Capitol Reef

After our detour up to SLC to avoid the storms in southern Utah, we headed back down to Capitol Reef National Park. We knew that the campground in the historic Fruita District was very highly rated, and since it was first come first served for only $10, we got on the road as early as we could. We arrived around 10:30am in drizzling rain, grabbed a site, and by 11 or 11:30am the rest were taken as well. The lesson we seem to be learning over and over again is that first-come-first serve campgrounds fill early.

The Fruita Campground is nestled in a valley that was originally developed by Mormon settlers at the end of the 18th century. Surrounded by striking sedimentary rock formations, the valley is an oasis of fruit trees, still watered by the gravity fed irrigation ditches originally dug by the first settlers. Many of the trees are rare varieties of pears, cherries, and apricots that are no longer cultivated.  Sadly, there wasn't any ripe fruit on the trees while we were there, but later in the year you're free to pick and eat whatever you like for free! We read that they charge a small fee for anything you don't eat on the spot.  Signs near the orchard said that the fruit yield often exceeds demand in the summer.

In addition to the campground and orchards, there are some original buildings still standing such as the schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, and our favorite, the Gifford House. The tiny house has been turned into part museum, and part pie and cinnamon roll shop! Unlike the mega tourist centers in Zion and Grand Canyon, the little house still had a quaint, quiet feel to it, thanks in large part to the friendly staff and the smell of homemade baked goods.

The weather was a mix of clouds, sun, and a bit of rain while we were there. Daytime temperatures were cool and perfect for hiking, so we went on a number of hikes while we were there, including the Rim Overlook trail, Hickman Bridge, Cohab Canyon, and the Fremont River Trail.

At the base of these cliffs is the Gifford House, where we enjoyed pies and cinnamon rolls

Yes, it was delicious

These too

Some of the fruit orchards next to the campground

One of many songbirds hanging out near our tent

The Fremont River, which runs right next to the campground


Nice evening light on one of our walks

View of the valley from the top of the Rim Trail

Standing under Hickman Bridge

Goosenecks overlook

View of the Waterpocket Fold from the entrance to Cohab Canyon

Striated rocks in Cohab Canyon

Hiking in Cohab Canyon

A fleetingly short attempt at some fly fishing before the wind and rain picked up.

 The rest of the photos can be found here: Flickr