Capitol Domes and Coral Reefs

Capitol Reef National Park is a stunning and curious stretch of geologic mayhem. Like much of southern Utah, it is graced by unusual sandstone formations and bright red and white rock. What makes it special is the 100 mile long "fold" in the earth's crust that forms the reef itself, a sharp ridge lifted thousands of feet and marked by giant domes, spires, arches and canyons. It is called a reef because of the way it acts as a barrier to travel, just as a coral reef would in the ocean. The capitol part of the name refers to the immense white domes found in the park that resemble the tops of capitol buildings.

Just entering the park

Look at this picture closely and you will see one of the famous "capitol" domes on the ridge-top
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The campground and visitor center are located in the historic Fruita district, an area settled in the late 1800s by Mormons, who planted extensive orchards, built a few homes and established a school. The orchards survived and have been revitalized by the park service, so visitors in the summer can now enjoy the natural sights as well as fresh peaches, apples, pears, and cherries from u-pick orchards.

Even the campground is set among the ubiquitous fruit trees

We arrived in the late afternoon, so it wasn't until morning that we were able so start exploring. Temperatures were rising quickly, so we chose a short hike -- to a natural bridge nearby.

From the trail we could see down to the heirloom orchards

Hickman's Bridge

Sean under the bridge

After the hike we headed to the peach orchard for a refreshing snack, and a few pounds of fruit to take with us.

You pay for the peaches you carry out, but you can eat as much as you like in the orchard...


With fruit this gorgeous and yummy, we couldn't resist eating a half a dozen a piece while picking

Next stop, ginger-gold apples. Wonderful.


The original schoolhouse

Evidence of the more ancient residents of the reef

Chimney rock, along the scenic route back to Torrey


We spent the evening lounging on the grass by our campsite, watching the deer browse among the fruit trees.
Through the spray of the sprinklers, you can just see a deer by the center tree

Reading aloud to each other, from the thrilling Golden Compass trilogy.
A good way to pass a quiet afternoon

The historic homestead by the campground at dusk.