Capitol Reef is one of those places I end up driving through and in and around quite often but never just stoping and hanging out in yet there’s SO MUCH to see! On top of Cathedral Valley, which weather has stopped me from seeing four years in a row now (no exaggeration), there’s awesome hikes to natural bridges and natural rock sculptures, tons of viewpoints, and the amazing Burr Trail Road. I’ve camped twice, once in the eastern half and once in the Fruita Campground and both were very lovely although Fruita is more modern. The petroglyphs are a delight to pull over and see also. The drive through the canyon and area itself is phenomenal as you follow the Fremont River. The steep red walls and the trees and the running water makes this place a very worthwhile visit.

The Scenic Drive south towards Capitol Gorge & Pleasant Creek is an absolutely beautiful drive that takes you alongside the San Rafael Swell & Waterpocket Fold and is worth the time. I imagine the hikes and drives beyond it are also amazing.

I hiked the 2 mile Hickman Bridge trail which was beautiful but I was out of space on my drive so I don’t have any pictures to prove I made it. It was a wonderful hike past huge sandstone formations of white and red and the bridge is impressive. Although I haven’t explored much of Cathedral Valley proper, I plan on it (and have multiple times been thwarted) and I’m excited to see its wonders.