Capitol Reef NP

By Jen.

Dates: 11/23/2020 to 11/28/2020

Even before we got to Capitol Reef National Park, we were accosted with wildly beautiful vistas.

 

 

We were heading to Capitol Reef to see the sights we missed during the government shutdown back in 2013 as well as meet up with a couple of yachters turned overlanders. These people didn’t feel like they had done anything if they hadn’t walked at least 8 miles in a day, so we did a lot more long hikes than we were used to, ranging from 8-12 miles per day. But, we did it successfully.

 

First, we did Golden Throne.

Then, Capitol Gorge. Even 100 years ago, settlers like to deface rock and leave their names.

On the park’s scenic drive.

 

The things I love about Utah are the colors and the details.

 

The next day was devoted to Chimney Rock Canyon.

The colors.

The details.

 

The next day, we took a driving tour down Cathedral Valley Road.

Glass Mountain.

Temples of the Sun and Moon.

 

After driving all day in desert, we exited via Dixie National Forest, which was a stark contrast to Cathedral Valley.

 

That night, since we hadn’t done anything to celebrate Thanksgiving, I made a pumpkin pie, even though I didn’t have a pie tin. This meant, I had some extra (eggless) “custard” leftover and I thought it would make some excellent French Toast. I was right.

 

We hiked part of another slot canyon, Burro Wash.

 

Then walked to Cassidy Arch.

 

For the last day, we checked out Goosenecks Point.

It was cold that morning, and most of the river had frozen over.

 

And, we walked to Hickman Bridge.