I think Capitol Reef National Park would stand out more if it weren't
on the drive between Arches and Bryce, Utah's most spectacular parts.
Capitol Reef is effectively just some interesting red rock erosion formations
a little bit better than the ones you are seeing in the surrounding
countryside.
However, it would certainly be a mistake to just zoom through it on the way
from Bryce to Arches.
In Capitol Reef, aside from enjoying scenery, we got out the bikes, including
my cheap folding mountain bike (Cost - $110, repair in Reno -- $140). At least
we got some riding in on it. We rode a narrow wash trail through a canyon.
This trail has a section where travellers signed their names on the wall
of the canyon to show they had gone through. Modern tourists were
encouraged to register in a paper book instead.
|
|
|
 | | (1280 x 854 - 144K) |
The Capitol Dome (not the best viewpoint)
|
 | | (1280 x 854 - 146K) |
One of the many "nipples" in the park. That's what they call them.
| |
 | | (683 x 1024 - 89K) |
We take a bike ride down Capitol Gorge
|
 | | (1280 x 854 - 137K) |
The Golden dome at the end of Capitol Gorge
| |
 | | (1280 x 854 - 143K) |
Enjoying the landscape
|
 | | (1280 x 854 - 108K) |
Grand Staircase national monument showcases the many layers of different rock, all different colours. Here we are driving through striking gray-golden rock.
| |
 | | (1280 x 854 - 161K) |
K. rides Capitol Gorge
|
 | | (1280 x 854 - 89K) |
Pure gray rock with golden rock behind it
| |
 | | (1280 x 854 - 129K) |
Visitor center view of reef
|
 | | (1280 x 854 - 170K) |
I loved this scene of an old barn with multicoloured rock layers behind it. I also made a panoramic shot of this.
| |
 | | (1280 x 854 - 185K) |
Note how stones in the rock have been pulled out by erosion, leaving holes behind.
|
 | | (1280 x 854 - 151K) |
Red clay and blue sky
| |
 | | (1280 x 854 - 96K) |
Sadly people have tried to drive their 4WD vehicles up the side of the picturesque cliffs.
|
 | | (1280 x 854 - 90K) |
Red rock and blue sky in Capitol Reef
| |
 | | (1280 x 854 - 160K) |
Chimney Rock, a favourite insane climber's spot, in Capitol Reef
|
 | | (1280 x 854 - 169K) |
K. with Chimney Rock
| |
 | | (1280 x 854 - 124K) |
The layers and jagged rocks of the reef
|
