Capitol Reef National Park: Capitol Reef National Park is often the most overlooked of the five national parks in Utah, but it is an EXP Journeys favorite. Unlike the crowds in Zion National Park or the parks near Moab, Capitol Reef sees a fraction of the tourists but offers unimaginable natural wonders. It’ s not impossible to go hiking and rarely see another person on the trail. No reservations are needed, and the beautiful town of Torrey, Utah, is a great place to rest your head after a day of hiking, canyoneering, and taking in the stunning landscape. Defined by the striking Waterpocket Fold— a 90-mile-long geologic wrinkle— Capitol Reef National Park was established to protect this grand and colorful geologic feature and the spectacular eroded jumble of cliffs, domes, monoliths, twisting canyons, and graceful arches. The Fold extends 70 miles from Thousand Lake Mountain to the Colorado River( now Lake Powell). Visitors can enjoy hundreds of miles of trails and unpaved roads into the scenic backcountry. While the park is worth visiting year round, the best time of year to visit Capitol Reef National Park is often considered March- June or September-October.
34 THE ART OF APPRECIATION