THE AMERICAN WEST
Capitol Reef National Park - Utah

Capitol Reef National Park - Utah

A giant, sinuous wrinkle in the earth`s crust stretches for 100 miles across south central Utah. This impressive buckling of rock, created by the same tremendous forces, that built the Colorado Plateau 65 million years ago, is called the Waterpocket Fold. Capitol Reef National Park preserves the fold and its spectacular, eroded jumble of colorful cliffs, massive domes, soaring spires, stark monoliths, twisting canyons and graceful arches. But the Waterpocket Fold country is more than this. It is also the free flowing Fremont River and the big desert sky. It is cactus, jay, lizard, jackrabbit, juniper, columbine and deer. It is a place where Indians hunted and farmed for more than 1000 years and, later, where Mormon pioneers settled to raise their families. It is the inspiration for poets, artists, photographers, and those who seek only to re-create themselves in the solitude and splendor of its vastness. The Reef`s haunting landforms can be explored on the 25 mile scenic drive - highlights on the way are Panorama Point, Chimney Rock, Castle, Capitol Dome, Petroglyphs, Hickman Bridge, Cassidy Arch, Golden Throne, Egyptian Temple or the Mormon built Old Fruita Schoolhouse.