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Southwest National Parks - 2018
Monument Valley to
Capitol Reef
Day 12 - May 1
Today we take Highway 95, from Blanding to Hanksville, which is just east of Capitol Reef. It will prove to be one of the most beautiful roads we have ever driven
On the way is a quick sidetrip to Natural Bridges
A view from inside the park
There are 3 significant bridges at Natural Bridges. We would hike down to one of them. This is Sipapu Bridge
The distinguishing feature of a bridge, versus an arch, is that a bridge has a current of water flowing (or had flowed) under it. Water was the major agent in its formation
Kachina Bridge
Owachoma Bridge
It's a little rainy, but let's hike down to this one
Although prohibited, you could walk across this bridge - it is very flat and wide at the top
After a rainstorm, this would be a cool waterfall, with the water then running under the bridge
Pensive
And now for some incredible views along Highway 95. Come along with us on a road trip
Near Fry Canyon. This is where the uranium was mined, then transported down the Moki Dugway to Mexican Hat
Mt. Ellen in the background
Entering Glen Canyon Recreation Area and the upper reaches of Lake Powell
Our faithful Honda CR-V
Some kinda red
The turnoff to Hite Marina
The brige across the Colorado River, just upsteam from Hite
At the bridge, looking downstream
At the bridge, looking upstream
Dirty Devil River, feeding the Colorado. For a time, it was Dirty Devil Bay
Hite Overlook. Used to be lake here
Hite Marina, or what used to be Hite Marina
There's the old launch ramp...
Back on Highway 95, but not for long. We stop for lunch at Hog Springs Picnic Area
The final stretches of Highway 95
Now on Highway 24, heading west into Capitol Reef. Such a change in landscape.
The white earth is bentonite, which is made up of potassium, sodium, calcium, and aluminium. It is a distinguishing element of Capitol Reef, and helps make the park's variation in color so striking
Capitol Dome
Fremont River
Capitol Reef's dominant colors are red, white and green
Goosenecks Point Trail
Goosenecks Point
Sulphur Creek (a tributary of the Fremont River) goosenecks
Our AirBnB
The afternoon backyard view out our window. Wow!!
Capitol Reef
4x4 Guide
Day 13 - May 2
The morning backyard view out our window. It snowed last night!!
We had made reservations with Fremont River Guides for a 4x4 excursion to Cathedral Valley, the northern and backcountry region of Capitol Reef.
Originally, we made sunrise reservations, and were to start the tour at 5:30 am. But the weather looked to be nasty, so we visited them yesterday and changed the tour to start at 9 am. We were so glad we did! Even Fremont said it was the right move.
On the road to the backcountry
The farms of Fremont, Utah. Heading up into the mountains
If ever there was going to be a stormy day on our trip, this was it - for a ride through the mountains in a beefy 4x4 Suburban!
Deeper we go - this is so cool!
There's a valley down there!
Upper South Desert Overlook
Kevin, our guide - just the best
A short hike to the overlook
The cathedrals of Cathedral Valley - spectacular
The Monoliths
We'll drive down into the valley...
Heading down into the valley, we encountered these guys. They had come in the same way we had, which was tough enough. They decided the road down the hill and through the valley surely would be easier. Wrong. Kevin told them they needed to turn around and go out the way they came in. But how to turn around? This road is narrower and steeper than the Moki Dugway.
We would find a spot around the next corner for them to attempt a turnaround. We left them - they may have to unhitch and try to swing it around.They may have to leave the trailer and come back for it with more help. Yikes. Sure hope they are okay.
Descending into the valley, the skies opened up a little
Our ride
On the Cathedral Valley floor, approaching the Monoliths
Notice the loose dirt at the base. Ever so slowly, erosion continues, mostly from wind and water
Heading back up the mountain to return home
Snowing!
Descending back into the Fremont River Valley
A small bison herd. Trust me
Back at our AirBnB for a quick stop before heading out for the afternoon
The Fluted Wall
The Castle. See the different colors?
Fruita Orchard
Petroglyphs
Boardwalk
Fruita Schoolhouse
McGuffie's Third Eclectic Reader
Back home for the evening
Capitol Reef
Day 14 - May 3
Morning at our AirBnB
Looking out the window, as you can tell
Start of the Hickman Bridge Trail
The Fremont River, along the trail
Capitol Dome
Much of the trail is on rock
Hickman Bridge
Going down to get another view - why not?
Beaver lodges
Back to the trailhead
Gifford Farm
Tractor garage
Happy horse
View from the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive
Grand Wash Road, a dirt road off Scenic Drive, heading into Grand Wash Canyon
The end of Grand Wash Road. Grand Wash Trail leads further into the canyon
Slickrock Divide, back on Scenic Drive
At the end of the paved Scenic Drive, Capitol Gorge Road continues on dirt. We decide to check it out - so glad we did!
The narrow road winds through a narrow canyon with steep sandstone walls
Around every turn of the Capitol Gorge Road, you are presented with a new and beautiful view
Red top
The road ends with a small parking lot, and the Capitol Gorge Trail continues. Would love to hike this trail whenever we return!
Back on Scenic Drive
Gifford House
Behunin cabin. Behunin was one of the first white settlers in the area. He and his wife had 14 children in this house!
Views from Notom Road, which runs north-south along the eastern edge of Capitol Reef
Looking west to the Waterpocket Fold. The fold runs the entire north-south length of the park, and is a geologic uplifting. It is the signature feature of Capitol Reef
Looking east to the Henry Mountains
Back on the main road, this is Panorama Point
The dirt road up to our AirBnB
Views from our dinner spot, the Rimrock Restaurant
Sunset pictures from our AirBnB backyard
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