Capitol Reef

I think Capitol Reef National Park would stand out more if it weren't on the drive between Arches and Bryce, Utah's most spectacular parts. Capitol Reef is effectively just some interesting red rock erosion formations a little bit better than the ones you are seeing in the surrounding countryside.

However, it would certainly be a mistake to just zoom through it on the way from Bryce to Arches.

In Capitol Reef, aside from enjoying scenery, we got out the bikes, including my cheap folding mountain bike (Cost - $110, repair in Reno -- $140). At least we got some riding in on it. We rode a narrow wash trail through a canyon. This trail has a section where travellers signed their names on the wall of the canyon to show they had gone through. Modern tourists were encouraged to register in a paper book instead.

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Grand Staircase national monument showcases the many layers of different rock, all different colours. Here we are driving through striking gray-golden rock.

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Visitor center view of reef

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Chimney Rock, a favourite insane climber's spot, in Capitol Reef

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Red clay and blue sky

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The Golden dome at the end of Capitol Gorge

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Note how stones in the rock have been pulled out by erosion, leaving holes behind.

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One of the many "nipples" in the park. That's what they call them.

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K. with Chimney Rock

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I loved this scene of an old barn with multicoloured rock layers behind it. I also made a panoramic shot of this.

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The layers and jagged rocks of the reef

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We take a bike ride down Capitol Gorge

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K. rides Capitol Gorge

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The Capitol Dome (not the best viewpoint)

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Red rock and blue sky in Capitol Reef

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Enjoying the landscape

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Sadly people have tried to drive their 4WD vehicles up the side of the picturesque cliffs.

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Pure gray rock with golden rock behind it