After our playful afternoon in Goblin Valley State Park, we rolled into Capitol Reef National Park ready for a slower pace and found ourselves completely enchanted. From ancient carvings to vibrant rock formations, sage-scented trails to volcanic boulders, this park offered a little bit of everything.
We kicked things off that first afternoon by stopping to see the Fremont Culture petroglyphs, rock carvings etched into sandstone walls over 1,000 years ago. The figures depicted people, animals, and abstract shapes, giving us a glimpse into the stories of the people who once lived in this rugged desert. It was humbling and mysterious, the kind of sight that sparks both wonder and curiosity. We wandered through the historic settler orchards, still covered with fruit trees and tucked into the greenest pocket of the park. It was a reminder of the resilience of those who chose to farm and live in this isolated canyon. We spent the rest of the afternoon hiking the Sulphur Creek Trail, where the desert came alive with color and scent. I kept catching whiffs of something earthy and sweet. We later identified it as wild sage growing along the river. That smell became the heartbeat of the park for me. It was a beautiful contrast to the dryness of the surrounding cliffs.
We closed out the day with a short hike to Sunset Point. The weather was perfect, cool, clear, and calm. Even though we arrived before the sunset, the view was still full of so many colors shining on the rocks ahead.
The next morning, we started strong with a view of The Castle, a stunning pink rock formation that looked like it belonged in a fantasy novel. From there, we headed out on the Hickman Bridge trail, a 2-mile hike that quickly became a favorite. Along the way, we passed black volcanic boulders, carried to the area from ancient glaciers. The kids were fascinated. When we reached Hickman Bridge, we tucked under the massive natural arch for a snack. Throughout the hike, we could see the white dome-shaped rock formation that inspired the park’s name. Some say it looks like the U.S. Capitol building.
In the afternoon, we drove the Scenic Drive, winding through canyons, cliffs, and colorful rock layers. We made a stop at an old uranium mine before ending up at the Pioneer Register Trailhead. This 2-mile hike was something special. The trail followed an old path used by early settlers as a detour around the rocky cliffs. Along the walls, we saw names etched by pioneers, carved deep into the stone more than a century ago. At the end of the trail, we reached the Pioneer Tanks, large natural water basins that once stored fresh water for travelers. The dry creek bed we followed was full of surprises. We even spotted a few fossils, which we admired and left in place. After all, the boys are Junior Rangers now and take their duties seriously!
By the end of our stay, Capitol Reef had quietly worked its way into our hearts. It wasn’t as dramatic as Canyonlands or as iconic as Arches, but there was something gentle and grounding about this park. The smell of sage, the pink cliffs glowing in the sun, and the quiet stories etched into the stone. Those are the memories I’ll carry with me the longest. Our family waved a heartfelt goodbye to the beautiful park as we made our way to park number 4, Bryce Canyon.
Until Next time,
