Alice Knee.
Black and white artwork of people on horses and whimsical sandstone domes.
NPS Geodiversity Atlas—Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Each park-specific page in the NPS Geodiversity Atlas provides basic information on the significant geologic features and processes occurring in the park. Links to products from Baseline Geologic and Soil Resources Inventories provide access to maps and reports.
rock formations
Desert Varnish
Ever wondered what those dark lines were on the rock walls of canyon country? These black, brown, and red streaks are called desert varnish.
streaks of black desert varnish on a red rock wall
Paleontological Modeling Example—'Equisetites'
3D Equisetites – Fossil Horsetail Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
rock with fossil plant
Landbird Monitoring in Northern Colorado Plateau Network Parks, 2018
Because birds can be sensitive to habitat change, they are good indicators of ecosystem integrity. The Northern Colorado Plateau Network partners with the University of Delaware to assess breeding-bird species trends in three different habitats: low-elevation riparian, pinyon-juniper, and sage shrubland. Find out which species were increasing and declining at network parks as of 2018.
Small, bright-orange bird with yellowish underfeathers.
PARKS...IN...SPAAAACE!!!
NASA astronauts have quite literally an out-of-this-world view of national parks and take some pretty stellar pictures to share. Travel along with the space station on its journey west to east getting the extreme bird’s eye view of national parks across the country. And one more down-to-earth.
View of Denali National Park & Preserve from space
Active Process Monitoring Example—Hickman Bridge Trail
3D Hickman Bridge Trail Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
trail along river
Veteran Story: William Bouley
Bill Bouley served in the US Army for 20 years. Today he continues in public service as a Safety Manager for several parks and monuments in southern Utah.
Bill Bouley, in uniform, with a helicopter in the background
The Colorado Plateau
The Colorado Plateau is centered on the four corners area of the Southwest, and includes much of Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico.
Hazy Fajada Butte, Chaco Culture National Monument
Traits, Tradeoffs, and Pivot Points: How Climate, Plant, and Soil Properties Affect Vegetation Growth on the Northern Colorado Plateau
As the northern Colorado Plateau heads into a hotter, drier future, there will be ecological winners and losers. Figuring out how different vegetation communities will fare is tricky. A recent study aimed to identify which vegetation communities might come out ahead, which might lag behind, and what might make the difference.
Desert grassland in red rock setting. Pink wildflowers grow in foreground as storm brews in the sky.
Park Air Profiles - Capitol Reef National Park
Air quality profile for Capitol Reef National Park. Gives park-specific information about air quality and air pollution impacts for Capitol Reef NP as well as the studies and monitoring conducted for Capitol Reef NP.
The Castle
Wildland Fire in Douglas Fir: Western United States
Douglas fir is widely distributed throughout the western United States, as well as southern British Columbia and northern Mexico. Douglas fir is able to survive without fire, its abundantly-produced seeds are lightweight and winged, allowing the wind to carry them to new locations where seedlings can be established.
Close-up of Douglas fir bark and needles.
Short-term Forecasting of Vegetation Condition: Potential Management Uses
If strong, site-specific relationships between various climate and environmental factors can be developed at management scales, then it should be possible to make near-term forecasts of vegetation condition by tracking weather and water balance. Park managers could use this model to help predict the months and years in which projects that depend on good growing conditions, such as restoration activities, might be most likely to succeed.
Person in hat crouches to ground, looking closely at plant transect
Contaminants of Emerging Concern in Northern Colorado Plateau Park Waters
Pesticides, antibiotics, and personal care products are all being found in streams and rivers. But would you expect to find them in a national park? On the northern Colorado Plateau, scientists found that even in isolated areas, these "contaminants of emerging concern" are not uncommon. Find out what we found where--and how you can help.
Ripples in cave water
Triassic Tracks in the Moenkopi Formation
In-depth article about Triassic tracks in the Moenkopi Formation found in Capitol Reef National Park and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
Raised lines indicating three toed animal tracks in tan rock, with permanent marker for scale.
Biological Soil Crust of Southeast Utah
Be careful where you step because the dirt is alive! This bumpy, lumpy, crust black soil is called biological soil crust and is made up of living organisms.
bumpy black soil crust with lichen
Tafoni
A bouquet of tiny arches? A miniature cave system? Known as honeycomb weathering or "swiss-cheese rock," tafoni (singular: tafone) are small, rounded, smooth-edged openings in a rock surface, most often found in arid or semi-arid deserts.
many small holes in a rock
Giant Stromatolites of Capitol Reef National Park
Learn about giant fossil stromatolites in Capitol Reef National Park.
Brown rock outcrop with annotation of six meters, white sandstone and green shrubs behind
Lichens of Southeast Utah
Those bright colors you may see on sandstone and biological soil crust are alive! Lichens grow in every size, shape, and color in Southeast Utah.
scaly gray lichen growing on dark soil crust
The Adverse Effects of Climate Change on Desert Bighorn Sheep
Climate change has and will continue to have a negative impact on the population of desert bighorn sheep. For the remaining herds to survive, management may always be necessary. Protecting wild lands is key to the survival of these amazing animals.
Desert bighorn sheep, NPS/Shawn Cigrand
Ellen Powell Thompson
Ellen Powell Thompson, sister of John Wesley Powell, was an explorer in her own right. She and her husband joined the 1871 Powell Expedition, and three new plant species she discovered on the trip were named for her.
black and white photo of a women in a dress
What We’re Learning and Why it Matters: Long-Term Monitoring on the Northern Colorado Plateau
Knowing which key natural resources are found in the national parks, and whether they're stable or changing, helps decisionmakers make sound choices. The Northern Colorado Plateau Network is building that knowledge. After more than ten years of monitoring, we've learned a lot about park ecosystems, how they're changing, and what they may look like in the days to come. Find out what we’ve learned and how it’s being used to help managers plan for the future.
Man stands in a stream, looking down at a handheld gauge.
Fruit Varieties
Overview of fruit available in historic Fruita Orchards in Capitol Reef National Park.
Clump of ripe apricots on a green tree branch, with cliffs and blue sky in the background.
Landbird Population Trends in the Northern Colorado Plateau Network, 2019
Because birds can be sensitive to habitat change, they are good indicators of ecosystem integrity. The Northern Colorado Plateau Network partners with the University of Delaware to assess breeding-bird species trends in three different habitats: low-elevation riparian, pinyon-juniper, and sage shrubland. Find out which species were increasing and declining at network parks as of 2019.
Bald eagle
Water Quality in the Northern Colorado Plateau Network: Water Years 2016–2018
Once a month, ecologists collect water samples at dozens of monitoring sites in and near ten National Park Service units across Utah and Colorado. This consistent, long-term monitoring helps alert managers to existing and potential problems. Find out the results for 2016-2018 in this brief from the Northern Colorado Plateau Network.
A monitoring crew of three samples a clear river flowing over brown rock and sand
A Closer Look at When Grasses Need a Drink: Soils, Precipitation, and Desert Grasses
The results of a recent study may help land managers to prioritize grassland conservation and restoration efforts. Park managers can’t do much about climate, but with the right information, they can make choices based on how different grassland communities behave in different soil types. In this study, cool-season grasses showed more resilience to drought than warm-season grasses.
A field crew member takes measurements on a grassland transect.
Grassland Health on Grazed and Ungrazed Lands at Capitol Reef National Park, 2009–2018
At Capitol Reef National Park, long-term monitoring is helping track grassland condition and recovery from grazing. From 2009 to 2018, there was some evidence of continued recovery of vegetation and soils in the park’s retired Cathedral/Rock Springs allotments. Continued monitoring will be crucial to providing managers with the information they need for effective decisionmaking and resource allocation.
Globemallow with a red rock wall and blue sky in background.
Monitoring Bacterial Contamination in Streams at Capitol Reef National Park
At Capitol Reef National Park, the Northern Colorado Plateau Network is helping the State of Utah to determine possible sources of E. coli contamination in the Fremont River. Water quality in the park is generally good but E. coli contamination has been a recurring issue on Fremont River tributaries. Possible sources of contamination include livestock, wildlife, and humans. Monitoring results are helping reveal which sources are more likely than others.
Person standing at edge of creek flowing through red rock canyon
Series: Geologic Time Periods in the Mesozoic Era
The Mesozoic Era (251.9 to 66 million years ago) was the "Age of Reptiles." During the Mesozoic, Pangaea began separating into the modern continents, and the modern Rocky Mountains rose. Dinosaurs, crocodiles, and pterosaurs ruled the land and air. As climate changed and rapid plate tectonics resulted in shallow ocean basins, sea levels rose world-wide and seas expanded across the center of North America.
fossil dinosaur skull in rock face
Series: Defining the Southwest
The Southwest has a special place in the American imagination – one filled with canyon lands, cacti, roadrunners, perpetual desert heat, a glaring sun, and the unfolding of history in places like Tombstone and Santa Fe. In the American mind, the Southwest is a place without boundaries – a land with its own style and its own pace – a land that ultimately defies a single definition.
Maize agriculture is one component of a general cultural definition of the Southwest.
Series: Park Air Profiles
Clean air matters for national parks around the country.
Photo of clouds above the Grand Canyon, AZ
Series: Photogrammetry Applications and Examples
Photogrammetry is the science and art of using photographs to extract three-dimensional information from a series of well-placed images. Paired with either a standard ruler or GPS locations of camera positions provides the scale in completed models. This Series provides examples of photogrammetry projects for a variety of resources in National Parks.
fossil redwood stump trio
Triassic Period—251.9 to 201.3 MYA
The brightly colored Triassic rocks of Petrified Forest National Park yield not only the petrified trees but many other plant and animal fossils.
fossil footprint on stone
Mesozoic Era
The Mesozoic Era (251.9 to 66 million years ago) was the "Age of Reptiles." During the Mesozoic, Pangaea began separating into the modern continents, and the modern Rocky Mountains rose. Dinosaurs, crocodiles, and pterosaurs ruled the land and air. As climate changed and rapid plate tectonics resulted in shallow ocean basins, sea levels rose world-wide and seas expanded across the center of North America.
fossil dinosaur skull in rock face
Landbird Population Trends in the Northern Colorado Plateau Network, 2020
Because birds can be sensitive to habitat change, they are good indicators of ecosystem integrity. The Northern Colorado Plateau Network partners with the University of Delaware to assess breeding-bird species trends in three different habitats: low-elevation riparian, pinyon-juniper, and sage shrubland. Find out which species were increasing and declining at network parks as of 2020.
Small beige bird with black beak and feet, brown back.
Monitoring From Space: Using Satellite Imagery to Measure Landscape Conditions on the Ground
Scientists from the Northern Colorado Plateau Network travel thousands of miles each year to collect data on plants, soils, and water across network parks. But it would be impossible to cover every square inch of the Northern Colorado Plateau with boots on the ground. Instead, we simultaneously monitor the parks with boots in space—satellite data that provide information at a much broader scale.
Satellite and Earth in space
Scavenger Hunt
Want to learn more about Capitol Reef National Park? Find all the audio posts in Capitol Reef to discover the human history of the park. Can’t visit in person? Listen to the audio posts on the park website and complete the scavenger hunt online.
Map with stars on it marking locations of audio posts.
Localized Drought Impacts on Northern Colorado Plateau Landbirds
Birds of the desert southwest, a climate-change hotspot, are among the most vulnerable groups in the US. To help park managers plan for those changes, scientists evaluated the influence of water deficit on landbird communities at 11 national parks in Utah and Colorado. The results will help land managers to focus conservation efforts on places where certain species are most vulnerable to projected climate changes.
A man wearing a clipboard looks through binoculars at dawn in field of sagebrush
Changing Patterns of Water Availability May Change Vegetation Composition in US National Parks
Across the US, changes in water availability are altering which plants grow where. These changes are evident at a broad scale. But not all areas experience the same climate in the same way, even within the boundaries of a single national park. A new dataset gives park managers a valuable tool for understanding why vegetation has changed and how it might change in the future under different climate-change scenarios.
Green, orange, and dead grey junipers in red soil, mountains in background
Mind the Gap: Modeling Missing Data for Complex Survey Designs
Long-term environmental monitoring usually requires complex sampling designs. By necessity, these designs sample a limited set of conditions on just a fraction of the landscape, which results in missing data. This article summarizes recent research that applies Bayesian modeling to three case studies in national parks. This approach allows park ecologists and analysts to move beyond missing data to support data-driven management and monitoring of natural resources.
Two technicians record observations along a transect tape on sandy ground dotted with shrubs.
Water Resources on the Colorado Plateau
Describes the origin, uses, threats to, and conservation of water on the Colorado Plateau.
Dark green body of water winding through red rock formations with brilliant sun overhead.
A 20-year Partnership between the Utah Geological Survey and the National Park Service to Inventory and Monitor Fossil Resources in Utah's National Parks
The Utah Geological Survey has worked in partnership with the National Park Service to document the fossils of Utah’s national parks for 20 years, helping to bring to light and protect a wide variety of fossils.
photo of a person pointing at trace fossils in rock above on an over hanging rock
Series: Park Paleontology News - Vol. 14, No. 1, Spring 2022
All across the park system, scientists, rangers, and interpreters are engaged in the important work of studying, protecting, and sharing our rich fossil heritage. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/newsletters.htm">Park Paleontology news</a> provides a close up look at the important work of caring for these irreplaceable resources. <ul><li>Contribute to Park Paleontology News by contacting the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/common/utilities/sendmail/sendemail.cfm?o=5D8CD5B898DDBB8387BA1DBBFD02A8AE4FBD489F4FF88B9049&r=/subjects/geoscientistsinparks/photo-galleries.htm">newsletter editor</a></li><li>Learn more about <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/">Fossils & Paleontology</a> </li><li>Celebrate <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossilday/">National Fossil Day</a> with events across the nation</li></ul>
photo of 2 people kneeling in shallow water at the base of a steep slope
Assessing Night Skies, Air Quality, and Scenic Views at Capitol Reef
Capitol Reef National Park: Do you like stargazing at night or looking across the landscape at a beautiful view? If the answer is yes, then we have a place for you! Capitol Reef has some of the darkest night skies in the country, and its daytime scenic views are colorful and expansive. Dark night skies, scenic views, and air quality are all valuable resources, and the NPS recently conducted an assessment to see how these resources are doing in Capitol Reef.
Balanced rock silhouetted by the night sky and the milky way.
What do You Hope to Hear in a National Park?
Capitol Reef National Park: Some visitors spend time in national parks enjoying the natural quiet and listening to sounds of nature—falling water, singing birds, chirping insects, or the wind rustling in the trees. At Capitol Reef National Park, natural sound is a significant resource and an important component of wilderness. A ”soundscape” is composed of all the various natural and cultural sounds that help create a sense of place. What do you expect to hear in Capitol Reef?
A landscape scene with a woman running down a deserted road with sandstone cliffs in the background.
Not Too Dense, Not Too Sparse: Pinyon-Juniper at Capitol Reef is Just about Right
Capitol Reef National Park: Pinyon-juniper woodlands cover as much as 15% of the land in five southwestern states (Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Nevada) and are the predominant vegetation type in Capitol Reef NP. These woodlands provide valuable wildlife habitat and other ecological benefits. A recent assessment looked at the condition of these woodlands in the park. Read this article to learn more!
A mature pinyon pine with a twisty trunk; other trees and a blue sky with clouds in the background
What do a Tadpole Shrimp and a Mule Deer Have in Common? They Both Rely on the Water Resources of Capitol Reef
Capitol Reef National Park: A handful of perennial (year-round) and many, many more ephemeral (temporary) water sources occur in Capitol Reef. These springs, seeps, tinajas, and streams provide important habitats and rare sources of water in this arid region. As part of a recent study, the Natural Resource Condition Assessment Program partnered with Utah State University to determine what is and is not known about these resources.
A small tinaja (pool of water in the rock) amongst rocky hills and scattered vegetation.
Assessing the Condition of Fish in Capitol Reef
Capitol Reef National Park: Capitol Reef is home to both native and non-native fish. One native species, the roundtail chub, no longer occurs in the park. Capitol Reef contains only a small portion of the streams passing through it, so activities outside the park can have a large effect on fish in the park. The Natural Resource Condition Assessment Program partnered with Utah State University to evaluate the condition of fish and to identify gaps in information.
A stream bordered with green vegetation; rock formations in the background.
Condition of Selected Natural Resources at Capitol Reef: 2022 Assessment
NRCA Overview: Understanding the condition of natural resources in our national parks is vital for their management and protection. A recent Natural Resource Condition Assessment for Capitol Reef National Park evaluated eleven resources at the park, although we focus on only a subset of these in this article: night sky and air quality; soundscape; springs, seeps, and tinajas; streams and their riparian areas; pinyon-juniper woodlands; and fish.
A colorful scene of stratified geologic features eroding under a blue sky
Series: NRCA 2022: Condition of Selected Natural Resources at Capitol Reef
Capitol Reef National Park, in southcentral Utah, encompasses approximately 381 square miles, nearly all of which is managed for its rugged and remote wilderness value. Capitol Reef is known for its spectacular display of geologic features, and it hosts one of the largest concentrations of rare and endemic plants among national park units. The articles in this series describe the conditions of a group of resources in the park.
A landscape scene at Capitol Reef with red sandstone cliffs
Landbird Population Trends in the Northern Colorado Plateau Network, 2021
Because birds can be sensitive to habitat change, they are good indicators of ecosystem integrity. The Northern Colorado Plateau Network partners with the University of Delaware to assess breeding-bird species trends in three different habitats: low-elevation riparian, pinyon-juniper, and sage shrubland. Find out which species were increasing and declining at network parks as of 2021.
Small dove with black spots on back of wings, long tail, and brownish-gray body.
Virtual Field Trip of Sleeping Rainbow Ranch in Capitol Reef National Park
Documenting historic sites is necessary to the mission of the National Parks Service. However, their mission is to also preserve and protect those areas. These SPARK beacons are an unobtrusive way to bring history, interpretation, and images to a site—directly into the hands of the visitors.
Sleeping Rainbow Ranch Virtual Tour Expansion Team
Invasive Exotic Plant Monitoring at Capitol Reef National Park
Invasive exotic plants are one of the most significant threats to natural resources in the national parks today. To provide early warning of weed invasions, the Northern Colorado Plateau Network monitors target plants in park areas where they are likely to first establish: along roads, trails, and waterways. Find out what we've learned at Capitol Reef National Park.
Man wearing backpack with transect tape stands next to a red rock stream using a GPS unit.
Studying the Past and Predicting the Future Using Rat Nests
In the western United States, packrat middens are one of the best tools for reconstructing recent environments and climates. These accumulations of plant fragments, small vertebrate remains, rodent droppings, and other fossils can be preserved for more than 50,000 years. Packrat middens have been found in at least 41 National Park Service units.
Photo of a wood rat.
Series: Park Paleontology News - Vol. 14, No. 2, Fall 2022
All across the park system, scientists, rangers, and interpreters are engaged in the important work of studying, protecting, and sharing our rich fossil heritage. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/newsletters.htm">Park Paleontology news</a> provides a close up look at the important work of caring for these irreplaceable resources. <ul><li>Contribute to Park Paleontology News by contacting the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/common/utilities/sendmail/sendemail.cfm?o=5D8CD5B898DDBB8387BA1DBBFD02A8AE4FBD489F4FF88B9049&r=/subjects/geoscientistsinparks/photo-galleries.htm">newsletter editor</a></li><li>Learn more about <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/">Fossils & Paleontology</a> </li><li>Celebrate <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossilday/">National Fossil Day</a> with events across the nation</li></ul>
Photo of a person sitting while using a laboratory microscope.
National Parks in Southern Utah
Plan your visits to Southern Utah National Parks. Get details about permits, shuttles, and other information so that you know before you go!
Series: Geologic Time—Major Divisions and NPS Fossils
The National Park System contains a magnificent record of geologic time because rocks from each period of the geologic time scale are preserved in park landscapes. The geologic time scale is divided into four large periods of time—the Cenozoic Era, Mesozoic Era, Paleozoic Era, and The Precambrian.
photo of desert landscape with a petrified wood log on the surface
Guide to the Henry G. Peabody Photograph Collection
Finding aid for the Henry G. Peabody Collection
An Infectious Strain of Pneumonia Threatens Capitol Reef's Prized Bighorn Herd
Capitol Reef National Park’s bighorn sheep herd grew almost fourfold since being introduced from Canyonlands over two decades ago. Now the herd is at risk from a debilitating disease.
Two bighorn sheep rams nestled together in green vegetation
Helping Managers Plan for Climate Change with Remote Sensing at Capitol Reef National Park
Long-term monitoring creates a record of the past—and a window into the future. Linking satellite observations of vegetation condition with climate data over time can help us understand what kinds of future changes may occur. The results can help park managers know what to expect over the next few decades, providing them with time and tools to plan for a range of scenarios.
Geologic uplift with grasses and juniper.
Making an Impact: Long-Term Monitoring of Natural Resources at Intermountain Region National Parks, 2021
Across the Intermountain Region, Inventory & Monitoring Division ecologists are helping to track the effects of climate change, provide baseline information for resource management, evaluate new technologies, and inspire the next generation of park stewards. This article highlights accomplishments achieved during fiscal year 2021.
A man looks through binoculars at sunrise.
Landbird Population Trends in the Northern Colorado Plateau Network, 2022
Because birds can be sensitive to habitat change, they are good indicators of ecosystem integrity. The Northern Colorado Plateau Network partners with the University of Delaware to assess breeding-bird species trends in three different habitats: low-elevation riparian, pinyon-juniper, and sage shrubland. Find out which species were increasing and declining at network parks as of 2022.
Hairy woodpecker clings to the underside of a tree branch.
A Changing Bimodal Climate Zone Means Changing Vegetation in Western National Parks
When the climate changes enough, the vegetation communities growing in any given place will also change. Under an expanded bimodal climate zone, some plant communities in western national parks are more likely to change than others. National Park Service ecologists and partners investigated the future conditions that may force some of this change. Having this information can help park managers decide whether to resist, direct, or accept the change.
Dark storm clouds and rainbow over mountains and saguaros.
Project Profile: Increase Native Seed Production for Upper Colorado Basin
This project will assist these three parks in building climate resilience and increasing biodiversity in threatened WBP forest ecosystems by increasing their capacity to collect seed and propagate blister rust resistant seedlings.
Small pines in a clump on the grassy ridge of a mountain slope.
Historical and Future Climate Patterns at Capitol Reef National Park: Some Biological Implications
Comparing historical climate patterns to projections for the late 21st century can provide park managers with important insights for climate-change planning efforts. At Capitol Reef National Park and other places, anticipated changes may alter the composition of plant communities.
Sun flare in an arid landscape with cacti and a dead tree.
Park Managers look to Bipartisan Infrastructure Law projects to break cycle of fire-driven ecosystem losses in the West
Park managers look to Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to break the cycle of fire-driven ecosystem losses in the West. The project focus, as part of a larger program that the National Park Service calls its NPSage Initiative, is on collaborative work to build capacity across four priority seed zones of the Intermountain Region: 17 parks in the Colorado Plateau and Rocky Mountains ecoregions of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.
rows of tall grasses being grown for restoration
Research suggests most visitors welcome actions to preserve night sky quality
Parks and other protected areas are some of the last places on Earth with dark night skies. But even they have outdoor lighting at night. Scientists surveyed park visitors in Utah to gauge their support for changing outdoor lighting to improve night sky quality. The researchers’ work suggests that such management actions would have broad public support.
stargazers look up to a brilliant night sky and point green lasers to point out constellations
I Didn't Know That!: Biological Soil Crusts
You’ve heard people say to stay on the trail, but what does it matter in the desert? It’s just dirt... right? Wrong—it's alive! Discover what biological soil crusts are and why they're so important in dry environments.
biological soil crust
Riparian Health on the Fremont River, Capitol Reef National Park, 2009–2021
Although groundwater levels remain shallow enough to support mature cottonwood trees, the Fremont River in Capitol Reef National Park may be at risk for progressively lower flows over time—reducing the flooding needed for new cottonwood recruitment. Find out why—and what else the Northern Colorado Plateau Network is learning about the park’s riparian systems—in this article.
A small river flows through red rock landscape.
Strong Visitor Support for Steps to Limit Light Pollution
In a world where excess light is wiping out our views of the stars at a startling pace, parks can protect natural darkness. But do nighttime visitors support the changes parks must make to bring back dark night skies? We didn’t know until we asked them.
A group of people with red lights and telescopes under a starry night sky with the Milky Way visible
Updated Species Database Will Help Boost Amphibian Conservation Across the National Park Service
To steward amphibians effectively, managers need basic information about which species live in parks. But species lists need constant maintenance to remain accurate. Due to recent efforts, the National Park Service now has an up-to-date amphibian species checklist for almost 300 parks. This information can serve as the basis for innumerable conservation efforts across the nation.
A toad sits on red sand, looking into the camera.
Resisting, accepting, and directing change in parks
Click the link above to read some in-depth examples of national parks choosing to resist, accept, and direct change.
Blue butterfly with white wing tips perched on small white flowers
Rangeland restoration and the RAD framework at Capitol Reef National Park
Rangeland restoration is underway at Capitol Reef National Park, but climate change-driven drought and heat stress are challenging the transition from old grazing allotments into healthy ecosystems. Learn more about how Capitol Reef National Park is taking action to resist, accept, and direct change.
Person in hat crouches to the desert ground, looking closely at plant transect with yellow flowers.
Event Recap - Empowering Our Future Conservation and Climate Stewards
The National Park Service Youth and Young Adult Programs Division co-hosted the virtual event “Then/Now/Tomorrow: Empowering Our Future Conservation and Climate Stewards” on April 24, 2024, for National Park Week, alongside The Corps Network, the National Park Foundation, and AmeriCorps. A panel of six current and former corps members shared their experiences working and serving on public lands.
A screenshot of eight individuals in boxes on the Zoom Platform.
Landbird Population Trends in the Northern Colorado Plateau Network, 2023
Because birds can be sensitive to habitat change, they are good indicators of ecosystem integrity. The Northern Colorado Plateau Network partners with the University of Delaware to assess breeding-bird species trends in three different habitats: low-elevation riparian, pinyon-juniper, and sage shrubland. Find out which species were increasing and declining at network parks as of 2023.
A speckled white bird floats on blue water.
Dragonfly mercury studies uncover unexpected atmospheric delivery pathways
Read the abstract and get the link to a published paper on how dragonfly mercury studies uncover unexpected atmospheric delivery pathways: Janssen, S.E., C.J. Kotalik, J.J. Willacker, M.T. Tate, C. Flanagan Pritz, S.J. Nelson, D.P. Krabbenhoft, D. Walters, and C. Eagles-Smith. 2024. Geographic Drivers of Mercury Entry into Aquatic Foods Webs Revealed by Mercury Stable Isotopes in Dragonfly Larvae. Environmental Science & Technology. DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c02436
close up of dragonfly larvae on white spoon
Project Profile: Restore Native Plants and Reduce the Vulnerability to Climate Change Across the Arid Southwest
The National Park Service will remove over 4,000 acres of riparian invasive plant infestations and replace them with native vegetation in 14 parks, building drought resiliency.
A pond surrounded by palm trees with mountains in the background.
Project Profile: Manage Invasive Plants and Re-Seed Degraded Lands to Maintain Healthy Rangelands in Intermountain Region Park Units
The National Park Service will improve rangeland conditions and climate resilience across parks in Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. This will include rangeland ecosystem assessments, the monitoring of forage availability and vegetation conditions, the restoration of rangeland infrastructure and grazing allotments, and adding staff capacity in parks.
The moon rises over a dark desert landscape, with shrubs in the foreground.
Dinosaurs of the National Park Service
Dinosaur fossils have been discovered at or are associated with at least 27 NPS units. Geographically, their finds are concentrated in the parks of the Colorado Plateau, but they have been found from central Alaska to Big Bend National Park in Texas to Springfield Armory National Historic Site in Massachusetts. The most famous site is the Dinosaur Quarry of Dinosaur National Monument, but a rush of new finds since the 1970s has greatly expanded our knowledge.
allosaurus fossil
Water Quality in the Northern Colorado Plateau Network: Water Years 2019-2022
Good, clean water is essential for healthy ecosystems--for people, vegetation, and animals--making it one of the most important resources in the semi-arid west. The Northern Colorado Plateau Network and its partners monitor water quality in 8 national parks in Utah and Colorado to help scientists and managers conserve these resources. This article summarizes 2019-2022 water quality data and how they compare to state standards.
A calm river flows through a red rock canyon on a sunny summer day.
Shifting Gears: Leveraging Monitoring Data to Move from Weather to Ecological Forecasts
Innovative tools are being developed to nowcast and forecast the severity of drought impacts on wildfire hazard, and other conditions. Automated alerts and forecasts of resource condition provide lead time to implement creative solutions to minimize drought impacts in national parks. The information used to build forecasts is also useful for understanding and planning for potential climate change impacts in the future. Intermountain Park Science, 2024
A person walks through a field of yellow flowers.
Landbird Population Trends in the Northern Colorado Plateau Network, 2024
Northern Colorado Plateau Network’s long-term landbird monitoring program provides habitat-based updates for bird population status and trends in the parks in the Northern Colorado Plateau. These inform scientists and managers about changes in bird populations and about the health of the habitats they depend on. Learn more about which species were detected in the network parks for the first time and which landbird populations were increasing or declining between 2005 - 2024.
A bird sitting in a tree.
Series: Intermountain Park Science: Drought in the Southwest
In this issue of Intermountain Park Science, authors examine the consequences of drought and their impacts to both natural and cultural resources in some interesting and often overlooked ways.
An arid grassland with yellow flowers.
“Cracking the code” on mercury bioaccumulation
Read the abstract and get the link to a published paper on a model to predict mercury risk park waterbodies: Kotalik, C.J. et al. 2025. Ecosystem drivers of freshwater mercury bioaccumulation are context-dependent: insights from continental-scale modeling. Environmental Science & Technology. DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c07280
A person stands in a field looking at a bug through a magnifying lens.
How Parks’ Popular Webpages Can Benefit the Climate Conversation
Many Americans are reluctant to talk with one another about climate change. This may have a chilling effect on addressing its impacts in and outside national parks. Online information and storytelling could encourage meaningful dialogue.
park ranger talking with visitors against a background of snow-covered mountains and forests
Series: Park Paleontology News - Vol. 10, No. 2, Fall 2018
All across the park system, scientists, rangers, and interpreters are engaged in the important work of studying, protecting, and sharing our rich fossil heritage. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/newsletters.htm">Park Paleontology news</a> provides a close up look at the important work of caring for these irreplaceable resources. <ul><li>Contribute to Park Paleontology News by contacting the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/common/utilities/sendmail/sendemail.cfm?o=5D8CD5B898DDBB8387BA1DBBFD02A8AE4FBD489F4FF88B9049&r=/subjects/geoscientistsinparks/photo-galleries.htm">newsletter editor</a></li><li>Learn more about <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/">Fossils & Paleontology</a> </li><li>Celebrate <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossilday/">National Fossil Day</a> with events across the nation</li></ul>
NPS staff work to document a recently discovered slab of Navajo Sandstone
General Information
Visitor Center Operations
Kid-friendly Activities
Camping
Safety Rules and Regulations
Pets
Capitol Reef became a national monument on
August 2, 1937, conserving and protecting significant
natural and cultural resources. The boundaries were
later changed, and Capitol Reef became a national
park in 1971. Today the park encompasses 243,921
acres (381 square miles).
The park is open year-round and the visitor center
is open daily, except for federal winter holidays.
Brochures, books, and maps are available for sale.
Rangers answer questions and provide information
about travel, trails, road conditions, and weather.
Kids of all ages can complete activities in the Junior
Ranger booklet and earn a badge (allow 1-2 hours to
complete).
All campgrounds operate on a first-come first-served
basis. Occupancy is limited to eight people per site.
• Always carry plenty of water in warm weather—at
least one gallon per person per day is recommended.
The 71-site Fruita campground is the only developed
campground in the park, offering picnic tables, fire
rings, restrooms, water, and a dump station. A $20
nightly fee is charged. It is open year-round.
• Collecting wood, rocks, plants, animals, artifacts, or
other park resources is prohibited.
Pets are allowed on leash (maximum 6 feet) in the
developed areas of the park: along paved and dirt
roadways, in the picnic area, in campgrounds, and in
orchards. They are not permitted on trails, in public
buildings, or in the backcountry. Pets may not be left
unattended in campgrounds. There are no kennels
in the park. Consider your plans carefully before
bringing your pet with you.
The park features the geologic landforms of the
Waterpocket Fold and Cathedral Valley. Archeological
evidence of prehistoric American Indians and
elements of a historic Mormon settlement are
preserved. A range of habitats support diverse plant
and animal communities.
The visitor center offers exhibits on geology, ecology,
archeology, and history, as well as an 18-minute
orientation movie.
Things to Do
Enjoy interactive exhibits, games and activites,
and free educational programs at the Ripple Rock
Nature Center, 0.9 mile from the visitor center on the
Scenic Drive. Open primarily in summer. Ask at the
visitor center for hours and activities.
Adults can borrow a Family Fun Pack free of charge
at the visitor center and the nature center. The packs
contain books, games, and activities to encourage
learning and exploration of the park.
Fees
The park offers a variety of ranger-guided programs
from spring to fall at no charge. These include
interpretive talks, dark-sky presentations, and evening
programs at the outdoor campground amphitheater.
A fee of $10 per vehicle, good for seven days, is charged
to tour the Scenic Drive. Individual entrance fees are
$7 per person (foot or bicycle travel). Children 16 and
under are admitted free. Camping fees are separate.
The Fruita Schoolhouse is a restored pioneer
structure located 0.8 mile east of the visitor center
on Highway 24. An audio wayside describes teaching
in a one-room school.
There are over 140 miles of roads in and around the
park and over 150 miles of trails and backcountry routes
for the hiker and backpacker. Information and maps are
available at the visitor center and on our website.
America the Beautiful National Parks & Federal
Recreational Lands Passes are sold at the visitor
center. The $80 Annual Pass allows entry into federal
fee areas for one year from the month of purchase.
The blacksmith shop, located 0.9 mile south of the
visitor center on the Scenic Drive, offers an audio
wayside about life in a Mormon pioneer community.
Many day hike trailheads are located along Utah
Highway 24 and the Scenic Drive. Longer, more
rugged hiking routes are established in the north and
south districts of the park. Never underestimate the
difficulties of hiking in a rugged area like Capitol Reef.
Carry plenty of water and wear appropriate clothing
and footwear. It is safest not to hike alone; but for
those who do, inform another party of your plans. The
elevation and desert climate make the area prone to
temperature extremes and flash floods. Know what to
expect and plan accordingly. Summer brings intense
heat, low humidity, and monsoonal thunderstorms.
Winter brings freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and
the potential for hypothermia and impassable roads.
Military Passes are available for active military
personnel and dependents, with valid military ID. The
free annual pass allows entry into federal fee areas for
one year from the month of issue.
Senior Passes are available to US citizens 62 years of
age or older for a one-time charge of $10. This pass
provides the bearer free entry into federal fee areas
and discounts on some use fees, such as camping.
Access Passes are free of charge to handicapped or
disabled US citizens or residents and offer the same
benefits as the Senior Pass.
Fees are subject to change.
Accessibi
Capitol Reef
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Capitol Reef National Park
Fruita Area Map and Guide
Visitor Center
to Torrey
11mi (17km)
k
oc
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e
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im
Ch nyon
a
C
Chimney Rock
Trail
Lo
Chimney Rock
Panorama Point
24
Sunset
Point
Trail
Goosenecks
Overlook
Su
lph
ur
Cre
Ri
m
Ov
lo
ok
ajo
Parking Area
Viewpoint
on
Ro
1
0
e
1
2 miles
3
2
5500ft
1676m
Ro
il
1.9mi / 3.0km
ute
Capitol Dome
6120ft
1865m
yon
Can
r
Rive
2.6mi
4.2km
b
a
Coh
Fremont
River Trail
km
Frying Pan
Trail
F
2.2mi
3.5km
Visitor Center
to Caineville
19mi (31km)
to Hanksville
37mi (60km)
nt
il
sh
d
an
a
W
a
Tr
Gr
Cassidy Arch
Trail
Danish Hill
o
rem
24
Fr
em
Picnic Area
Hickman
Bridge
sT
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Rim
Overlook
t
Campground
North
Kn
ob
Fremont Gorge
Overlook Trail
on
Hiking Trails
av
The Castle
r
ive
Restrooms
0
/N
1.3mi
2.0km
R
Ca
ut
Visitor Center
ek
rin
Unpaved Roads
ny
er
3.0mi
4.9km
Sp
g
Navajo Knobs
6979ft
2127m
Visitor Center
Backcountry
Hiking Routes
Year-round
Streams
w
er
Paved Roads
Cassidy
Arch
sh
Wa
nd
Gra oad m)
R
2.0k
mi /
3
.
1
(
Fruita Historic District
Visitor
Center
r
Petroglyph
Panel
ic
phu
en
Sul
Fruita
Schoolhouse
North
Picnic Area
Blacksmith Shop
Slickrock
Divide
Gifford House
l
rai
k T Amphitheater
o
rlo
R
t
r
ive
t R Trail
Group Site
(reserved)
n
mo
Fre
er
Fee
Station
Dr
iv
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Cohab
Canyon
Trail
Old Wagon Trail
0
0
ive
Fremon
iv
S c e n ic
e
Ov
!
4.5mi
7.2km
Flash flood hazards exist. Avoid
canyons during storms. Don’t cross
floodwaters; climb high to safety. Roads
may be closed during flood events.
Dr
n
mo
Fre
rge
o
tG
• Stay on established trails.
• Backcountry hiking routes are not maintained.
Creek
Ripple Rock
Nature Center
• Bring food, water, and emergency supplies.
• Do not build new cairns (stacked rocks) or
destroy existing ones.
Sc
24
Hiking Tips
0.1
0.1
0.2
Golden Throne
7042ft
2146m
Go
lde
0.2 mi.
0.3
km
Pleasant Creek Road
(high clearance
recommended)
nT
The
Tanks
hro
Pioneer
Register
ne
Tra
il
Capitol Gorge Road
(2.4mi / 3.8km)
Capitol
Gorge
Trail
Trail Guide
Strenuous
Moderate
Easy
Elevation change refers to the difference between the highest and lowest points of the trail.
USE CAUTION: Natural hazards exist, including rockfall, lightning, flash floods, and steep drop-offs.
Trail
One-way Distance
Elevation Change
Features
Goosenecks
0.1 mi (0.2 km)
<50 ft (<15 m)
dramatic canyon views
Sunset Point
0.4 mi (0.6 km)
<50 ft (<15 m)
panorama, good for sunset
Capitol Gorge
1.0 mi (1.6 km)
80 ft (24 m)
deep canyon, historic inscriptions, short climb to waterpockets (“tanks”)
Grand Wash
2.2 mi (3.6 km)
200 ft (61 m)
deep canyon, narrows
Cohab Canyon
1.7 mi (2.7 km)
440 ft (134 m)
hidden canyons, views of Fruita, panoramas at spur trail viewpoints
Fremont River
1.0 mi (1.7 km)
480 ft (146 m)
easy stroll along river, then steep climb to panoramas
Hickman Bridge
0.9 mi (1.4 km)
400 ft (122 m)
133-foot natural bridge, canyon views
Cassidy Arch
1.7 mi (2.8 km)
670 ft (204 m)
natural arch, slickrock, canyon views
Chimney Rock Loop (round trip)
3.6 mi (5.9 km)
590 ft (180 m)
panoramas of Waterpocket Fold cliffs, good for sunset
Fremont Gorge Overlook
2.3 mi (3.6 km)
1,090 ft (332 m)
short climb to open mesa top, ends at high viewpoint on rim of gorge
Frying Pan
2.9 mi (4.6 km)
810 ft (247 m)
connects Cohab Canyon and Cassidy Arch trails, ridgetop panoramas
Golden Throne
2.0 mi (3.2 km)
730 ft (223 m)
views of Capitol Gorge and Golden Throne
Old Wagon Trail Loop (round trip) 3.8 mi (6.1 km)
1,080 ft (329 m)
pinyon-juniper forest, views of cliffs and Henry Mountains
Rim Overlook
2.3 mi (3.6 km)
1,110 ft (338 m)
panoramas of Fruita and Waterpocket Fold from atop dramatic cliff
Navajo Knobs
4.7 mi (7.6 km)
1,620 ft (494 m)
continuation of Rim Overlook Trail, 360-degree mountaintop panorama
Fruita Area Map and Guide
What to do in the Fruita area if you have...
...a half day:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Capitol Reef became a national monument in
1937 and a national park in 1971. The park
preserves unique geologic features, important
archeological evidence, diverse plant and animal
communities, and the homesteads and stories of
early Mormon pioneer settlers.
Drive the Scenic Drive; tour guide available at bookstore
Stroll the Goosenecks trail and enjoy the geology along Highway 24
Watch the park movie at the visitor center
View the Fremont petroglyph panels along Highway 24
Hike to Hickman Bridge
Discover Mormon pioneer history at the historic Gifford House store and museum
Have a picnic by the Fremont River
...a whole day:
•
•
•
•
•
Attend a ranger-guided activity
Become a Junior Ranger
Walk to historic inscriptions on the Capitol Gorge Trail
Hike a longer trail such as Chimney Rock, Grand Wash, Cassidy Arch, or Cohab Canyon
Wander through the historic fruit orchards and pick fruit when
Capitol Reef National Park
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Hiking Routes in Capitol Reef’s Cathedral District
A remote backcountry with no paved roads, Capitol Reef’s northern Cathedral
District features stark landscapes and a high degree of solitude. Here the northern
flanks of Waterpocket Fold give way to broad deserts, stunning monoliths, and
volcanic dikes and crags. The Cathedral and Hartnet roads (passable only to highclearance vehicles; four-wheel drive often recommended) provide access to a number
of short hikes, a selection of which is described here.
Cathedral Valley
These routes are not official, maintained trails. Route conditions, including obstacles
in canyons, change frequently due to weather, flash floods, rockfall, and other hazards.
Routefinding, navigation, and map-reading skills are critical. Do not rely solely on
unofficial route markers (rock cairns, etc.); they are not maintained by the National
Park Service (NPS), may not indicate the route in this description, or may be absent.
Roads in this area are maintained infrequently and are not plowed in winter. Some sections of road cross areas of
bentonite clay, which becomes impassable when wet. Deep, soft sand may also exist on roads. Roads may occasionally
require four-wheel drive, and may quickly become impassable due to wet weather. At the south end of the Hartnet
Road near Highway 24, vehicles must ford the Fremont River; there is no bridge over the river. Do not attempt to cross
the river during floods or other periods of high water. Ask at the visitor center about river ford conditions.
Check weather forecasts and road reports before departing. Be prepared for changing conditions. Let others know
your travel plans, especially if exploring backcountry areas. Carry extra food, water, and appropriate clothing. Stay
hydrated, and limit exposure to desert sun. Have a self-rescue plan. Beware of storms that may cause sudden flash
floods, and avoid travel in narrow canyons if rain is approaching. Do not walk or drive across flooded roads or trails—
play it safe and wait until floodwaters subside. You are responsible for your own safety.
Jailhouse Rock and
Temple Rock Route
4.5 mi. (7.3 km) round trip
2-3 hrs.
Moderate
Starting at the Lower South Desert Overlook
(15.2 miles [24.5 km] northwest of Highway
24 via the Hartnet Road), an old road leads to
a viewpoint that overlooks Jailhouse Rock, a
large promontory rising from the valley floor.
To continue on to Temple Rock, follow the
switchbacking track until it disappears along
the valley floor. A faint single track then leads
around the north side of Jailhouse Rock across
the South Desert and rejoins the road before
reaching a low passage between volcanic
dikes. Ascending the dike on the left provides
a vantage point for viewing Temple Rock, an
eroded monolith of Entrada sandstone. It is
roughly 2.3 miles (3.7 km) from this point back
to the trailhead.
Lower Cathedral Valley
Overlooks Route
1.5-2.5 mi. (2.5-3.9 km)
round trip
1-2 hrs.; moderate
While most visitors look up at the Temples of
the Sun and Moon from below, this hike offers
a bird’s eye view of the two monoliths. Access is
from the Hartnet Road, 17.6 mi. (28.3 km) from
Highway 24. A wooden sign with a diagram of
the ridge ahead marks the start of the route.
Follow the faint path to the north across a
brushy flat, then climb a short, steep pitch to
the rim of a saddle that affords views of Lower
Cathedral Valley to the north. A second saddle
to the east can be accessed by returning to the
base of the cliffs and turning east, following a
sandy wash to a point level with the low pass
to the north. While there is no reliable trail
connecting the two saddles, there may be a faint
track guiding hikers between the viewpoints.
It is roughly 0.9 mile (1.4 km) between the two
saddles. From here, traverse cross-country back
to the trailhead, completing a 2.5-mile loop.
Upper South Desert
Overlook
0.4 mi. (0.6 km) round trip
<30 minutes; moderate
This short path affords views of the upper
reaches of the South Desert, flanked on the
north side by steep cliffs, and the Henry
Mountains to the east. A short spur road leaving
the Hartnet Road 27.1 miles (43.6 km) from
Highway 24 provides access to the trailhead.
After a short stretch across relatively level
terrain, the footpath climbs steeply to the top of
a rocky outcrop with a 360-degree panorama.
Upper Cathedral Valley
Overlook
0.2 mi. (0.3 km) round trip
<30 minutes; easy
Approximately 27.4 miles (44.1 km) from
Highway 24, a dirt track departs the Hartnet
Road, heading north 0.3 mile (0.5 km) to the
trailhead. A short, rolling trail leads to an
excellent view of Upper Cathedral Valley. The
panorama is highlighted by a line of monoliths
in the valley below known as the Cathedrals.
This short hike begins 1.8 miles (2.9 km) north
Morrell Cabin Trail
0.4 mi. (0.7 km) round trip of the junction of the Hartnet and Cathedral
Roads, at the base of a series of s
Capitol Reef National Park
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Hiking Routes in Capitol Reef’s Waterpocket District
Backcountry hiking opportunities abound in Capitol Reef’s remote, southern
Waterpocket District, ranging from one-hour walks to multi-day backpacking routes.
Short-distance hikes in Red, Surprise, and Headquarters Canyons cut through multiple
sedimentary rock layers, while slot canyons in Burro Wash, Cottonwood Wash, and
Sheets Gulch are arduous but rewarding. Upper and Lower Muley Twist Canyons and
Halls Creek Narrows are popular overnight destinations. Use caution in narrow canyons,
particularly during the flash flood season (typically July–September). Free backcountry
permits are required for all overnight trips and can be obtained at the visitor center.
Surprise Canyon
These routes are not official, maintained trails. Route conditions, including obstacles
in canyons, change frequently due to weather, flash floods, rockfall, and other hazards.
Routefinding, navigation, and map-reading skills are critical. Do not rely solely on
unofficial route markers (rock cairns, etc.); they are not maintained by the National Park
Service (NPS), may not indicate the route in this description, or may be absent.
Red Canyon Trail and
Route
5.6 mi. (9.0 km) round trip
3-4 hrs.
Easy to moderate
Starting at Cedar Mesa Campground, the
Red Canyon Trail bears southwest across a
sagebrush flat before climbing a low ridge
that affords views of the Henry Mountains to
the east. Here the trail follows an old dugway
northwest into Red Canyon. After 1.3 miles
(2.0 km), the trail drops into a sandy wash
flanked by cottonwood trees. Here the route
simply follows the wash bottom for more than
a mile into an amphitheater of high, Wingate
sandstone walls. The hike ends at a fork in the
gray-green and lavender clay of the Chinle
formation, beyond which progress is obstructed
by a collection of large boulders.
Surprise Canyon Route
2.0 mi. (3.2 km) round trip
1-2 hrs.
Easy
The short Surprise Canyon route crosses a
broad, grassy drainage before entering a deep
canyon in the Waterpocket Fold. After crossing
the dry wash bed of Halls Creek, bear slightly
left to crest a small, grassy hill. From here the
cairned trail meanders west among colorful
outcrops before dropping steeply into a rocky
ravine. From here, follow the wash bottom into
the deep, relatively narrow canyon. The route
ends at the base of a spiraling pouroff 1.0 mile
(1.6 km) from the Burr Trail Road. A bypass
on the left offers access to the canyon’s upper
reaches. However, progress is challenging due
to large boulder jams and steep, crumbling
slopes.
Headquarters Canyon
Route
3.2 mi. (5.2 km) round trip
2-3 hrs.
Easy
Headquarters Canyon features sheer, vertical
walls and slopes of Navajo sandstone streaked
with color. Departing from the Burr Trail
Road, a signed, sandy track cuts west across
a sagebrush flat and crosses the dry drainage
of Halls Creek. Within 0.5 mile (0.4 km), the
route crosses a couple of dry washes, edges
around orange Entrada sandstone outcrops,
and descends to a wide, stony gulch. Follow this
drainage west into the Waterpocket Fold.
Less than one mile (1.6 km) from the start, the
deep gorge constricts to a narrow slot usually
free of significant obstacles. Beyond the slot,
the canyon is flush with vegetation. The hike
ends at a sandstone ramp in the ledge-forming
Kayenta formation. A 6-foot dryfall atop the
slide is passable to agile climbers, but progress
beyond is quickly halted by a much higher
dryfall.
Strike Valley Overlook
0.9 mi. (1.4 km) round trip
30 min.-1 hr.
Moderate
From the end of the 2.9-mile (4.7 km) Upper
Muley Twist Road, it is a 0.4-mile (0.6 km)
hike to Strike Valley Overlook. From the
overlook high above the valley, nearly a dozen
sedimentary rock layers representing nearly 150
million of geologic history are on full display.
The overlook, marked by a large rock cairn, sits
atop a low saddle reached by way of a sandy
trail, followed by two moderate-grade slickrock
climbs. Driving the sandy and rock-strewn
Upper Muley Twist Road requires a highclearance vehicle. Overnight camping is not
permitted on the Strike Valley Overlook route.
Additional Backcountry Routes
Detailed information on these longer, strenuous routes is available separately.
Burro Wash / Cottonwood Wash /
Sheets Gulch
Dayhikes into deep sandstone gorges and arduous slot canyons. Accessed from
signed roadside parking areas along the Notom-Bullfrog Road.
Upper Muley Twist Canyon
Sandstone narrows, arches, and panoramic views from high slickrock ridges.
Accessed from Upper Muley Twist Road via Burr Trail Road. Either a long dayhike or
overnight trip.
Lower Muley Twist Canyon
Long, sinuous canyon with narrows and large alcoves; scenic vistas and remote desert
wilderness. Accessed either from Burr Trail Road or the Post Corral trailhead. Either
a long dayhike or overnight trip, depending on the variation of the route chosen.
Capitol Reef National Park
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Burro Wash, Cottonwood Wash, and Sheets Gulch
These are classic examples of slot canyons which typify the canyon country of southern
Utah: deep, narrow, secret places within the Waterpocket Fold. The routes are largely
unmarked. A few rock cairns may mark key points; carrying a topographic map is
recommended. It is extremely hot in summer and water sources are unreliable; carry
adequate water. Use caution in narrow canyons during flash flood season (typically July–
September).
All three canyons are difficult hikes and only experienced canyon-country hikers should
attempt these routes. All contain obstacles in the form of dry falls and chock stones
(large boulders wedged in narrow slots) which must be climbed over. The canyons are
extremely narrow in places; most people will have to work their way through sideways.
Often there are pools of water that may require deep wading or short swims.
Beginning at the Notom-Bullfrog Road, Burro Wash and Cottonwood Wash can be done
as long day hikes. Sheets Gulch can be done as a long day hike or an overnight, depending
on where you turn around. Free backcountry permits are required for all overnight trips
and can be obtained at the visitor center.
Burro Wash
Trailhead Locations
This route is not an official, maintained trail. Route conditions, including obstacles in
canyons, change frequently due to weather, flash floods, rockfall, and other hazards.
Routefinding, navigation, and map-reading skills are critical. Do not rely solely on
unofficial route markers (rock cairns, etc.); they are not maintained by the National Park
Service (NPS), may not indicate the route in this description, or may be absent.
All three canyons are located within a few miles
of each other and can be accessed from the
Notom-Bullfrog Road, which is paved south
of Hwy 24 until just past Cottonwood Wash.
The unpaved portion is usually passable to
passenger cars.
Each route begins where the road crosses the
wash, except for Sheets Gulch which begins
just north of the wash. All crossings are marked
with signs. There are trailhead parking areas at
Burro Wash and Sheets Gulch. At Cottonwood
Wash, there is a parking/dispersed camping
area adjacent to the road, and a designated
motorized route extends a short distance up
the wash (high-clearance vehicles only). Do not
drive up Burro Wash or Sheets Gulch.
Route Distances
Additional Information
The upper end of Sheets Gulch can be accessed
via the South Draw Road at Tantalus Flats. The
South Draw Road begins off of the Pleasant
Creek Road at the end of the park’s Scenic
Drive and requires a high-clearance, fourwheel-drive vehicle. Occasionally, South Draw
Road is impassable due to muddy conditions
and/or flash flood damage. Contact the visitor
center for current road conditions.
• Burro Wash: Notom-Bullfrog Road to impassable pour-off..................................3.4 miles (5.5 km)
• Cottonwood Wash: Notom-Bullfrog Road to impassable pour-off......................3.3 miles (5.3 km)
• Sheets Gulch: Notom-Bullfrog Road to turnaround point at
Rules and Regulations
The first few miles of each route cross Bureau
of Land Management (BLM) lands along
sandy wash bottoms surrounded by low hills.
Livestock may be present in open range outside
the park boundary.
cottonwood seep...............................................................................6.7 miles (10.8 km)
• Free permits are required for backcountry
camping, and are available at:
♦♦Capitol Reef Visitor Center
♦♦Bullfrog Visitor Center (Glen Canyon NRA)
♦♦Anasazi State Park (Boulder, UT)
♦♦Escalante Interagency Visitor Center
• Dispersed/at-large camping with vehicles is
prohibited within the park, including at or
near trailheads. Dispersed/at-large camping
is allowed on federal lands (USFS, BLM)
adjacent to the park, where you must use
established campsites on existing spur routes
Best season:
Spring and fall.
For more information:
Contact the Capitol Reef Visitor Center at
435-425-4111.
•
•
•
•
within 150 feet of an officially-designated
motorized route.
Pets are not permitted on trails or in off-trail
or backcountry areas. Pets are permitted on
roads and in designated campgrounds.
Fires are prohibited.
Collecting or damaging any park resource
(plants, animals, wood, rocks, bones, antlers,
artifacts, etc.) is prohibited.
Violation of these regulations may result in a
citation.
Maps:
USGS 7.5-minute series: Notom, Golden
Throne, Bear Canyon, and Sandy Creek
Benches. Maps available at the visitor center.
(continued)
Hike Description:
Burro Wash
Burro Wash is located 7.8 miles (12.6 km) south
of Hwy 24 on the Notom-Bullfrog Road. As you
proceed up the wash (west), always take the left
branch at major wash junctions. Approximately
two miles (3.2 km) in from the Notom-Bullfrog
Road, the canyon begins to narrow as it cuts
into the Navajo Sandstone. Soon you will
encounter a narrow, sandy wash
Capitol Reef National Park
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Halls Creek Narrows
Between the high cliffs of Hall Mesa on the east and the steep slickrock slopes of the
Waterpocket Fold on the west, the hike through the Halls Creek drainage (known as
Grand Gulch) explores the park’s southern reaches. Along the way, hikers can explore
numerous side canyons that join the Halls Creek drainage. At the remote southern tip
of the park is the 3.8-mile (6.0 km) Halls Creek Narrows, deeply incised into the white
Navajo sandstone. A perennial stream and shade from the arching canyon walls create an
oasis in the midst of surrounding desert.
The route is largely unmarked; carrying a topographic map is recommended. The route
is extremely hot in summer. Water can usually be found at the Fountain Tanks and in
the narrows. Use caution in narrow canyons, particularly during the flash flood season
(typically July–September). Hiking through the narrows requires wading through water
that occasionally may be deep enough to require swimming.
The round-trip hike is best done as a three- to four-day trip. Free backcountry permits are
required for all overnight trips and can be obtained at the visitor center.
Halls Creek Narrows
Trailhead Location
This route is not an official, maintained trail. Route conditions, including obstacles in
canyons, change frequently due to weather, flash floods, rockfall, and other hazards.
Routefinding, navigation, and map-reading skills are critical. Do not rely solely on
unofficial route markers (rock cairns, etc.); they are not maintained by the National Park
Service (NPS), may not indicate the route in this description, or may be absent.
From the visitor center, travel 9.0 miles (14.4
km) east on Highway 24 to the Notom-Bullfrog
Road, then south 43.2 miles (69.4 km) via the
partially-paved Notom-Bullfrog Road and
unpaved Burr Trail Road. Then turn right
(south) at an intersection with a paved road
(shown on some maps as “Eggnog Junction”),
and drive 0.9 mile (1.5 km) to the turnoff for
Halls Creek Overlook. Turn right (west) and
drive 2.8 miles (4.5 km) to the rough spur
road leading to the trailhead at Halls Creek
Overlook. Total distance from the Capitol Reef
Visitor Center is 56.1 miles (90.3 km).
The unpaved portions of the Notom-Bullfrog
and Burr Trail roads are hard-packed dirt,
usually passable to passenger cars. The final 3
miles (4.8 km) leading to Halls Creek Overlook
are rough and require high-clearance, fourwheel-drive vehicles.
Route Distances
Halls Creek Overlook (trailhead) to canyon bottom...................................................1.2 miles (1.9 km)
Bottom of Halls Creek Overlook Trail to beginning of narrows loop.....................7.3 miles (11.8 km)
Halls Creek Narrows (west portion of narrows loop).................................................3.8 miles (6.0 km)
Hall Divide route (east portion of narrows loop).........................................................1.7 miles (2.7 km)
Total round-trip.............................................................................................................22.4 miles (36.1 km)
Hike Description
The hike begins at Halls Creek Overlook. From
this spectacular viewpoint, a steep trail marked
with rock cairns descends 800 feet (244 m) over
1.2 miles (1.9 km) to the Halls Creek drainage.
Pay attention to landmarks as no signs mark the
point where this route climbs out of the canyon;
it would be easy to walk past the route on your
return trip. The remainder of the route is largely
unmarked but it is simply a matter of walking
down canyon (south) to the narrows. An old
wagon trail followed this same route and is still
visible in many places. Cutting across many of
the wide meanders in the wash, it provides a
convenient path for much of the route to the
narrows.
Additional Information
miles (6.0 km), the creek meanders through a
deep, narrow canyon that always requires some
walking in water. The depth of the pools can
vary greatly from year to year and from season
to season. Flash floods periodically scour out
the sediment, leaving pools that may require
deep wading or short swims.
At the narrows, Halls Creek abandons its logical
path down the wide canyon separating the
Waterpocket Fold and Halls Mesa and cuts into
the Navajo sandstone on the west side of the
canyon. The change is sudden and dramatic. A
large grove of cottonwood trees is located near
the entrance to the narrows. For the next 3.8
If you choose not to enter the narrows and
want to continue south in the main drainage,
or if you want to bypass the narrows on your
return trip, follow the route over Hall Divide
which blocks the main canyon just beyond
(south of) the entrance to the narrows. The
easiest way to negotiate the 1.7-mile (2.7 km)
Hall Divide is to look for the old wagon route
and follow it over this obstacle. The hike across
Hall Divide can be hot and shadeless; make
sure you have adequate water. An alternative is
to h
Capitol Reef National Park
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Lower Muley Twist Canyon
The highlight of the hike is a deep, narrow, twisting canyon with large alcoves. The canyon
offers many opportunities for side trips and exploring. From 1881 to 1884, the canyon
served as a wagon route for Mormon pioneers traveling south toward San Juan County.
The canyon was thought to be narrow enough to “twist a mule”, hence the name Muley
Twist. The Post cutoff trail is marked with rock cairns and signs, but carrying a topographic
map is recommended. It is extremely hot in summer and water sources are unreliable;
carry adequate water. Use caution in narrow canyons particularly during flash flood season
(typically July–September).
Beginning at the trailhead on the Burr Trail Road and hiking down-canyon to The Post
trailhead via The Post cutoff trail necessitates leaving a vehicle at each end. If you don’t have
two vehicles, turn around when you get to the sign indicating The Post cutoff trail. A hike
through Lower Muley Twist Canyon can be done as a long day hike or as an overnight trip
by starting and ending at The Post parking area. Hiking the entire canyon from the trailhead
on the Burr Trail Road and back is best done as a two- to three-day trip. Backcountry
permits are required for all overnight trips and can be obtained at the visitor center.
From the south end of Lower Muley Twist, a side trip to the south offers a view of
Hamburger Rocks. These are small, dark-red hoodoos within the Navajo sandstone with
hamburger-like shapes. The white-colored slope they are perched on accentuates the rocks.
The spur route to Hamburger Rocks is unmarked. Water can usually be found at the Muley
Tanks, about 200 yards (183 m) north of Hamburger Rocks, but would need to be purified.
Lower Muley Twist Canyon
This route is not an official, maintained trail. Route conditions, including obstacles in
canyons, change frequently due to weather, flash floods, rockfall, and other hazards.
Routefinding, navigation, and map-reading skills are critical. Do not rely solely on unofficial
route markers (rock cairns, etc.); they are not maintained by the National Park Service
(NPS), may not indicate the route in this description, or may be absent.
Trailhead Locations
• Top of the Burr Trail Road switchbacks, 35
Route Distances
•
•
•
•
•
miles (56.3 km) south of Hwy 24 (2.1 miles
[3.4 km] west of the Notom-Bullfrog Road/
Burr Trail Road junction). The NotomBullfrog Road is hard-packed dirt and is
usually passable to passenger cars. At times,
the Burr Trail Road may require a high
clearance vehicle.
• The Post parking area: from the Burr Trail
Road/Notom-Bullfrog Road junction,
travel 2.2 miles (3.6 km) south on the Burr
Trail Road, then 0.5 mile (0.9 km) to an old
corral at the end of a short spur road.
Burr Trail Road trailhead to The Post cutoff trail......................................................3.8 miles (6.2 km)
The Post cutoff trail to the Post trailhead, one-way...................................................2.1 miles (3.3 km)
Burr Trail Road trailhead to Halls Creek drainage................................................12.4 miles (20.0 km)
Junction of Lower Muley Twist and Halls Creek drainage to The Post trailhead....4.7 miles (7.6 km)
Total mileage for upper loop (Burr Trail Road trailhead to The Post cutoff trail and return via the
Burr Trail Road).........................................................................................................10.7 miles (17.4 km)
• Total mileage for lower loop (from The Post trailhead and back)......................15.4 miles (24.8 km)
• Total mileage for entire loop: Burr Trail Road trailhead to Halls Creek drainage and return via the
Burr Trail Road..........................................................................................................21.9 miles (35.5 km)
• Total mileage for entire loop: Burr Trail Road trailhead to Halls Creek drainage and return via
The Post cutoff trail...................................................................................................22.8 miles (36.9 km)
Rules and Regulations
Additional Information
• Free permits are required for backcountry
camping, and are available at:
♦♦Capitol Reef Visitor Center
♦♦Bullfrog Visitor Center (Glen Canyon NRA)
♦♦Anasazi State Park (Boulder, UT)
♦♦Escalante Interagency Visitor Center
• Dispersed/at-large camping with vehicles is
prohibited within the park, including at or
near trailheads. Dispersed/at-large camping
is allowed on federal lands (USFS, BLM)
adjacent to the park.
• Pets are not permitted on trails or in off-trail
or backcountry areas. Pets are permitted on
roads and in designated campgrounds.
• Fires are prohibited.
• Collecting or damaging any park resource
(plants, animals, wood, rocks, bones, antlers,
artifacts, etc.) is prohibited.
• Violation of these regulations may result in a
citation.
Best season:
Maps:
Spring and fall.
For m
Capitol Reef National Park
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Pleasant Creek
Pleasant Creek is a year-round stream that has cut a deep, scenic canyon through the heart
of Capitol Reef. Exploring the length of the canyon requires numerous creek crossings; it is
often possible to jump over the creek, but stepping into the water may be necessary at times.
Dangerous flash floods are an occasional hazard on this route. Do not hike the Pleasant
Creek route if there is a chance of rain. Do not camp next to the creek.
Unmaintained yet noticeable footpaths exist along much of the route—please stay on these paths
where they exist in order to protect biological soil crusts. Do not walk or camp on areas of this
fragile soil crust. It has a lumpy, gray appearance, and helps prevent erosion of soft, sandy soils.
It is possible to explore the canyon in either direction from the trailhead as a day hike. Suitable
locations for backcountry campsites can be found in some sections of the canyon. Backcountry
permits are required for all overnight trips and can be obtained at the visitor center. Portions of
the Upper Pleasant Creek route are outside the park, on lands administered by the US Forest
Service (Fishlake National Forest).
Pleasant Creek
When hiking and camping along Pleasant Creek around mid-October, be advised that local
ranchers have permits from the park to herd cattle through Pleasant Creek Canyon at that time
of year. Choose campsites carefully, and stand clear of approaching cattle herds.
This route is not an official, maintained trail. Route conditions, including obstacles in canyons, change frequently due to
weather, flash floods, rockfall, and other hazards. Routefinding, navigation, and map-reading skills are critical. Do not
rely solely on unofficial route markers (rock cairns, etc.); they are not maintained by the National Park Service (NPS),
may not indicate the route in this description, or may be absent.
Note: Capitol Reef National Park recommends hikers do not ingest water directly from Pleasant Creek because E. coli
bacteria are occasionally detected in water samples taken from the stream. Sources of E. coli bacteria in Pleasant Creek
may include runoff from upstream agricultural and grazing land, cattle trailing, and human and wildlife waste.
Trailhead Locations
From the visitor center, travel 7.9 miles (12.7
km) south to the end of the paved portion of
Scenic Drive. Continue south for 2.8 miles (4.5
km) on the unpaved Pleasant Creek Road to
a small parking area and vault toilet adjacent
to Pleasant Creek. This is the trailhead; do
not continue on the rough road that crosses
Pleasant Creek (a rugged, unmaintained, four-
wheel-drive track known as South Draw Road).
It is also possible to access the upper end of the
Pleasant Creek route from the Tantalus Flats area,
west of the park boundary. This requires travel
on rough roads with high-clearance vehicles;
four-wheel drive may be required. The road may
be impassable at times, especially in winter.
Route Distances
(one-way)
From the trailhead at Pleasant Creek Road to:
• turnaround point at fence near east park boundary.................................................3.4 miles (5.4 km)
• west park boundary.......................................................................................................2.3 miles (3.7 km)
• Pleasant Creek cascades, west of park boundary (Fishlake National Forest).......3.8 miles (6.1 km)
Hike Description:
Lower Pleasant Creek
to east park boundary
From the trailhead next to Pleasant Creek,
follow a footpath leading to the east from the
parking area. Cross to the south side of the
creek after 0.3 mile (0.5 km), near a tall grove
of cottonwoods. From this point onward,
continue eastward along sandy benches and
streambanks, following informal trails and
crossing the creek as necessary, as the waterway
meanders between the canyon walls. About
2.1 miles (3.5 km) from the trailhead, the creek
flows over slickrock into a short, narrow chute
of red sandstone. About 1/4 mile (0.4 km) past
the chute, the main canyon widens and a large
side canyon joins Pleasant Creek from the
right (south); it is possible to explore the side
canyon for a short distance before obstacles
block passage. Around 0.5 mile (0.8 km)
beyond the side canyon, the route bypasses a
large southward meander in the main canyon
by crossing over a low sandstone saddle next
to the north wall of the canyon. After crossing
the saddle, return to the creek and follow it for
another 0.5 mile (0.8 km) to a fence that crosses
the creek bottom. Shortly beyond the fence is
the park boundary and private property. This
fence marks the end of the route. To return to
the trailhead, retrace your route westward up
the canyon to the Pleasant Creek Road.
Hike Description:
Upper Pleasant Creek
to west park boundary
(and beyond)
From the trailhead next to Pleasant Creek,
follow a footpath leading west along the north
side of the creek. After abou
Capitol Reef National Park
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Spring Canyon
Spring Canyon is deep and narrow with towering Wingate cliffs and Navajo domes. It
originates on the shoulder of Thousand Lakes Mountain and extends to the Fremont
River. The route is marked with rock cairns and signs in some places, but many sections
are unmarked; carrying a topographic map and GPS unit is recommended. It is extremely
hot in summer, and potential water sources are rare and uncertain (see hike descriptions
for details). Use caution in narrow canyons, particularly during the flash flood season
(typically July–September).
The canyon route is divided into Upper and Lower Spring Canyon sections. It can be
accessed midway via Chimney Rock Canyon. The entire canyon is best done as a three- to
four-day trip. Upper Spring Canyon is a good two- to three-day trip, while Lower Spring
Canyon can be done as an overnight or long day hike. At the lower end of Spring Canyon,
fording the Fremont River is necessary; there is no bridge over the river (see page 2 for
details). Free backcountry permits are required for all overnight trips and can be obtained
at the visitor center. Portions of the Upper Spring Canyon route are outside the park, on
lands administered by the US Forest Service (Fishlake National Forest).
Lower Spring Canyon
Trailhead Locations
This route is not an official, maintained trail. Route conditions, including obstacles in
canyons, change frequently due to weather, flash floods, rockfall, and other hazards.
Routefinding, navigation, and map-reading skills are critical. Do not rely solely on
unofficial route markers (rock cairns, etc.); they are not maintained by the National Park
Service (NPS), may not indicate the route in this description, or may be absent.
• Upper end of Spring Canyon: Holt Draw,
which is a dirt track on the right (north) side
of Hwy 24, 0.9 miles (1.4 km) west of the park
boundary (just west of mile marker 73, on US
Forest Service land) and 7.0 miles (11.3 km)
west of the visitor center. The road is closed
to vehicle traffi c beyond the gate at the forest
service boundary near Hwy 24.
• Midway, for access to the lower end of Upper
Route Distances
•
•
•
•
Additional Information
• Lower end of Spring Canyon: Across the
Fremont River 3.6 miles (5.8 km) east of the
visitor center on Hwy 24 (just east of mile
marker 83). Look for unmarked parking areas
on both sides of the highway.
• Upper Spring Canyon from Holt Draw to Chimney Rock parking area............18.7 miles (30.1 km)
• Upper Spring Canyon from Holt Draw to Chimney Rock Canyon and back to
•
Rules and Regulations
Spring Canyon and to the upper end of
Lower Spring Canyon: The Chimney Rock
trailhead, located 3.0 miles (4.8 km) west of
the visitor center on Hwy 24.
Holt Draw via Hwy 24...................................................................................22.7 miles (36.5 km)
Lower Spring Canyon from Chimney Rock parking area to the
Fremont River/Hwy 24....................................................................................9.7 miles (15.6 km)
Lower Spring Canyon from Chimney Rock parking area and back to
Chimney Rock parking area via Hwy 24.....................................................16.3 miles (26.2 km)
Upper and Lower Spring Canyon from Holt Draw to the
Fremont River and Hwy 24...........................................................................22.6 miles (36.4 km)
Upper and Lower Spring Canyon from Holt Draw and back to
Holt Draw via Hwy 24...................................................................................33.2 miles (53.4 km)
Access to Spring Canyon from Chimney Rock parking area via
Chimney Rock Canyon......................................................................................2.9 miles (4.7 km)
• Free permits are required for backcountry
camping, and are available at:
♦♦Capitol Reef Visitor Center
♦♦Bullfrog Visitor Center (Glen Canyon NRA)
♦♦Anasazi State Park (Boulder, UT)
♦♦Escalante Interagency Visitor Center
• Dispersed/at-large camping with vehicles is
prohibited within the park, including at or
near trailheads. Dispersed/at-large camping
is allowed on federal lands (USFS, BLM)
adjacent to the park.
• Pets are not permitted on trails or in off-trail
or backcountry areas. Pets are permitted on
roads and in designated campgrounds.
• Fires are prohibited.
• Collecting or damaging any park resource
(plants, animals, wood, rocks, bones, antlers,
artifacts, etc.) is prohibited.
• Violation of these regulations may result in a
citation.
Best season:
For more information:
Spring and fall.
Maps:
Contact the Capitol Reef Visitor Center at 435425-4111.
USGS 7.5-minute series: Torrey, Twin Rocks,
and Fruita. Maps available at the visitor center.
(continued)
Hike Description:
Upper Spring Canyon
Upper Spring Canyon is a strenuous hike of
approximately 18.7 miles (30.1 km) from Holt
Draw to Chimney Rock. Route-finding skills
and the ab
Capitol Reef National Park
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Sulphur Creek
Sulphur Creek has cut a deep canyon that passes through the oldest rocks exposed at Capitol Reef.
It is a perennial stream with a flow that varies significantly in response to upstream water usage,
snowmelt, and heavy rain. There are about two miles of scenic narrows and three small waterfalls.
Bypassing the falls requires the ability to scramble down 12-foot ledges. The route nearly always
requires some walking in shallow water, but it is not uncommon for there to be much deeper water
that might even require swimming. This route may be difficult for children if deep water is present.
Ask at the visitor center for the latest condition report. Dangerous flash floods are an occasional
hazard on this route—do not hike the Sulphur Creek route if there is a chance of rain.
The 5.5-mile (8.9 km) one-way hike through Sulphur Creek Canyon involves leaving a shuttle
vehicle at each end. If you don’t have two vehicles, a 3.3-mile (5.3 km) hike along Highway 24 is
required to return your starting point. Vehicle shuttles are not provided or facilitated by the park.
Though legal, hitchhiking is not recommended.
Sulphur Creek
This route is not an official, maintained trail. Route conditions, including obstacles in canyons,
change frequently due to weather, flash floods, rockfall, and other hazards. Routefinding,
navigation, and map-reading skills are critical. Do not rely solely on unofficial route markers
(rock cairns, etc.); they are not maintained by the National Park Service (NPS), may not indicate
the route in this description, or may be absent.
Trailhead Locations
Parking for the upper end of the Sulphur Creek
route is at a paved pulloff on Highway 24,
0.3 mile (0.5 km) west of the Chimney Rock
trailhead, a total of 3.3 miles (5.3 km) west of the
visitor center. Space-permitting, you may also
park at the Chimney Rock trailhead. Parking
for the lower end of the route is on a gravel
road shoulder on the north side of Highway 24
across from the visitor center, adjacent to the
highway bridge over Sulphur Creek.
Hike Description
For those wishing to hike a short section of the
canyon to a small waterfall, begin your hike at the
visitor center and follow Sulphur Creek upstream
0.7 mile (1.2 km). However, many hikers choose
to hike the entire route in the downstream
direction, starting at the Chimney Rock trailhead
and ending at the visitor center. This description
details the hike in that direction.
(229 m) to the next falls, also passed on the right
(south). Here, pass under a large rock against
the south canyon wall and scramble down three
separate short pitches, slightly more difficult than
the first falls. Beyond this falls there are narrows
that usually require walking through water. After
the second falls, it is 1.7 miles (2.8 km) to the
third and final waterfall. Though only about eight
feet (2.4 m) high, this obstacle requires a short
but slippery traverse on a narrow ledge to the
left (north), followed by a short downclimb—use
caution. A faint hiker-made bypass trail can be
accessed by returning upstream about 20 yards
(18 m) to a point where it is possible to climb
out on the south side via a series of ledges. Once
atop the ledges, follow the bypass to the east,
traversing the slope above the lower cliffs south
of the creek. The bypass eventually descends
back to creek level well beyond the falls.
From the Chimney Rock trailhead, cross to the
south side of Highway 24. Directly across the
highway is a short hiker-made trail that quickly
leads down into the left side of a small wash.
Walking in the wash bottom reduces hiker
impacts on the sparse plant community. Con
tinue in the small wash for 500 feet (152 m)
until it runs into a much larger wash. Bear left
(southeast) and follow the wash for another
1.4 miles (2.3 km). Before the confluence with
Sulphur Creek, the wash narrows and there are
two 6-foot (2 m) pour-offs to downclimb. If
you are hiking in the opposite direction (visitor
center to Chimney Rock) the exit wash is at
UTM 0473452mE, 4239348mN (NAD27 datum).
Route Distances
Once at the creek, turn left (east) and walk
downstream. The canyon quickly deepens. A
half mile (0.8 km) along is the first view of the
fence at Goosenecks Overlook, about 800 feet
(244 m) above. From here it is another mile (1.6
km) of creekside walking to the first falls and the
beginning of the narrows section.
The lower 0.7 mile (1.2 km) of the route follows
the creek toward park headquarters and the
visitor center. When the cliff to the north of the
stream ends, find a hiker-made track that leads
to that point, where there is an old lime kiln built
and used by the early residents of Fruita. Please
preserve this fragile historic relic by not climbing
on or inside the kiln. The trail continues over a
low hill and down to Sulphur Creek behind the
visitor center. Go around the left (north) side of
the buildings to the parkin
Capitol Reef National Park
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Upper Muley Twist Canyon
Upper Muley Twist Canyon cuts lengthwise along the spine of the Waterpocket Fold
creating a colorful, meandering canyon. The Navajo and Wingate sandstone layers are
exposed here, tilted by the uplift and folding of the Earth’s crust and sculpted by millions
of years of erosion. The Wingate, stripped of its protective Kayenta cap rock, has eroded
into unusual forms including many large arches. The 0.9-mile (1.4 km) round-trip hike
to Strike Valley Overlook provides outstanding views of the Waterpocket Fold and the
surrounding area. The rim route in Upper Muley Twist Canyon provides similar views.
Saddle Arch
Highlights of the hike are narrow canyons, expanses of slickrock, large arches, and
dramatic vistas from the top of the Waterpocket Fold. The route is marked with rock cairns
and signs, but carrying a topographic map is recommended. It is extremely hot in summer
and water sources are unreliable; carry adequate water. Use caution in narrow canyons,
particularly during the flash flood season (typically July–September). Free backcountry
permits are required for all overnight trips and can be obtained at the visitor center.
This route is not an official, maintained trail. Route conditions, including obstacles in canyons, change frequently due to
weather, flash floods, rockfall, and other hazards. Routefinding, navigation, and map-reading skills are critical. Do not
rely solely on unofficial route markers (rock cairns, etc.); they are not maintained by the National Park Service (NPS),
may not indicate the route in this description, or may be absent.
Trailhead Locations
The Upper Muley Twist Canyon Road is
located one mile (1.6 km) west of the top of the
Burr Trail Road switchbacks. Passenger cars
can be driven about 0.3 mile (0.5 km) in to the
Upper Muley Twist Canyon trailhead. Highclearance vehicles, typically requiring four-
wheel drive, can drive 2.9 miles (4.7 km) up the
canyon to the Strike Valley Overlook parking
area. Check at the visitor center for the latest
road conditions before driving into the canyon
with high-clearance two-wheel-drive vehicles.
Hike Description
From the Strike Valley Overlook parking area,
it is an easy 1.7-mile (2.7 km) walk up the wash
to Saddle Arch where a sign indicates the rim
route. The loop portion of the Upper Muley
Twist Canyon hike begins here and can be done
in either direction. Hiking clockwise, beginning
with the canyon portion and returning via
the rim route, will offer a more gradual climb.
Beginning with the rim route and hiking in a
counterclockwise direction will get the most
strenuous part of the hike over at the beginning.
The loop is cairned but requires careful
attention as some sections of the trail deviate
from the anticipated route to bypass obstacles.
To access the rim route and hike the loop in a
counterclockwise direction, leave the wash near
Saddle Arch and follow the cairned route on
the right (east) side of the canyon to the top of
the Fold.
corner of an old uranium-mining claim.
A short distance up the canyon from the point
where the narrows bypass trail drops back into
the wash bottom, an NPS-placed sign marks the
point where the trail climbs out of the canyon
to the rim. At this point you can continue back
to Saddle Arch along the rim route or return the
way you came. At the sign, the trail turns east
and requires a steep climb and some scrambling
to reach a second sign that marks the upper end
of the rim route. The rim route involves some
scrambling over steep, exposed slickrock and
can be a little tricky when carrying a backpack.
Use caution, especially if wet or icy conditions
exist. The route along the rim is cairned. Threequarters of a mile (1.2 km) from the upper
(north) end of the rim route you will cross a
short, steep notch in the crest of the ridge. One
mile (1.6 km) farther, shortly after traversing
another saddle in the ridge, you will climb up
over steep slickrock ledges to get back on top
of the rim. Stay near the west (right) edge and
watch for cairns leading over this obstacle. As
you approach the lower (south) end of the rim
route, watch for an NPS-placed sign directing
you right (west) to the route that drops back
down to the canyon bottom. The rim is fairly
wide in this area, and it’s easy to miss the route
down if you aren’t watching for cairns. Back in
the canyon bottom, retrace your route 1.7 miles
(2.7 km) down the wash to the parking area.
To follow the loop in a clockwise direction,
continue up the canyon in the wash. The
narrows are 2.3 miles (3.7 km) beyond Saddle
Arch. Cairns mark a route around the narrows
on the right (east) side of the canyon. It is easy to
miss this bypass route if you are not watching for
cairns. It is possible to explore the narrows, but
a pour-off near the beginning requires a difficult
climb using old hand- and toe-holds carved
into the rock. The narrows end at an impassable
Capitol Reef National Park
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Canyoneering
Canyoneering is a growing recreational sport on the Colorado Plateau. It often requires
scrambling and climbing through tight, rugged canyons. It may involve swimming,
rappelling, or other technical rope work. Please use care during canyoneering trips,
including during approaches and exits, as delicate plants, fragile biological crust, and
other sensitive park resources exist in many off-trail areas and within many canyons.
Small group sizes should be considered for any backcountry travel for the safety of
participants as well the protection of park resources. See below for group size limits.
Information on Capitol Reef canyoneering routes can be found on various websites and
in other publications. Search the internet for details.
Description of Canyons
The multiple rock layers found at Capitol Reef
offer a diverse canyon environment. Many
popular canyoneering routes pass through the
Navajo and Wingate sandstone formations.
Drainages within the Wingate Sandstone often
follow natural vertical fracturing and form
deep canyons with long drops and tight vertical
canyon walls. Canyons within the Navajo
Sandstone tend to be shallower and typically
produce tight slots, potholes, and shorter drops.
Permits
Permits are not required for canyoneering.
However, if you plan to camp overnight as part
of a canyoneering trip, you are required to
obtain a free backcountry permit, available at
the visitor center.
Restrictions and Concerns
For the protection of park resources,
canyoneering groups are limited to a
maximum of six people, with some exceptions
for certain routes near the Fruita area. Ask at
the visitor center for details.
existing webbing, the webbing should closely
match the color of the surrounding rock.
• Protection may not be placed with the use
of a hammer except to replace existing belay
and rappel anchors and bolts on existing
routes, or for emergency self-rescue.
• Physical alteration of rock faces is prohibited,
such as chiseling, glue reinforcement of
existing holds, trundling rocks, and gluing of
new holds.
• The intentional removal of lichen or plants
from rock is prohibited.
Capitol Reef is a clean canyoneering area.
Minimum impact techniques that do not
damage or destroy rock or other park resources
are required:
• The installation of new fixed anchors (bolts,
pitons, etc.) is prohibited.
• Bolts may be replaced only if an existing bolt
is unsafe.
• The use of power drills is prohibited.
• Where it is necessary to leave or replace
Safety
• Canyoneering is an inherently dangerous
activity. Groups should fully research the
intended route and be prepared for unknown
obstacles. Many canyons require full
commitment once started and escape is often
not possible.
• Know the latest weather information. Be
familiar with the terrain and know your
escape routes. Deadly flash flood waters
can travel from many miles away with travel
times of 10 hours or more. Don’t enter slot
canyons or rugged terrain during stormy or
wet weather.
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA
Potential seasonal closures or use limits may be
in effect during your visit. Check at the visitor
center for current closures or limits.
• Consider your group’s experience and
skill level before selecting and entering any
canyon. Groups can overestimate their
abilities and become delayed or stuck.
• Notify a friend or family member of your
plans before leaving.
• Rescue resources in a canyon environment
can be limited and groups may be forced to
self-rescue. Many canyoneering routes are
in remote, seldom-visited areas with no cell
phone service.
www.nps.gov/care
4/16
Capitol Reef National Park
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Rock Climbing
While not the most popular activity at Capitol Reef, opportunities
for rock climbing exist in some areas of the park. Only certain
layers of rock are suitable for climbing, and can vary widely in
their hardness and reliability. Follow minimum impact climbing
and camping practices. Please use care during all climbs,
particularly on approach and exit routes, as delicate plants, fragile
biological soil crusts, and other sensitive park resources exist in
many off-trail areas.
Rock Type
The rock at Capitol Reef is comprised
predominantly of sandstone. It varies in
hardness from the soft, crumbly Entrada to
the relatively hard Wingate. The Wingate cliff
walls are the most popular for climbing, as
natural fracturing has created many climbable
crack systems. In addition, the hardness of
the Wingate lends itself more readily to the
successful use of chocks, nuts, and camming
devices. However, it can flake off easily and be
very unpredictable.
Permits
Permits are not required for climbing. However,
if you plan to camp overnight as part of a climb,
you are required to obtain a free backcountry
use permit, available at the visitor center.
Restrictions and Concerns
Capitol Reef is a clean climbing area. Minimum
impact techniques that don’t destroy the rock
or leave a visual trail are required:
such as chiseling, glue reinforcement of
existing holds, trundling rocks, and gluing of
new holds.
• The intentional removal of lichen or plants
from rock is prohibited.
• Ropes may not be left in place unattended for
more than 24 hours, and these ropes must be
out of reach from the ground or other points
accessible without technical climbing.
• The use of white chalk is prohibited.
Climbers using chalk must use chalk that
closely matches the color of the surrounding
rock.
• The use of power drills is prohibited.
• No new climbing hardware may be installed
and/or left in a fixed location. Bolts may only
be used to replace existing unsafe bolts.
• If an existing software item (sling, runner,
etc.) is unsafe, it may be replaced.
• Where it is necessary to leave or replace
existing webbing, the webbing should closely
match the color of the surrounding rock.
• Protection may not be placed with the use
of a hammer except to replace existing belay
and rappel anchors and bolts on existing
routes, or for emergency self-rescue.
• Physical alteration of rock faces is prohibited,
Route Descriptions and
Additional Information
Two published guides that cover climbs at
Capitol Reef:
• Desert Rock by Eric Bjornstad (Chockstone
Press, 1996)
• Rock Climbing Utah by Stewart M. Green
(Falcon Guides, 2012)
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA
These areas are closed to climbing:
• The section of cliffs north of Highway 24
between the Fruita Schoolhouse and the east
end of the petroglyph boardwalk
• Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon
• Chimney Rock
• Any arch or natural bridge
• Within 300 feet (91 m) of an archeological site
• Within 1/4 mile (402 m) of nesting eagles,
hawks, owls, or falcons
Additional information on Capitol Reef
climbing routes can be found on various
websites. Search the internet for details.
www.nps.gov/care
1/16
Capitol Reef National Park
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Horse and Pack Animal Use
Recreational horse and pack animal use is a traditional
means of viewing and experiencing Capitol Reef
National Park. “Pack animals” are defined as horses,
burros, and mules. Stock use in any part of the park
may be prohibited when necessary to protect park
resources or visitors.
General Information
and Regulations
For all trips involving horses and/or pack
animals (day use or overnight), the following
regulations apply:
• Stock use within the park is limited to horses,
burros, and mules.
• Stock use in the park’s backcountry is limited
to 12 people and no more than 12 head of
riding or packing stock.
• Stock animals may not be ridden or kept
overnight in any campground, picnic area,
orchard, or roadside pullout, with the
exception of the equestrian staging area at the
Post Corral (see below).
• Horses and pack animals must be picketed
in locations where there will be little or no
vegetation damage.
• Grazing or loose herding is not permitted.
• All feed must be carried in and must be
certified weed-free feed.
• Riders will slow to a walk when passing
hikers.
• Manure must be removed immediately if
Backcountry Camping
with Stock
Additional regulations for backcountry
camping with stock are described below:
• A free backcountry use permit, available at
the visitor center, is required for each party
with horses or pack animals staying overnight
in the park. Parties must obtain their permits
in-person and must possess it while camping.
• Backcountry camping is prohibited within
one half mile of roads or trailheads (except at
the Post Corral). Camping is also prohibited
within sight of established roads or trails, or
within sight or sound of other campers.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
dropped in or near any spring or non-flowing
water source.
Human waste must be buried 6 inches
deep and at least 100 feet from non-flowing
water; 200 feet from flowing water. All trash,
including toilet paper, must be carried out.
Burning or burying toilet paper is prohibited.
Fires are not permitted in the backcountry.
Dogs may not accompany recreational stock
trips.
Generators are not permitted.
All commercially guided horse or pack
animal trips must be provided by an outfitter
that is authorized and permitted to operate
under the commercial use procedures of the
park. Commercial groups are not permitted
to use the Post Corral equestrian staging area.
Report all accidents or injuries to a park
ranger or at the visitor center as soon as
possible.
Area closures may be enacted to protect park
resources or visitors.
• Campsites and tethering areas must
be a minimum of 300 feet from water,
archeological/historical sites, and
backcountry trail junctions, and at least 100
feet from any water course (wet or dry).
• Parties camping with horses or pack animals
must camp in a new location each night
(except when camping at the Post Corral).
• Manure must be scattered before vacating
a campsite. Manure must be removed
immediately if dropped in or near any spring
or non-flowing water source.
(continued)
Post Corral
Equestrian Staging Area
The equestrian staging area at the Post Corral
is located in the park’s Waterpocket District,
about 35 miles (57 km) south of Utah Highway
24 via the Notom-Bullfrog Road and Burr Trail
Road. Check at the visitor center for current
road conditions, since stormy weather may
impact access to this site. This is the park’s only
developed overnight facility for stock users.
It is also available for day use, under the same
conditions as for overnight users:
• Use of the Post Corral equestrian staging area
is permitted only for non-commercial horse
users.
• All parties must obtain advanced reservations
by phone or in-person, and must also obtain
a backcountry permit in-person from the
visitor center, prior to use.
• All vehicles, camping units, and trailers
associated with groups camping at the site
must be parked within the large (west) side
Closed Areas
The following trails and backcountry areas are
closed to all stock use:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Recommended Rides
Brimhall Bridge
Capitol Gorge
Cassidy Arch
Castle Trail
Cathedral Trail
Cathedral Valley Overlook
Chimney Rock
Cohab Canyon
Fremont Gorge Viewpoint
Fremont River Overlook
Fruita Campground to the Visitor Center
Frying Pan
Golden Throne
• Halls Creek—access from the Post Corral
south through Halls Creek drainage; Halls
Creek Narrows is closed to all stock use—
however, the narrows can be bypassed with
stock via the Hall Divide route
• South Desert—access from Upper or Lower
South Desert Overlooks
Additional Information
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
of the corral, and horses must be kept in the
adjacent pens of the corral. (The corral is not
adequate to hold horses, but they may be tied
to existing corral fences.)
Camp use is limited to one group of 12 riders
and 12 horses. Up to two camp tenders may
also accompany the group, a
Capitol Reef National Park
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Cultural Landscape
The historical features of Capitol Reef tell a
story of how people’s relationship to the land
has changed over time—from subsistance and
survival in the pioneer community of Fruita,
to goals of conservation, preservation, and
recreation in the national park.
Vernacular Landscape
Lime Kilns
Remnants of Capitol Reef National Park’s
Fruita settlement are listed on the National
Register of Historic Places and are protected
as a National Rural Historic District. Nestled
in the Fremont River valley with two perennial
water sources, it was a hospitable place to raise
families and plant orchards. From the late
1880s to the 1940s, Mormon pioneer families
developed a relationship with the land,
each influencing and shaping the other: the
definition of a vernacular landscape. Orchards
were the primary source of income for
families in Fruita and remain the most obvious
contribution to the historical landscape.
Lime kilns were often one of the first
community structures built in a new
settlement. Lime is necessary for masonry and
construction, and can also serve as a protective
coating against scalding, cracking, rodents,
and insect damage for fruit tree saplings.
with water to make a safer, more usable final
product.
Two lime kilns exist in the Fruita Rural
Historic District: one adjacent to the
campground and one near Sulphur Creek.
To make lime, limestone is heated in a kiln,
with internal temperatures reaching 800–1200
degrees Fahrenheit (427–649 Celsius) for
several days. As the limestone is heated,
carbon dioxide is “boiled off”; it loses about
half its weight, and very reactive quicklime
is formed. The resulting quicklime is slaked
Behunin Cabin
The relationship between the land and the
people began to change when Capitol Reef
was designated a national monument in 1937
and the first park building was erected by the
Civilian Conservation Corps. A new visitor
center and State Route 24 were completed
in time for the National Park Service’s 50th
anniversary in 1966, and highlighted ways
visitors could now explore and enjoy this area,
while protecting it for future generations.
These lime kilns were likely used a few times a
year. Now they remain an important vestige of
the early Fruita community and illustrate the
industrious nature of the pioneers.
Lime kiln along Sulphur Creek.
This one room cabin, located along what is
now State Route 24, 6 miles (9.5 km) east of
the visitor center, was home to a large family
for just one year and was built in 1882 by Elijah
Cutler Behunin. According to local historians,
the boys slept in an alcove behind the cabin
while the girls slept in a wagon bed, allowing
the parents and the youngest children to sleep
in the cabin itself.
Repeated floods along the Fremont River
ruined their irrigation system for the orchards
and other crops. The Behunin family was one
of the first families to settle in Fruita when they
moved closer to other early residents.
Schoolhouse
The schoolhouse was the only true community
building in Fruita. Classes were held from
1896 to 1941; dances, church services, and
town meetings also occurred there. The
construction was a community effort, and
throughout the years a few improvements
were made. The original flat, water-resistant
bentonite clay roof was replaced with a
shingled, peaked roof in 1912, and the interior
walls were whitewashed in the 1930s. The
National Park Service refurbished it to its 1935
conditions, with a painted canvas blackboard.
In 1972, the schoolhouse was listed in the
National Register of Historic Places.
Merin Smith
Implement Shed
Fruita resident Merin Smith built this shed
in 1925 as a workshop, blacksmith shop, and
garage. The tools and vehicles inside were
acquired at various times by the National Park
Service and the Natural History Association
and illustrate what life would have been like
in Fruita during that time period. Notice the
Eimco Corp. transitional tractor inside.
The cabin is constructed out of local Navajo
Sandstone but has a reddish-brown hue from
the mud mortar that covers it.
Gifford House and
Pendleton Barn
The Gifford House was originally built in
1908 by Calvin Pendleton, the only known
polygamist who lived in Fruita. He sold it to
Jorgen Jorgensen in 1919. Jorgensen then sold
it in 1929 to his son-in-law Dewey Gifford
who lived in it with his family for 40 years.
The house was the last privately-occupied
residence in Fruita. The Giffords sold it to the
National Park Service in 1969, fully integrating
Fruita into the park’s historic landscape.
The Gifford House now serves visitors, a
modern group of transient people spending a
relatively short time in the Capitol Reef area.
for Calvin Pendleton. Over the years, the barn
has been used for farm equipment and hay
storage as well as a shelter for livestock.
Around the same time, Pendleton and his
sons likely constructed the rock walls visible
on
Capitol Reef National Park
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Fruita Orchards
The orchards along the Fremont River and Sulphur Creek are remnants of
the pioneer community of Fruita, settled in 1880. These relics of the area’s
history serve as a connection to Fruita’s pioneer agricultural tradition and
embody a living connection between local residents and their history and
culture. They also provide food to visitors and park employees.
The trees survive due to a delicate balance between the local climate and
the availability of irrigation water. As the climate changes, warmer and
drier conditions increase concerns for water availablility, and add new
challenges to the management of the historic orchards.
History
No more than 10 families lived in Fruita at
any one time; the last resident moved away in
1969. These early settlers planted the orchards
as a cash crop and for subsistence. Today, the
orchards are preserved and protected as part
of the Fruita Rural Historic District listed on
the National Register of Historic Places. The
orchards contain approximately 3,000 trees,
including cherry, apricot, peach, nectarine,
pear, apple, plum, mulberry, quince, almond,
pecan, and walnut. Many are heirloom
varieties. The National Park Service maintains
the orchards year-round through pruning,
mowing, pest management, planting, mapping,
grafting, and historic irrigation methods.
Harvest
• Check at the visitor center for information on
orchards that are open for fruit picking. Fruit
may not be harvested and taken from the
orchard until the orchard is posted as open
for picking.
• You are welcome to stroll in any unlocked
orchard.
• You may sample ripe fruit in any unlocked
orchard. There is no charge for fruit
consumed in the orchards.
• Fruit taken from the orchards must be paid
for. A self-pay station with scales, plastic
bags, and signs listing fruit prices is located
near the entrance of orchards open for fruit
harvest.
• Please select only ripe fruit and leave the rest
to ripen for other visitors.
• Read and follow the ladder safety signs
posted in the orchards.
Safety
The orchards can add much to your Capitol
Reef visit. Please be safe and treat these
historic trees gently!
• Never climb these historic trees.
• When orchards are open for picking, handheld fruit pickers and ladders are provided to
aid in picking.
• Please read the safety signs located near
the orchard entrance before using orchard
ladders.
• Be sure the ladder is on firm, level ground
with the third leg fully extended and the
chains pulled tight. Do not stand on the top
three rungs, and avoid leaning to either side
when picking.
• Children should not use the ladders
unsupervised.
Typical Range of
Flowering and
Harvesting Times
(varies widely by year)
Flowering
Harvest
Additional Information
Call the park’s fruit hotline for information on
fruit availability and harvest dates:
(435) 425-3791, option 1, then option 5.
Cherries:
Apricots:
Peaches :
Pears:
Apples:
late March to mid-April
early March to mid-April
late March to late April
late March to early May
early April to early May
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA
Cherries:
Apricots:
Peaches:
Pears:
Apples:
mid-June to early July
late June to mid-July
late July to early Sept.
early August to early Sept.
mid-August to mid-October
Regular updates are also posted online:
www.facebook.com/CapitolReefNPS
www.twitter.com/CapitolReefNPS
www.nps.gov/care
1/16
Fruit and Nut Trees
almond, apple, apricot,
cherry, mulberry, peach,
pear, plum, walnut
apple, grape, nectarine,
peach, pear
apple, cherry, peach, walnut
apple, apricot, cherry,
peach, pear
apple, apricot
apple, apricot, plum, pear
apple, apricot, cherry, pear
Orchard
1. Mott
2. Jackson
3. Guy Smith
4. Abie Clarke
5. Cook
6. Amasa Pierce
7. Behunin
8. Merin Smith
CLOSED AREA
Private housing area—
closed to all public entry,
including access road.
Fruita Orchards
pecan
apple, cherry, peach, pear,
plum
apple, cherry, pear
9. ‘Tine Oyler N
10. ‘Tine Oyler S
11. Holt
almond, apple, apricot,
cherry, peach, pear, plum,
quince, walnut
apricot, cherry, grape, pear
apple, apricot, peach, pear,
walnut
almond, apple, pear
14. Johnson
15. Doc Inglesby
16. Gifford
17. Chesnut
19. Carrell
peach
18. Cass Mulford apricot
apple, apricot
13. Adams
12. Max Krueger apple, peach
Fruit and Nut Trees
Orchard
Capitol Reef National Park
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Gifford Homestead
The Gifford farm lies in the heart of Fruita, a desert
oasis described by author and historian Wallace
Stegner as “...a sudden, intensely green little valley
among the cliffs of the Waterpocket Fold, opulent
with cherries, peaches, and apples in season,
inhabited by a few families who were about equally
good Mormons and good frontiersmen and good
farmers.”
The Capitol Reef Natural History Association, in
cooperation with the National Park Service, has restored and refurnished the Gifford farmhouse as a cultural
site to interpret the early Mormon settlement of the Fruita area. The house depicts the typical spartan nature
of rural Utah farm homes of the early 1900’s. In addition to the farmhouse, the Gifford Homestead includes
a barn, smokehouse, pasture, and rock walls. The homestead is part of the 200-acre Fruita Rural Historic
District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Historic Gifford House
1908 ~ 2008
Surviving in an Oasis
The first permanent settlement in the area now
known as Fruita was established in 1880 by
Nels Johnson. Over the following few decades,
many settlers and their families resided in this
protected valley. However, no more than ten
families ever lived in Fruita at any point in time.
These pioneers had to rely on self-sufficiency,
ingenuity, and hard work in order to survive in
this remote location.
Life was simple yet demanding during these
attempts at homesteading, and many challenges
arose—harsh weather, flash floods, illnesses,
isolation. This led to a high degree of turnover
among residents of Fruita. A few settlers
persevered and stayed for many years, but some
did not.
Residents and
Improvements
The original home was built in 1908 by
polygamist Calvin Pendleton. He and his family
occupied it for eight years. The original house
had a combined front room/kitchen and two
small bedrooms. An outside ladder accessed
two upstairs bedrooms. Pendleton also
constructed the adjacent barn and smokehouse,
as well as the rock walls near the house and on
the mesa slopes above it.
The second residents of the home were the
Jorgen Jorgenson family who resided here from
1916 to 1928. Jorgenson sold the homestead to
his son-in-law, Dewey Gifford, in 1928.
The Capitol Reef area has always attracted
those who are willing to be tested by its
rugged terrain and difficult living conditions.
Explorers, prospectors, ranchers, settlers,
sightseers, recluses, and other travelers with
transient lifestyles have come and gone over
the years. Cabins, farms, motels, gas stations,
and guest ranches have all appeared and
disappeared from the local landscape. The
Gifford Homestead is one of the few remaining
examples of the tenacity of Fruita’s early
residents, a refuge of rustic comfort surrounded
by the unforgiving high desert.
The Gifford family occupied the home for 41
years (1928 to 1969). Gifford added a kitchen
in 1946 and the bathroom, utility room, and
carport in 1954.
The Giffords were the last residents of Fruita.
Dewey Gifford sold his home and land to the
National Park Service in 1969 and moved away.
With the Giffords’ departure, the story of Fruita
as a farming community came to a close. The
house opened to the public in 1996. Today, the
pioneer spirit of Fruita can be experienced
by exploring the landscape of the Fruita rural
community and visiting the Gifford Homestead.
Life on the Farm
The Giffords raised dairy cows, hogs, sheep,
chickens, and ducks. They also ran cattle in
the South Desert. They used the smokehouse
to preserve meat for their own use and to
sell. Abundant fruitwood and cottonwood
were used to smoke meat. Dewey Gifford
also worked for the State Road Department,
and later for the National Park Service, to
supplement his farm income.
The family ate what they raised. The garden
produced a variety of food including potatoes,
beans, peas, squash, lettuce, radishes, corn,
and watermelons. The family also had orchards
and grew sorghum. They preserved fruit and
vegetables for later use by canning or drying.
Canned foods were stored in the cellar,
accessed from the front of the house. Dry
Homestead Essentials
Items displayed inside the Gifford House
represent the type of practical furnishings and
appliances that were common in their time.
Bookcase: This worn bookcase once belonged
to Janice Oldroyd Torgerson, a Fruita school
teacher in 1934. Donated by the Burke
Torgerson family.
Cook stove: This Monarch stove both
prepared meals and heated the house, though
the heat from the stove was probably much less
welcome in summer.
Current Uses
The Gifford House has been converted into a
sales outlet for the Capitol Reef Natural History
Association. For sale at the store are items
handmade by local artisans and craftsmen,
including reproductions of utensils and other
household items used by Mormon pioneers in
their daily lives: rag dolls, quilted items, woven
rugs, soap, cr
Capitol Reef National Park
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Early Inhabitants
Long before Capitol Reef National Park was established,
humans discovered the many resources the area had to
offer. For thousands of years, people have lived in the
Capitol Reef area—hunting, growing crops, fashioning
tools, and developing cultures.
Archaic
Between 7000 and 500 B.C.E. (Before
Common Era), small groups of nomadic
hunter-gatherers began using what is now
Capitol Reef National Park to hunt bighorn
sheep, deer, elk, and pronghorn using atlatls
with distinctive stone points. They snared
small game and fished. They also created
characteristic petroglyphs (carvings) and
pictographs (paintings). Archeological
evidence suggests they followed annual
regional migrations, living in alcoves in canyon
walls and, later, in pithouses.
People of Long Ago
The Hopi Tribe calls them the People of Long
Ago, the Hisatsinom. To the Paiute Tribe, they
are known as the Wee Noonts, the People
Who Lived the Old Ways. They inhabited the
Capitol Reef area from about 300 to 1300 C.E.
(Common Era), with their most prosperous
time from 600 to 1200 C.E. Archeologists
named them the Fremont Culture for the
Fremont River canyon where they were first
defined as a distinct group.
a few months. In the Capitol Reef region
the Hisatsinom lived on small, dispersed
farmsteads consisting of one to three pithouses
and associated outdoor work spaces. They
may have socialized and shared resources with
neighboring mesa top farmstead groups. They
dwelt in alcoves, seasonal camps, and mesa
top pithouses. Small granaries and slab-lined
cists stored food and seed. They constructed
irrigation ditches to water their crops in fertile
valleys.
The Hisatsinom were semi-nomadic farmers,
cultivating beans, squash, and a distinct
variety of corn. They supplemented these
crops by gathering a wide variety of berries,
nuts, bulbs, and tubers, as well as pinyon nuts,
yucca, ricegrass, buffaloberry, and prickly pear
cactus. Bone fragments found by archeologists
indicate the Hisatsinom also hunted rabbits,
hares, woodrats, deer, and bighorn sheep. An
abundance of artifacts made from bighorn
indicate the animal’s significance as a source
for food and utensils.
These farmers probably inhabited the same
locale for a few years at a time, though
some sites might have been used for only
Fremont Culture bighorn sheep petroglyphs.
Imagine living in a pithouse on top of the
mesa, looking down onto the crops below.
Irrigation ditches shimmer before you,
brimming with water from the Fremont River.
It is time to start making the midday meal, so
you send a child to fetch water from the river.
You hand her a coiled basket, tightly woven
and watertight, to carry the water from the
river up the steep path to your pithouse. If
she daydreams, trips, and spills the water, the
basket will not break the way a clay jar would,
and she will only have to return to the river to
fill the basket again.
Material Culture
The Hisatsinom left behind many everyday
objects like grayware pottery and unique
moccasins made from the lower leg hide of
large animals with dew claws left on the sole.
Other material objects include woven mats, fur
cloth, projectile points, atlatls, bows, arrows,
disk beads, nets, and snares, which help us
imagine how the Hisatsinom lived in this area
for a thousand years.
One of the more characteristic aspects of their
utilitarian objects is rod-and-bundle-style
basketry. It is the same style as the Archaic,
indicating some continuity between the
cultures.
Unfired clay figurine.
Everyday items give us insight into what daily
life might have been like for the Hisatsinom,
but more finely crafted items demonstrate
their creativity. Unfired clay figurines, male
and female pairs, are one of the intriguing
items the Hisatsinom left behind. Most of the
figurines have breasts and flattened backs,
pinched noses, punched eyes, and leg or foot
nubs, and traces of paint remain. The more
intricate ones have incised, punched, or
appliqued body decorations, necklaces, and
aprons. The exact purpose of the figurines is
unknown, although they might be associated
with fertility. Most do not show wear the way
toys or everyday objects and tools would.
The figurines bear a resemblance to humanshaped petroglyphs (carved or pecked into
the rock) and pictographs (painted) found in
this region, with trapezoidal-shaped bodies
often decorated with jewelry or sashes and
Where Are They?
What happened to the People of Long
Ago? Archeologists suspect the Hisatsinom
abandoned the area and emigrated south,
which supports the Hopi Tribe concept that
the Hisatsinom departed the Capitol Reef area
to complete their migration to the center of
the universe. Relatively short-term climate
changes such as drought or extreme cold
could have precipitated the move. Disease,
overuse of resources, or assimilation into
other cultural groups could also have been
an incentive to leave. Though other
Capitol Reef National Park
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Ecology
Look around you. What might seem like a barren
landscape is actually teeming with life. Capitol Reef
National Park’s Waterpocket Fold is a landscape of
diverse features where life has adapted to survive.
Ecology
Ecology is the study of life. Think about what
impacts your own life. Where do you live?
Could you live there if the elevation was vastly
different, or if the climate was significantly
warmer or colder? How easy or hard is it
to find sources of water, food, and shelter?
Suitable habitat depends on many factors
including climate, elevation, soil, slope, and
aspect (north- or south-facing).
Capitol Reef National Park encompasses seven
Desert
Imagine you arrived in the hot flats of Halls
Creek with nothing but the clothes you have
on now. How long would you last? What
would you do to survive the heat?
Because of the heat, you might seek shade and
wait until the cooler hours of night to move
about and forage for food. That is what some
animals, like ringtails, do.
Others, like the white-tailed antelope ground
squirrel, are out during even the hottest part of
the day. Its adaptions to heat include a higher
internal temperature (90-107°F / 32-42° C),
conserving moisture by not sweating, and
Riparian
Cliffrose blooming in the desert.
Intermittent streams in refreshing, narrow
canyons provide moisture for a multitude of
species. Shade from a box elder tree keeps
canyon wren nestlings cool in the summer
heat. Red-spotted toads catch insects
clustering around a puddle that has not
evaporated because of the tree’s shade.
primary life zones, ranging from high, cool
peaks with evergreens, to riparian zones filled
with water-loving plants, to the dry, hot desert.
These different zones support over 1,200 plant
and animal species that have evolved to survive
in these diverse habitats.
Many of the animals found in Capitol Reef are
found throughout the Colorado Plateau and
other parts of the western United States. Look
for them when you visit other parks.
cooling itself by washing its head with saliva.
The white-tailed antelope ground squirrel
obtains most of the water it requires from the
plant and animal material it eats. It also has a
very concentrated urine which does not waste
valuable liquid.
Many of Capitol Reef’s plants are well-adapted
to the desert climate. Small leaves, like those
of cliffrose, reduce the surface area that
absorbs heat from the sun and limits moisture
lost through transpiration. Cliffrose also has
a bitter taste that discourages animals from
eating it, a relatively common adaptation in the
natural world.
Much of Capitol Reef’s life is concentrated
near these canyon water sources. Listen
quietly for birdsong and the rustle of deer
coming to drink. Imagine it is night, with bats
swarming above the water, using echolocation
to find their insect prey. Many predators have
co-evolved with their prey, so nocturnal prey
species have predator species that are active at
night, as well.
Mule deer crossing the Fremont River, a lush riparian zone.
Uplands
Have you ever wondered what it would be
like to live during the end of the Pleistocene
Epoch (around 11,700 years ago), when
early humans were hunting now-extinct
megafauna? Remnants of the Ice Age
still exist in the highest elevations of
Capitol Reef. Bristlecone pines were
more common during that glacial
time period, but now exist only on
exposed, rocky ridges and slopes
at higher elevations. They grow
extremely slowly; the oldest of these
The resinous wood of bristlecone pines
erodes rather than rots, befitting a tree
that clings to rocky slopes.
The Future
The plant and animal species in Capitol
Reef have evolved over thousands of years
to fit the many habitats encompassed by the
Waterpocket Fold, from the desert to the
riparian zones, to the highest slopes, and
everywhere in between.
What will happen if changes occur over a
shorter period of time? Human-caused climate
change is occuring at an unprecedented rate.
How do you think this will impact the species
that have evolved to precisely fit their niche
environments?
are up to 5,000 years old. Small changes in the
climate could have a critical impact on the
bristlecone pine’s tenuous existence.
If you see oval paw prints with claw marks far
in front of them, look up. You might spot a
porcupine gnawing on fresh evergreen needles
or a clump of mistletoe. Typically found in
higher elevations, porcupines also eat tree
bark, so look for large patches of missing bark,
teeth marks on the smooth, exposed wood,
and a yellowish or orange color on conifers. It
is possible for porcupines to eventually kill a
tree, but it’s more likely that large pines will fall
due to high winds and drought.
animals in the park is illegal, and impacts
wildlife. Antler sheds and bones are the most
accessible source of calcium, phosphorus,
and additional minerals for many rodents and
other animals. These minerals may be pr
Capitol Reef
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Capitol Reef National Park
Mammals of Capitol Reef
The Predator and the Prey
Courtesy/Tom McEwan
Predator and Prey: There is a fine balance between the two and both are essential
components of our ecosystem. Where do we fit into this web of life? And how do we
interact appropriately with the wildlife of Capitol Reef?
Predator: Mountain Lion
One of the most intriguing predators found in
Capitol Reef is the mountain lion. For many,
the mountain lion is a distinctive symbol of
wilderness, a large predator ranging freely in
wild areas independent of human interference. Mountain lions roam throughout this
area both in desert and mountain country and
are found in Capitol Reef National Park. This
area provides ideal habitat for these mammals.
The chances of seeing one of these secretive
animals are slim, although they have been observed in the Fruita orchards, campgrounds,
and picnic areas. The likelihood of encountering an aggressive mountain lion is low.
Mountain lions lead solitary lives, having little
contact with other lions unless they are mating
or caring for young. Mountain lions prey on
deer and smaller mammals such as coyotes,
porcupines, beavers, rabbits and raccoons.
They usually hunt at night or during the hours
of dawn and dusk.
For Your Safety:
The orchards of Fruita host a large deer
population which in turn attract mountain
lions. Do not feed the deer. Feeding deer encourages them to remain in close proximity to
the campground which in turn invites mountain lions to be within close proximity as well.
Carcasses from lion kills have been found in
the Fruita area of Capitol Reef. Avoid carcasses
as lions may return to their kills.
Mountain lions, though beautiful and exciting
animals to spot in the wild, are unpredictable
and dangerous. It is important that we understand their behavior and act accordingly to
protect them and ourselves when visiting
their habitat.
• Do not attempt to pet or touch any animals.
• Do not jog or hike alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
• Keep children close to you. Do not allow unsupervised children to play along river banks, in
heavy vegetation or especially at dawn or dusk.
• Watch children closely and never let them run ahead of you.
• Do not approach a lion. Hold your ground or back away slowly.
• Do not run or turn your back to a mountain lion.
• Do not attempt to hide or crouch. Try to appear as large as possible.
• If small children are with you, pick them up.
• If a lion acts aggressively, wave your arms, shout or throw stones.
• If attacked, fight back aggressively and try not to allow the lion to get behind you.
• Report all mountain lion sightings to a ranger at the visitor center.
Prey: Desert Bighorn Sheep
One prey of the mountain lion, desert bighorn
sheep, convey a romantic image of the west.
Smaller than Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep,
they are adapted to desert conditions. These
icons of the southwest were once very common in this rugged canyon country. Natural
predators of bighorn sheep include mountain
lions, wolves, bobcats, and coyotes.
Numerous depictions of desert bighorn sheep
in American Indian rock art suggest how
important they might have been. These animals had disappeared from this area because
of over-hunting and exposure to domestic
sheep disease. Bighorn sheep were eliminated
from Capitol Reef, although they persisted in
remote areas of Canyonlands National Park.
that exists today. Capitol Reef provides an
ideal habitat for these animals. They eat
shrubs and sometimes even cacti. They get
most of the water that they need from plants
they eat except during the hot summer
months when they readily use free-standing
water. If you are lucky enough to have an encounter with one of these animals, enjoy the
moment but also remember that they are wild
animals to be respected.
Twenty desert bighorn sheep were captured in
Canyonlands National Park in 1996 and successfully trans located here. A second group of
20 was introduced here in 1997. These animals
successfully reproduced and expanded their
range resulting in a viable Capitol Reef herd
Prey: Mule Deer
The most prevalent large mammal seen in
Capitol Reef are mule deer, and like desert
bighorn sheep, they are hunted by mountain
lions. You may encounter them at close range
due to the concentrated deer population in
the park’s historic district. These deer have
become accustomed to human presence and
are less wary than those encountered in more
wild settings. It is important to remember that
the deer are not tame. They are wild animals
and will attack if provoked.
Do not feed deer. Feeding deer encourages
them to become beggars and to remain in high
visitor use areas. It provides them with an
unhealthy diet which leaves them unprepared
for harsh winter conditions and decreases the
likelihood of survival at this hard time of year.
Other Mammals:
The web of life at Capitol Reef is diverse and
complex. Mountain lions and
Capitol Reef National Park
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Geology
“Geology knows no such word as forever.” —Wallace Stegner
Capitol Reef National Park’s geologic story reveals a nearly complete set
of Mesozoic-era sedimentary layers. For 200 million years, rock layers
formed at or near sea level. About 75-35 million years ago tectonic
forces uplifted them, forming the Waterpocket Fold. Forces of erosion
have been sculpting this spectacular landscape ever since.
Deposition
Uplift
If you could travel in time and visit Capitol
Reef 245 million years ago, you would not
recognize the landscape. Imagine a coastal
park, with beaches and tidal flats; the water
moves in and out gently, shaping ripple marks
in the wet sand. This is the environment
in which the sediments of the Moenkopi
Formation were deposited.
Visiting Capitol Reef 180 million years ago,
when the Navajo Sandstone was deposited,
you would have been surrounded by a giant
sand sea, the largest in Earth’s history. In this
hot, dry climate, wind blew over sand dunes,
creating large, sweeping crossbeds now
preserved in the sandstone of Capitol Dome
and Fern’s Nipple.
Now jump ahead 20 million years, to 225
million years ago. The tidal flats are gone and
the climate supports a tropical jungle, filled
with swamps, primitive trees, and giant ferns.
The water is stagnant and a humid breeze
brushes your face. Oxygen-rich river water
oxidized the iron in the sediments, giving the
Chinle Formation its lavender and red colors,
while the reducing environment of stagnant
bogs gave it the greens and grays.
All the sedimentary rock layers were laid
down at or near sea level. Younger layers were
deposited on top of older layers. The Moenkopi
is the oldest layer visible from the visitor center,
with the younger Chinle Formation above it.
The Castle is Wingate Sandstone; the Kayenta
Formation that formerly capped it has eroded
away, but is still visible atop the red cliffs behind
it. White domes of Navajo Sandstone comprise
the highest and youngest layer seen from the
visitor center.
The movement of, and the interaction
between, Earth’s tectonic plates created the
different environments in which Capitol
Reef’s nineteen rock layers were formed. Few
of these sedimentary layers would be visible,
however, if not for the Laramide Orogeny, a
massive mountain building event that likely
reactivated an ancient buried fault between
75 and 35 million years ago. The compression
associated with the Laramide Orogeny gave
rise to a one-sided fold, or monocline, in the
earth’s crust within the Colorado Plateau.
area of otherwise nearly horizontal layers.
The layers on the west side of the Fold have
been lifted more than 7,000 feet (2134 m)
higher than corresponding layers on the east.
The Waterpocket Fold is the longest exposed
monocline in North America and is nearly 90
miles in length. It is the main reason Capitol
Reef National Monument was established in
1937.
The Waterpocket Fold is a classic monocline:
an enlongated fold with one steep side in an
Erosion
Capitol Reef’s spectacular scenery reflects
not only the underlying structure of the
Waterpocket Fold, but also the differing
degrees of resistance to weathering and
erosion seen in each rock layer.
Water is the dominant erosional force in
Capitol Reef, with wind playing only a minor
The folding and tilting of the rock layers allow
you to travel through 280 million years of
Capitol Reef’s geologic history in just fifteen
miles by driving through the park on State
Route 24.
role. Flash floods are the most dramatic
display of erosion in action. Floodwaters
propel debris, sediment, cobbles, and
boulders, increasing water’s carving power.
Deposition and uplift in Capitol Reef have
created a unique window into Earth’s history,
revealed through the power of erosion.
Cenozoic andesite
Wingate
Sandstone
Navajo Sandstone and
Kayenta Formation
Sandstone
Deeply-buried
fault
Additional information on the geology of Capitol Reef National Park is available on our website (www.nps.gov/care)
which also links to the Capitol Reef Natural History Association, a non-profit cooperating association that sells
publications on Capitol Reef ’s natural and cultural history.
Marine
Transition between tidal
flats and dune fields
Shallow marine, tidal flats,
& sabkhas (sandy salt flats)
Vast region of sand dunes
West-flowing rivers
Sand dunes
Forested basin with rivers,
swamps, & lakes
River channels
Gently sloping coastal
plain, fluctuating sea level
Grayish-green sandstone & siltstone
Earthy, red, very fine-grained
sandstone & gypsum
Interlayered red sandstone,
siltstone, & gypsum
Tan sandstone
White crossbedded sandstone
Interlayered white sandstone & red
siltstone
Sandstone, often stained dark red
Interlayered sandstone, siltstone, &
bentonitic mudstone
White sandstone
Mostly dark red siltstone &
mudstone; minor yellowish
limestone
Gray dolomitic limestone
White crossbedded sandstone
0-80 feet
450-
Capitol Reef National Park
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Geologic Features of Capitol Reef
The powerful forces that created and shaped Capitol Reef’s
landscape have produced a wide variety of geologic features, large
and small. Within the Waterpocket Fold, many peculiar sights
attract the curiosity of park visitors. Each detail has its own history.
The stories combine to explain a unique collection of wonders.
Please help preserve these features for all to discover and enjoy.
Do not leave graffiti or other vandalism. Do not disturb or
collect rocks or other park resources.
Black Boulders
Black boulders found scattered throughout
the Fremont River valley and along other
drainages are recent geologic arrivals. These
volcanic rocks came from 20- to 25-millionyear-old lava flows that cap nearby Boulder
and Thousand Lakes mountains and areas
westward.
During the most recent Ice Age cycles, these
high plateaus supported small mountain
glaciers. The grinding action of the glaciers
eroded into the high hillsides, embedding
pieces of the andesitic lava plateaus within the
glacial ice. Numerous debris flows and glacial
outburst floods sent cascades of meltwater,
ice, and rocky debris tumbling from the
glaciers into the river valleys below. Pieces of
lava rock were transported many miles from
their source, and were smoothed and rounded
by their violent journeys within the gritty
floodwaters.
Rock Colors
Impurities in sedimentary rocks act as
pigments. Iron is the most common coloring
agent found in Capitol Reef’s rocks.
Yellow to orange to rusty brown rocks
contain limonite. Example: Navajo Sandstone.
Geothite, a mineral similar to limonite,
forms brown concretions. Example: Dakota
Sandstone.
Light blue, greenish-gray, and off-white
rocks show the true colors of the sedimentary
particles. Example: Shinarump Member of the
Chinle Formation.
Dark gray to brownish-gray to black rocks
contain incompletely-decomposed organic
matter preserved under conditions such as
Bridges and Arches
When floods receded, black boulders were left
scattered across the floodplains. These flood
deposits were left perched along valley slopes
as their respective canyons deepened with
continued erosion. This process reoccurred
many times over the past 150,000 years.
The deposits can still be observed today in
the valleys and canyons of Sulphur Creek,
Pleasant Creek, and the Fremont River.
The black boulders are black on the inside
too! The white coating on the surface of many
of the boulders is a mineral crust known as
caliche, which is mainly a thin film of calcite
and gypsum crystals. Caliche forms when
mineral-laden groundwater seeps upward,
coats the underside of the boulders, and
evaporates from the surface, leaving its
dissolved minerals behind.
stagnant marine basins. Example: Mancos
Shale.
Dark green rocks contain reduced iron,
and were deposited in marine basins,
swamps, bogs, and lakes. Example: Morrison
Formation.
Red to reddish-brown to purple rocks
contain hematite which is simple rust or iron
oxide. Example: Moenkopi Formation.
Bright white rocks may consist of gypsum.
Thin veins, deposited by groundwater
circulating through fractured bedrock,
are common in the Moenkopi and Carmel
Formations. Gypsum also occurs as clear
selenite crystals.
In geologic terms, “bridge” and “arch” both
refer to naturally occuring spans of stone. The
key difference lies in how the span forms.
Erosion by ice, water, wind, rockfall, and other
natural processes may combine to form and
sculpt bridges and arches. However, flowing
water, either a permanent or temporary
stream, is influential in sculpting a bridge
at some point during its formation. An arch
is formed by natural processes other than
flowing water.
Hickman Bridge
Solution Cavities
Solution cavities can be seen in many rock
surfaces at Capitol Reef. Also known as
tafoni or honeycomb weathering, these
concentrations of surface holes are caused by
the weathering effects of wind, water, and ice.
The cavities are only on the surface; that is,
there are no holes hidden within the rock layer
behind the surface.
What causes solution cavities to form in the
first place? Sandstone, in which the cavities
often form, is made of sand grains cemented
together with minerals, commonly calcite or
silica. Some of the sandstone may have areas
that are weakly cemented together, creating
softer rock. These soft areas erode easily
and more quickly when exposed to surface
weathering, creating cavities and leaving
behind harder portions of rock.
Excellent examples of solution cavities can be seen in
the walls of Capitol Gorge, and along the trail in the
upper reaches of Cohab Canyon (shown here).
Long after intermittent streams dry up in this
desert environment, waterpockets often serve
as precious sources of water for wildlife. Lush
vegetation may be seen growing around a
waterpocket, its water creating a small oasis of
life.
Also known as potholes, tanks, or tinajas,
waterpockets a
Capitol Reef National Park
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Paleontology
Capitol Reef’s fossils capture the
eternal struggle between life and
death on our planet.
Life and Death
The last 3.5 billion years of Earth’s history
have been a relentless and dramatic
struggle of life and death. Life on Earth has
grown in both size and complexity from
its humble origins as microscopic singlecelled organisms to include everything
from plants to dinosaurs, and of course,
humans. However, this amazing explosion of
life has not been without great peril. Five major
mass extinction events have occurred in Earth’s
history, eliminating up to 96% of all species. It is
in this constant face of death that life has taken
hold on our planet.
Timeline of Life
Ga – billions of years ago
Ma – millions of years ago
4.6 billion years ago
541 million years ago
Present
Precambrian
Formation
of Earth
(4.6 Ga)
First appearance
of life
(3.5 Ga)
Oxygenproducing
bacteria
(3.0 Ga)
Land plants
(434 Ma)
Free
oxygen in
atmosphere
(2.5 Ga)
Reptiles
(305 Ma)
Cells with
nuclei
(2.0 Ga)
Multicellular
organisms
(1.2 Ga)
Dinosaurs
(225 Ma)
Paleozoic
Birds
(150 Ma)
Mesozoic
541 Ma
Ordovician-Silurian
mass extinction
(443 Ma)
What is a Fossil?
Mammals
(115 Ma)
Modern
First
hominin humans
(6.5 Ma) (0.2 Ma)
Cenozoic
0 Ma
Late Devonian
mass extinction
(359 Ma)
Permian
mass extinction
(252 Ma)
Triassic-Jurassic
mass extinction
(200 Ma)
Fossils preserve the record of life on
Earth. Fossils are the physical remains or
traces of organisms that were once alive.
Paleontologists study fossils in order to
better understand the history and evolution
of past life. Fossils provide a wealth of
information on ancient ecosystems and
past climates, which together provide an
indication of the effects of changing climate
on Earth’s life—knowledge that will be
critical to addressing concerns in the face of
current climate change.
Cretaceous -Tertiary Another
mass
mass extinction
extinction??
(66 Ma)
Fossils are exceedingly rare. Most organisms die
and decay without leaving behind any preserved
remains or traces. It is thought that less than
one bone in a billion becomes fossilized. For
an organism or trace to become fossilized,
very specific conditions must be met. Most
importantly, fossilization requires that the item
be buried rapidly for initial preservation. In the
case of physical remains, minerals dissolved in
groundwater can then slowly replace the original
bone or shell until it is turned into stone.
Past Life at Capitol Reef
The extraordinary rock record at Capitol Reef spans 200 million years of Earth’s past,
encompassing the entire Mesozoic Period (252-66 Ma)—the “Age of Reptiles.” The Mesozoic
was marked by the rapid diversification of life, highlighted by the rise of the dinosaurs. Many
of the fossils found at Capitol Reef reflect this prolific period, where life flourished under warm
climatic conditions.
Triassic Trackways
Some of the oldest and most extensive
reptile tracks in the western U.S. are found
at Capitol Reef within the Moenkopi
Formation. Tracks and swim traces of
two crocodile-like species, Chirotherium
and Rotodactylus, are found as sandstone
casts in mudstone layers. These trackways
indicate that these species lived in a marineinfluenced environment and provide an
incredible snapshot of a day in the life of a
reptile…225 million years in the past.
Plant Megafossils
Plant megafossils are exposed at many
localities within the Chinle Formation at
Capitol Reef. These large plant fossils—
preserved as impressions, petrifications, and
casts—contain representatives from most
major groups of vascular plants including
ferns, horsetails, and conifers. The types of
plant species found in the Chinle suggest
that 225 million years ago, Capitol Reef
was a land of rivers and swamps with a wet,
tropical climate. These conditions provided
a suitable environment for life forms that
would not survive in the currently arid
conditions of southern Utah.
Giant Stromatolites
Bizarre fossils known as stromatolites are
located within the desert-formed Navajo
Sandstone at Capitol Reef. Stromatolites
are layered structures formed by the
accumulation of cyanobacteria in stagnant
water. They are the oldest fossils on Earth,
some dating back over three billion years.
Cyanobacteria were the dominant life form
for more than two billion years, and are
thought to be primarily responsible for the
oxygenation of the atmosphere—helping
sustain life as we know it on our planet. At
Capitol Reef, the discovery of five-meterhigh stromatolites suggests that the Navajo
desert had large bodies of standing water,
challenging current assumptions that it was
entirely dusty and dry.
Oyster Reef
A dense oyster shell reef dominated by the
oysters Exogyra and Pycnodonte represents
yet another form of life from Capitol Reef’s
distant past. These 100-million-year-old
oysters reflect a time when a sea inundated
this area and created t
Name
OS
RA NS SS
Squamata: Crotaphytidae (Collared and
leopard lizards)
P
C
N
P
C
N
Squamata: Iguanidae (Iguanids)
Common chuckwalla
Sauromalus ater
UC N/A N
S
Squamata: Phrynosomatidae (Spiny lizards)
Greater short-horned lizard
Phrynosoma hernandesi
Common sagebrush lizard
Sceloporus graciosus
Desert spiny lizard
Sceloporus magister
Plateau lizard
Sceloporus tristichus
Tree lizard
Urosaurus ornatus
Side-blotched lizard
Uta stansburiana
P
R
N
P
A
N
P
P
C
A
N
N
P
C
N
P
A
N
UK N
P
C
Capitol Reef National Park
Utah sucker
Catostomus ardens
Bluehead sucker
Catostomus discobolus
Flannelmouth sucker
Catostomus latipinnis
Mountain sucker
Catostomus platyrhynchus
Red-spotted toad
Bufo punctatus
Woodhouse’s toad
Bufo woodhousii
P
R
X
P
C
N
S
P
C
N
S
PP
N/A N
A
N
P
C
N
P
C
N
P
UK N
Wildlife Checklist
Anura: Hylidae (Tree frogs)
Canyon treefrog
Hyla arenicolor
Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae (Carps, Minnows)
Anura: Ranidae (True frogs)
Utah chub
Gila atraria
Roundtail chub
Gila robusta
Speckled dace
Rhinichthys osculus
Redside shiner
Richardsonius balteatus
Southern leatherside chub
Lepidomeda aliciae
Northern leopard frog
Rana pipiens
X
P
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Mammals
Reptiles
Fish
Amphibians
P
C
PP
N/A N
P
A
N
Great Basin spadefoot
Spea intermontana
P
A
X
Caudata: Ambystomatidae (Mole salamanders)
P
A
X
Tiger salamander
Ambystoma tigrinum
S
UC N/A X
Anura: Scaphiopodidae (Spadefoot toads)
P
C
Side-blotched lizard
N
UC N/A N
PP
N/A X
P
U
Mottled sculpin
Cottus bairdii
S
Bighorn
sheep
P
C
Notes
P
P = Present
UC = Unconfirmed: species is attributed to
the park but evidence is weak or absent.
Relative Abundance (RA)
A = Abundant: may be seen daily in suitable habitat and
season, in relatively large numbers
C = Common: may be seen daily in suitable habitat and season
U = Uncommon: likely to be seen monthly in suitable season
and habitat; may be locally common
R = Rare: present, but usually seen only a few times each year
O = Occasional: occurs in the park at least once every few
years, but not reported annually
UK = Unknown
N/A = Not applicable
X
N
Siluriformes: Ictaluridae (Catfish)
Black bullhead
Ameiurus melas
Occurrence Status (OS)
PP = Probably present: observed near the
park, no confirmed reports within the park,
although suitable habitat exists
Scorpaeniformes: Cottidae (Sculpins)
N
UC N/A N
RA NS SS
Amphibians
Anura: Bufonidae (True toads)
Rainbow trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Brown trout
Salmo trutta
Squamata: Xantusiidae (Night lizards)
Desert night lizard
Xantusia vigilis
OS
Salmoniformes: Salmonidae (Trouts, Salmons)
UC N/A N
P
Name
Cypriniformes: Catostomidae (Suckers)
Bluegill
Lepomis macrochirus
Squamata: Teiidae (Whiptail lizards)
Plateau spotted whiptail
Cnemidophorus innotatus
Western whiptail
Cnemidophorus tigris
RA NS SS
Perciformes: Centrarchidae (Sunfish)
Squamata: Scincidae (Skinks)
Western skink
Eumeces skiltonianus
OS
Fish
Reptiles (continued)
Great Basin collared lizard
Crotaphytus bicinctores
Long-nosed leopard lizard
Gambelia wislizenii
Name
UK X
Nativeness Status (NS)
Red-spotted toad
This checklist is a complete listing of currently-known species
at Capitol Reef National Park. For more information, visit
the NPS Northern Colorado Plateau Network Inventory and
Monitoring website:
http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/units/ncpn/speciesSelect.cfm
8/15
N = Native
X = Non-native
U = Unknown
Special Status Designation (SS)
E = Federally listed as endangered
T = Federally listed as threatened
S = Species of concern
Name
OS
RA NS SS
Mammals
Artiodactyla: Antilocapridae (Pronghorn)
Pronghorn
Antilocapra americana
P
R
N
Artiodactyla: Bovidae (Cattle, Sheep, Goats)
American bison
Bos bison
Bighorn sheep
Ovis canadensis
P
R
N
P
U
N
S
P
R
N
P
U
N
Carnivora: Canidae (Dogs and Allies)
Coyote
Canis latrans
Common gray fox
Urocyon cinereoargenteus
Kit fox
Vulpes macrotis
Red fox
Vulpes vulpes
P
U
N
P
C
N
UC N/A N
P
R
S
N
Carnivora: Felidae (Cats)
Bobcat
Lynx rufus
Lynx
Lynx canadensis
Mountain lion
Puma concolor
P
R
N
P
UK U
T
P
R
S
N
Carnivora: Mephitidae (Skunks)
Striped skunk
Mephitis mephitis
Western spotted skunk
Spilogale gracilis
P
R
P
UK N
N
Carnivora: Mustelidae (Weasels and Allies)
Long-tailed weasel
Mustela frenata
Ermine
Mustela erminea
American mink
Mustela vison
American badger
Taxidea taxus
P
UK N
PP
N/A N
OS
OS
RA NS SS
Name
OS
Lagomorpha: Leporidae (Hares and Rabbits)
Rodentia: Sciuridae (Squirrels)
Snowshoe hare
Lepus americanus
Black-tailed jackrabbit
Lepus californicus
White-tailed jackrabbit
Lepus townsendii
Desert cottontail
Sylvilagus audub
Name
RA
RS
HC
U
U
C
P
P
P
HPF
HPF
PF
C
P PSRF
R
U
P
P
HPRF
HPRF
R
P
HRF
A(R)
C
R
O
R
U
S(W)
P
T
V
T
S
PSRTF
RF
RF
RF
R
PRTF
Chickadees and Titmice
Black-capped Chickadee
Mountain Chickadee
Juniper Titmouse
Nuthatches
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Wrens
Rock Wren
Canyon Wren
House Wren
Winter Wren
Marsh Wren
Bewick’s Wren
Gnatcatchers
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
C
S
PSRF
U
P
RWF
R
U
T
P
F
HPRF
R
U
R(U)
O
U
U
A
O
S
P
S(W)
V
T
T
P
V
HP
PSRF
HRF
HF
HF
HRF
HPSRF
HF
Dippers
American Dipper
Kinglets
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Thrushes
Western Bluebird
Mountain Bluebird
Townsend’s Solitaire
Veery
Swainson’s Thrush
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Varied Thrush
Mockingbirds and Thrashers
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
Sage Thrasher
Brown Thrasher
U
C
U
O
S
S
S
V
F
PSRF
S
R
Starlings
European Starling
RS
HC
R
T
SR
O
O
V
T
F
F
O
T
R
Northern Waterthrush
R
Black-and-white Warbler
O
Tennessee Warbler
O
Orange-crowned Warbler
R
Lucy’s Warbler
O
Nashville Warbler
R
Virginia’s Warbler
C
MacGillivray’s Warbler
U
Common Yellowthroat
U
Hooded Warbler
O
American Redstart
O
Northern Parula
O
Yellow Warbler
C
Chestnut-sided Warbler
O
Black-throated Blue Warbler O
Palm Warbler
X
Yellow-rumped Warbler
C
Grace’s Warbler
R
Black-throated Gray Warbler C
Townsend’s Warbler
R
Wilson’s Warbler
C
Yellow-breasted Chat
C
T
V
V
T
T
T
S
T
S
V
V
V
S
V
V
RF
F
F
RF
RF
F
HPRF
RF
RF
F
F
RF
RF
F
F
S
S
S
T
T
S
HPRF
HR
PRF
R
RF
RF
S
S(W)
W
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
P
T
T
V
S(W)
S(W)
SRF
RF
F
HSRF
SR
PSF
PSF
SF
S
SRF
RF
RF
F
F
HPSRF
HPSRF
American Pipit
Bohemian Waxwing
Cedar Waxwing
Longspurs
R
P
F
Wood Warblers
Sparrows and Towhees
Green-tailed Towhee
Spotted Towhee
American Tree Sparrow
Chipping Sparrow
Brewer’s Sparrow
Vesper Sparrow
Lark Sparrow
Black-throated Sparrow
Sage Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Harris’ Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Name
RA
RS
HC
Buntings, Cardinals, and Grosbeaks
Waxwings
Lapland Longspur
Creepers
Brown Creeper
RA
Pipits
Bushtits
Bushtit
Name
U
C(R)
R
C
C
R
C
A
U
R
U
R
R
O
C(R)
U(C)
Summer Tanager
Western Tanager
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Black-headed Grosbeak
Blue Grosbeak
Lazuli Bunting
Indigo Bunting
O
C
R
C
U
C
U
Capitol Reef National Park
V
S
T
S
S
S
S
F
HPRF
F
RF
RF
RF
F
O
U
U
U
C
O
O
C
O
O
C
R
T
S
P
S
S
V
S
S
V
V
S
S
F
RWF
SF
RF
RF
RF
F
PSRF
F
F
RF
PRF
U
U
R
R
C(R)
R
R
U
U
R
W
W
S
S
S(W)
P
P
S
P
T
SF
SF
H
HF
PSRTF
H
HRF
RF
RF
F
R
P
F
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Bird Checklist
Blackbirds and Orioles
Bobolink
Red-winged Blackbird
Western Meadowlark
Yellow-headed Blackbird
Brewer’s Blackbird
Common Grackle
Great-tailed Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Orchard Oriole
Hooded Oriole
Bullock’s Oriole
Scott’s Oriole
Canyon Wren
Relative Abundance (RA)
Finches
Gray-crowned Rosy Finch
Black Rosy Finch
Pine Grosbeak
Cassin’s Finch
House Finch
Red Crossbill
Pine Siskin
Lesser Goldfinch
American Goldfinch
Evening Grosbeak
Weaver Finches
House Sparrow
Notes
A = Abundant: may be seen daily in suitable habitat and
season, in relatively large numbers
C = Common: may be seen daily in suitable habitat and
season, but not in large numbers
U = Uncommon: likely to be seen monthly in appropriate
season and habitat; may be locally common
R = Rare: present, but usually seen only a few times each year
O = Occasional: occurs in the park at least once every few
years, but not reported annually
Residency Status (RS)
P = Permanent resident: present year-round
S = Summer resident: present during the breeding season
W = Winter resident: present during winter, often also in late
fall and early spring
T = Transient: migrates through the park in spring and/or fall
V = Vagrant: park is outside of the species’ usual range
X = Probably Present: observed near the park, no confirmed
reports within the park, although suitable habitat exists
Habitat Codes (HC)
This checklist is a complete listing of currently-known species
at Capitol Reef National Park. For more information, visit
the NPS Northern Colorado Plateau Network Inventory and
Monitoring website:
http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/units/ncpn/speciesSelect.cfm
2/15
H = High elevation forest
P = Pinyon-juniper forest
S = Shrub/shrub grassland
R = Riparian zones
W = Water (lakes, ponds, rivers)
T = Talus, cliffs, slickrock
F = Fruita developed area
Species are in taxonomic order according to the American
Ornithologists’ Union. Please give a park ranger detailed descriptions of
any observed
Name
RA NS FC
HC
Liliaceae (Lily family)
Sego-lily
Calochortus nuttallii
U
N
WB GSF
U
N
Y
SPF
U
N
B
SPF
U
N
YR BSP
Linaceae (Flax family)
Broom-flax
Linum aristatum
Blue flax
Linum perenne ssp. lewisii
Downy flax
Linum puberulum
Loasaceae (Loasa family)
White-stem blazingstar
Mentzelia albicaulis
A
N
Y
SPF
A
N
Y
GSPF
A
N
Y
GSP
Malvaceae (Mallow family)
Scarlet globemallow
Sphaeralcea coccinea
Small-leaf globemallow
Sphaeralcea parviflora
Nyctaginaceae (Four-o’clock family)
Fragrant sand-verbena
Abronia fragrans
Low sand-verbena
Abronia nana
Narrow-leaf four-o’clock
Mirabilis linearis var. linearis
Showy four-o’clock
Mirabilis multiflora
A
N
W
SPF
U
N
R
SP
A
N
WR SPFR
A
N
RB SP
Onagraceae (Evening primrose family)
Lavender-leaf sundrops
Calylophus lavandulifolius
Eastwood’s camissonia
Camissonia eastwoodiae
Paiute suncup
Camissonia scapoidea var. scapoidea
White-stem evening-primrose
Oenothera albicaulis
Long-tube evening-primrose
Oenothera caespitosa var. marginata
Bronze evening-primrose
Oenothera howardii
Pale evening-primrose
Oenothera pallida var. pallida
U
N
YB SPF
U
N
Y
BSPW
A
N
Y
GSP
U
N
W
GSPW
A
N
W
GSPW
U
N
YR SPFW
A
N
W
SPFW
Orobanchaceae (Broomrape family)
Desert paintbrush
Castilleja chromosa
A
N
RY GSP
Name
Wyoming paintbrush
Castilleja linariifolia
Eastwood’s paintbrush
Castilleja scabrida var. scabrida
RA NS FC
HC
RA NS FC
A
N
RY SPF
Polygalaceae (Milkwort family)
U
N
RY GSPF
Cushion milkwort
Polygala subspinosa
U
HC
Capitol Reef National Park
N
BR SPF
N
BW SPF
N
B
N
BW SP
N
GW SPFR
N
W
Ranunculaceae (Buttercup family)
Plantaginaceae (Plantain family)
Veined penstemon
Penstemon angustifolius var. venosus
Fleshy penstemon
Penstemon carnosus
Dusty penstemon
Penstemon comarrhenus
Eaton’s penstemon
Penstemon eatonii
Loa penstemon
Penstemon ophianthus
Palmer’s penstemon
Penstemon palmeri var. palmeri
Utah penstemon
Penstemon utahensis
Pretty wild buckwheat
Eriogonum bicolor
Fremont’s buckwheat
Eriogonum corymbosum
Desert trumpet
Eriogonum inflatum var. inflatum
Sand buckwheat
Eriogonum leptocladon
Cushion wild buckwheat
Eriogonum ovalifolium
Canaigre dock
Rumex hymenosepalus
Name
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Wildflower Checklist
U
N
B
SPF
U
N
B
SPF
U
N
B
SPF
Colorado columbine
U
Aquilegia coerulea
Columbian virgin’s-bower
U
Clematis columbiana
Pale larkspur
U
Delphinium andersonii var. scaposum
U
N
R
SPFW
Santalaceae (Sandalwood family)
U
N
B
SPFW
Bastard toadflax
Comandra umbellata var. pallida
C
N
RW SPFW
Solanaceae (Nightshade family)
C
N
R
SPW
Angel’s trumpet
Datura wrightii
U
N
R
BSP
A
N
WY SPF
U
N
Y
BGSP
U
N
Y
SP
U
N
WR SPF
Nativeness Status (NS)
U
N
GR GS
N = Native
X = Non-native
N
B
SP
N
R
SPF
N
R
SPF
N
B
SP
N
WB SP
N
W
N
BW SPF
N
RW SPF
C
U
SF
SP
Relative Abundance (RA)
A = Abundant: large numbers of individuals, occurring in
many areas of the park
C = Common: large numbers of individuals, occurring in
specific habitats and/or in certain areas of the park
U = Uncommon: few to moderate numbers of individuals,
occurring in specific habitats in certain areas of the park
Plants listed as rare or unconfirmed are not included here.
Notes
Flower Color (FC)
Polemoniaceae (Phlox family)
Shy gilia
A
Gilia inconspicua
Carmine gilia
A
Gilia subnuda
Scarlet gilia
A
Ipomopsis aggregata var. aggregata
Long-flowered gilia
U
Ipomopsis longiflora
Dwarf gilia
U
Ipomopsis pumila
San Rafael gilia
U
Ipomopsis roseata
Desert phlox
U
Phlox austromontana var. austromontana
Long-leaf phlox
U
Phlox longifolia
Claret cup
cactus
SP
W = White or cream
Y = Yellow or orange
R = Pink or red
B = Blue, lavender, or purple
G = Green, or tiny flowers
This checklist is a only a partial listing of currently-known
species at Capitol Reef National Park. For more information,
visit the NPS Northern Colorado Plateau Network Inventory
and Monitoring website:
http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/units/ncpn/speciesSelect.cfm
Non-native trees, shrubs, and flowers commonly seen in park
orchards and other areas directly associated with human
settlement are not included on this list.
4/15
Habitat/Community Codes (HC)
B = Badlands
G = Grasslands
S = Upland Shrublands
P = Pinyon-juniper Woodlands
F = Upland Forest and Woodlands
R = Riparian and Wetland Communities
W = Ephemeral Washes
Name
RA NS FC
HC
Amaranthaceae (Amaranth family)
Russian-thistle
Salsola tragus
HC
A
N
WB SP
U
N
W
Boraginaceae (Borage/forget-me-not family)
U
N
WR SP
A
X
G
(all)
U
N
RW BSP
Apiaceae (Parsley/celery family)
Beck’s spring-parsley
U
Cymopterus beckii
Basin white-cup spring-parsley
U
Cymopterus purpurascens
Colorado P
Name
RA
NS HC
Name
Grasses
Grasses (continued)
Poales: Cyperaceae (Sedge family)
Kentucky bluegrass
Poa pratensis
Alkali sacaton
Sporobolus airoides var. airoides
Spike dropseed
Sporobolus contractus
Sand dropseed
Sporobolus cryptandrus
Needle-and-thread
Stipa comata var. comata
Indian ricegrass
Achnatherum hymenoides
Desert needlegrass
Stipa speciosa
Common spikerush
Eleocharis palustris
A
N
R
Poales: Juncaceae (Rush family)
Baltic rush
Juncus arcticus
NS HC
Capitol Reef National Park
C
X
SPFR
A
N
GSPRW
C
N
GSP
A
N
GSP
A
N
GSPF
A
N
BSPFRW
C
N
GSP
N
R
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Notes
Plant Checklist:
Trees, Shrubs, Grasses
A
N
R
C
X
RW
U
N
SPFRW
A
N
GSPFW
A
N
GSPF
A
X
PFR
A
X
BGSPFRW
U
X
SFR
U
N
SR
A
N
GSPFRW
A
N
SPF
C
N
SFRW
A
N
SPFRW
A
N
RW
Nativeness Status (NS)
C
N
RW
N = Native
X = Non-native
A
N
GSP
C
X
GPFRW
C
N
R
A
N
BGSP
A
N
SPFRW
Poales: Poaceae (Grass family)
Redtop
Agrostis stolonifera
Big bluestem
Andropogon gerardii var. gerardii
Purple three-awn
Aristida purpurea
Blue grama
Bouteloua gracilis
Smooth brome
Bromus inermis var. inermis
Cheatgrass
Bromus tectorum
Orchard grass
Dactylis glomerata
Desert saltgrass
Distichlis spicata
Squirreltail
Elymus elymoides
Salina wildrye
Elymus salinus
Slender wheatgrass
Elymus trachycaulus
Foxtail barley
Hordeum jubatum
Foxtail muhly
Muhlenbergia andina
Scratchgrass
Muhlenbergia asperifolia
Sandhill muhly
Muhlenbergia pungens
Timothy
Phleum pratense
Common reed
Phragmites australis
Galleta
Pleuraphis jamesii
Muttongrass
Poa fendleriana
RA
Poales: Typhaceae (Cattail family)
Broad-leaved cattail
Typha latifolia
C
Two-needle
pinyon pine
Relative Abundance (RA)
Indian ricegrass
A = Abundant: large numbers of individuals, occurring in
many areas of the park
C = Common: large numbers of individuals, occurring in
specific habitats and/or in certain areas of the park
U = Uncommon: few to moderate numbers of individuals,
occurring in specific habitats in certain areas of the park
Plants listed as rare or unconfirmed are not included here.
This checklist is a only a partial listing of currently-known
species at Capitol Reef National Park. For more information,
visit the NPS Northern Colorado Plateau Network Inventory
and Monitoring website:
http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/units/ncpn/speciesSelect.cfm
Non-native trees and shrubs commonly seen in park orchards
and other areas directly associated with human settlement are
not included on this list.
4/15
Habitat/Community Codes (HC)
B = Badlands
G = Grasslands
S = Upland Shrublands
P = Pinyon-juniper Woodlands
F = Upland Forest and Woodlands
R = Riparian and Wetland Communities
W = Ephemeral Washes
Name
RA
NS HC
Name
RA
NS HC
Name
RA
Trees
Shrubs
Shrubs (continued)
Cupressales: Cupressaceae (Cypress family)
Asterales: Compositae (Aster/composite family)
Utah juniper
Juniperus osteosperma
Rocky Mountain juniper
Juniperus scopulorum
Bigelow’s sagebrush
Artemisia bigelovii
Sand sagebrush
Artemisia filifolia
Fringed sagebrush
Artemisia frigida
Black sagebrush
Artemisia nova var. nova
Pygmy sagebrush
Artemisia pygmaea
Budsage
Artemisia spinescens
Big Basin sagebrush
Artemisia tridentata var. tridentata
Longleaf brickellbush
Brickellia longifolia
Rough brickellbush
Brickellia microphylla var. scabra
Mohave brickellbush
Brickellia oblongifolia var. linifolia
Rubber rabbitbrush
Ericameria nauseosa
Green rabbitbrush
Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus
Broom snakeweed
Gutierrezia sarothrae
Spineless horsebrush
Tetradymia canescens
Littleleaf horsebrush
Tetradymia glabrata
Slender wild buckwheat
A
Eriogonum microthecum var. simpsonii
A
U
N
N
GSPRW
PFR
Fagales: Betulaceae (Birch family)
Water birch
Betula occidentalis
U
N
R
Fagales: Fagaceae (Oaks and Beeches)
Gambel’s oak
Quercus gambelii var. gambelii
C
N
SPFRW
Malpighales: Salicaceae (Willow family)
Narrow-leaved cottonwood
Populus angustifolia
Fremont cottonwood
Populus fremontii var. fremontii
Quaking aspen
Populus tremuloides
U
N
RW
A
N
RW
U
N
FR
Pinales: Pinaceae (Pine family)
Engelmann spruce
Picea engelmannii
Blue spruce
Picea pungens
Two-needle pinyon pine
Pinus edulis
Western bristlecone pine
Pinus longaeva
Ponderosa pine
Pinus ponderosa var. scopulorum
Douglas-fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca
U
N
F
U
N
FR
A
N
SPF
U
N
F
C
N
FW
U
N
FW
Rosales: Cannabaceae (Hemp family)
Netleaf hackberry
Celtis reticulata
U
N
SRW
Rosales: Elaeagnaceae (Oleaster family)
Russian-olive
Elaeagnus angustifolia
U
X
R
Sapindales: Sapindaceae (Soapberry family)
Box elder
Acer negundo
U
N
RW
A
N
GSP
NS HC
N
U
N
GSP
U
N
GSFW
U
N
SPF
U
N
Capitol Reef National Park
List of Fruit and Nut Varieties, Including Heirlooms
Prepared for the National Park Service through the Colorado Plateau Cooperative
Ecosystems Studies Unit by Kanin Routson and Gary Paul Nabhan, Center for
Sustainable Environments, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona
ALMONDS (Prunus dulcis)
(Texas) Mission. Almonds first came into the Southwest in a delivery to Juan de Oñate at
San Gabriel (near Taos) New Mexico in 1698. But it was not until 1891 that someone spotted
a chance seedling in Texas with unique characteristics. It was first called Texas or Texas
Prolific, but later became known as Mission, Texa or Texas Mission due to its association
with old Spanish era churches. It was soon introduced to other parts of the Southwest, and its
production took off on a large scale when it was introduced to Acampo, California.
This heirloom has hard-shelled nuts with relatively small kernels inside—roughly 25 to 28
per ounce. The trees are prolific bearers and extremely vigorous when young, but growth and
yield decline markedly with age. The tree has an upright growth habitat, and is easy to train
to facilitate production, which occurs mostly on the spur branches rather than the shoots.
Because it is susceptible to mallet wound canker, it is short-lived wherever this Ceratocystis
infection occurs. It is also sensitive to alkaline soils and saline irrigation. Its tendency to
bloom well after frost in the spring keeps it popular among dwellers in river valleys where
temperature inversions freeze the blossoms of earlier blooming varieties.
We believe that the almonds in the Mott Orchard of Capitol Reef National Park are Mission
Almonds. However expert knowledge or DNA are necessary to confirm this.
APPLES (Malus X domestica)
Ben Davis. The origin of the Ben Davis apple dates back to 1799 when William Davis and
John Hills brought a young seedling from either Virginia or North Carolina to where they
settled at Berry’s Lick in Butler County, Kentucky. Others have placed its origin in
Washington County, Arkansas, about 1880. Captain Ben Davis, kin to the other two men,
planted the tree on his land where it began to attract attention. They took root cuttings and
planted them out as a full orchard, which provided root suckers to many others passing
though Kentucky. By the end of the Civil War, millions of Ben Davis suckers had spread
throughout the South and Midwest.
Apple historian Tom Burford reminds us that this tree was called Mortgage Lifter by growers
who got out of debt by shipping this apple down the Mississippi and out on ships from New
Orleans. As it spread south, north and west, many of its growers forgot the Ben Davis epithet
for this apple, and offered it a different folk name in each locale where it took root. Many
local synonyms for this variety include Baltimore Pippin, Baltimore Red, Baltimore Red
Streak, Ben Davis, Carolina Red Cheek, Carolina Red Streak, Funkhauser, Hutchinson’s
Pippin, Joe Allen, Kentucky Pippin, Kentucky, Kentucky Red Streak, Kentucky Streak, New
York Pippin, Red Pippin, Robinson’s Streak, Tenant Red, Victoria Pippin, Victoria Red, and
Virginia Pippin. It is grown in northern Arizona as well as southern Utah, where the fruiting
season is long enough to mature the variety properly.
The fruit of Ben Davis is typically uniform in shape and size, which is medium to large. Its
shape is usually round, especially at the base, though infrequently it is elliptical, conic or
oblong. While maturing, its clear yellow or greenish skin is tough, and thick enough that it
seldom bruises. Its skin is quite waxy, glossy or bright, and smooth. The green or yellow
basal color is overwhelmed by a wash of splashes and stripes of bright carmine, often with
subtle dots of white or brown. At maturity, it is a deep carmine or red striped apple. The flesh
is whitish, tinged slightly yellow. It is somewhat coarse, dry and wooly, not very crisp, but
firm, slightly aromatic, juicy, mildly sub-acidic, and keeps for over a year. However, its
rather unspectacular taste and texture has long been the butt of jokes among apple
enthusiasts. Madonna Hunt of Boulder Utah quipped, “Those Ben Davis apples? Yes, they
were good keepers, because no one wanted to eat them!” Tom Vorbeck put it bluntly, “It
keeps like a rock, but it’s not a very good rock.” Keith Durfey apprenticed to an apple expert
who claimed he could be blindfolded and still tell any variety by flavor. His students at the
end of a long sampling gave him a piece of cork. He sat blindfolded for a long while, then
quipped, “You may have stumped me for once, but I believe that’s the flavor of one of those
old Ben Davis apples!”
Although never rating high in flavor, nurserymen like Ben Davis because of its free-growing
habit and the rapidity with which trees produce fruit of marketable size. The tree is hardy
when exposed to a range of climatic extremes, remaining healthy and vigorous. Although not
particularly long-lived, it