Visitors exploring Capitol Reef National Park shouldn’t miss the park’s renowned Scenic Drive. This 8-mile route offers an up-close encounter with the park’s towering rock walls and captivating geological formations. Winding along the base of the Waterpocket Fold, the Scenic Drive showcases the stunning results of millions of years of erosion on the area’s ancient sandstone, limestone, and shale deposits. Travelers can marvel at the park’s iconic rock formations and even venture down unpaved spurs like Capitol Gorge and Grand Wash for a more immersive experience. While the Scenic Drive highlights the park’s most renowned sights, there’s much more to uncover in Capitol Reef.
Key Points
- The Scenic Drive offers an up-close encounter with Capitol Reef’s towering rock walls, sculpted by the Waterpocket Fold, a massive wrinkle in the earth’s crust.
- Visitors can indulge in Capitol Reef’s seasonal bounty of fresh fruits, including apples, cherries, apricots, and peaches, by exploring the Fruita Orchards.
- The petroglyphs along the Grand Wash Trail provide a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural history left by the ancestral Puebloan people.
- The Capitol Gorge unpaved spur road leads to a dramatic landscape sculpted by geological forces, showcasing towering sandstone cliffs and remnants of past human habitation.
- The Grand Wash Road offers an immersive experience in Capitol Reef’s vast and captivating landscapes, including towering canyon walls and a riparian oasis.
Scenic Drive and Rock Walls
The Scenic Drive winds through Capitol Reef National Park, offering visitors an up-close encounter with the park’s towering rock walls and captivating geological formations.
Stretching for 8 miles, the drive takes travelers along the base of the Waterpocket Fold, a massive wrinkle in the earth’s crust that has created a stunning landscape of cliffs, canyons, and colorful rock layers.
As you navigate the winding road, you’ll be awed by the sheer scale and diversity of the park’s rock formations, which include ancient sandstone, limestone, and shale deposits that have been sculpted by millions of years of erosion.
This scenic drive is a must-do for anyone visiting Capitol Reef.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Capitol Reef National Park.
Fruita’s Seasonal Fruits
Visitors to Capitol Reef’s Fruita can indulge in the park’s seasonal bounty, tasting a variety of fresh fruits like crisp apples, juicy cherries, fragrant apricots, and succulent peaches. The Fruita Orchards, once tended by early Mormon settlers, offer a unique opportunity to pick your own produce, depending on the time of year.
Sampling homemade pies and other treats at the Fruita Schoolhouse Cabin.
Wandering through the orchards and handpicking your favorite fruits.
Exploring the historic Fruita Rural Historic District, a testament to the area’s agricultural heritage.
Immersing yourself in the flavors of Fruita’s seasonal fruits is a delightful way to experience the natural abundance of Capitol Reef National Park.
Petroglyphs and Historical Significance
Capitol Reef’s petroglyphs offer a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural history, with intricate rock carvings left behind by the ancestral Puebloan people.
These fascinating artworks, etched into the canyon walls, depict a variety of symbols and figures, ranging from geometric patterns to depictions of animals and human figures.
Visitors can explore these petroglyphs along the Grand Wash Trail, where they’ll have the chance to ponder the stories and meanings behind these ancient rock carvings.
Geological Formations and Features
Beyond the captivating petroglyphs, Capitol Reef’s geological formations and features tell a remarkable story of the region’s tumultuous past. Carved by the relentless forces of wind, water, and tectonic activity, the dramatic landscapes of Capitol Reef showcase a stunning array of natural wonders.
Some of the park’s iconic geological highlights include:
- The Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile-long wrinkle in the earth’s crust that creates towering cliffs and deep canyons.
- The vibrant hues of the Navajo Sandstone, which range from brilliant whites to deep reds and oranges.
- The dramatic Cathedral Valley, with its towering monoliths and mysterious weathered formations.
These geological marvels offer visitors a glimpse into Capitol Reef’s ancient past and the dynamic processes that continue to shape its remarkable terrain.
More Great Tours NearbyCapitol Gorge Unpaved Spur
Venturing down the Capitol Gorge unpaved spur road, travelers are treated to a dramatic landscape sculpted by the region’s relentless geological forces.
This narrow, winding road weaves between towering sandstone cliffs that showcase the area’s captivating geology.
Along the way, visitors can spot remnants of past human habitation, including historic inscriptions and petroglyphs carved into the rock walls.
The spur road leads to the Capitol Gorge trailhead, offering access to hiking paths that wind through the impressive canyon.
Whether driving or hiking, this unpaved section of the tour provides an up-close look at the raw, rugged beauty that defines Capitol Reef’s iconic landscapes.
Grand Wash Road Exploration
Travelers continuing along the driving tour arrive at the Grand Wash Road, an unpaved spur that winds through a dramatic geological feature known as the Grand Wash.
This remote and rugged road offers a chance to take in Capitol Reef’s vast and captivating landscapes.
Along the Grand Wash Road, visitors can:
- Marvel at the towering canyon walls that rise up on both sides, sculpted by millions of years of erosion.
- Spot wildlife like bighorn sheep, desert cottontails, and various bird species that thrive in this harsh yet beautiful environment.
- Explore the wash’s riparian area, where a trickle of water creates an oasis of lush vegetation in contrast to the surrounding desert.
The Grand Wash Road experience provides a true sense of solitude and connection with Capitol Reef’s wilderness.
Cassidy Arch and Grand Wash Trail
After exploring the dramatic Grand Wash Road, visitors can venture to two other highlights of the Capitol Reef driving tour – Cassidy Arch and the Grand Wash Trail.
The Cassidy Arch Trail is a 3-mile out-and-back hike that leads to a spectacular natural sandstone arch. Along the way, hikers can spot ancient petroglyphs and enjoy sweeping views of the canyon.
The Grand Wash Trail is an easy 2-mile one-way hike through a narrow slot canyon with stunning rock formations.
Both trails offer a chance to take in Capitol Reef’s magnificent geological wonders. With the right footwear and water, visitors can easily add these hikes to their driving tour for a more in-depth exploration of the park.
Tour Logistics and Meeting Point
The Capitol Reef driving tour begins in Torrey, UT 84775, USA. Participants must check their email for instructions before departure, which require a strong WiFi signal.
The tour offers several key logistical details:
- Duration – The tour is flexible, valid for 365 days, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace.
- Cost – Prices start from €15.71 per group of up to 8 people, making it an affordable option for families and small groups.
- Cancellation – Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for travelers.
With these logistics in place, visitors can embark on a captivating journey through Capitol Reef’s stunning landscapes and uncover its geological wonders at their convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Dog on the Driving Tour?
Unfortunately, the tour operator doesn’t allow dogs on the driving tour. For the safety and comfort of all participants, only service animals are permitted. Visitors should leave their pets at home or make other arrangements for their care during the tour.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The driving tour is not specifically designed to be wheelchair accessible. However, the Scenic Drive and some of the shorter trails may be navigable for those with mobility aids, depending on their abilities. It’s best to check with the tour provider for more details.
What Is the Minimum Group Size for the Tour?
The minimum group size for the Capitol Reef: Driving Tour is 1 person. The tour can accommodate groups of up to 8 people, and the cost starts from €15.71 per group.
Can I Extend the Tour Duration for an Additional Fee?
Yes, the tour duration can be extended for an additional fee. Visitors can opt to spend more time exploring the scenic drive and trails at their own pace beyond the standard tour duration.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
Capitol Reef Driving Tour doesn’t offer any senior or student discounts. However, children under 5 can join the tour for free. The base price starts at €15.71 per group of up to 8 people.
Recap
Capitol Reef’s Scenic Drive offers an immersive journey through the park’s striking geology. Visitors can marvel at the towering rock walls, explore additional unpaved spurs, and discover ancient petroglyphs.
Whether seeking a scenic drive or a more adventurous hike, this tour provides an up-close encounter with Capitol Reef’s captivating natural wonders. It’s a must-do experience for any traveler exploring the park.
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