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Capitol Reef National Park in Utah was established in 1937 to protect the waterpocket fold. It covers over 240,000 acres and features impressive formations, orchards, and historic structures. The park is named after white dome formations and features colorful canyons caused by minerals.
Capitol Reef National Park is located in Utah and is managed by the National Park Service. The national park system in the United States was formed to protect especially beautiful properties or land with special features from development. This park was established in 1937 to protect a natural feature called the waterpocket fold. Originally inhabited by Utes and Paiute Native Americans, Capitol Reef National Park is today a popular destination for hikers, boaters, horse riders, and tourists.
When the park was first established, it encompassed 37,711 acres. The land has since been added to several times and today the park consists of more than 240,000 acres covering 378 square miles (979 square kilometers). Impressive butte formations, sandstone domes, colorful canyons, monoliths and scenic ridges draw hikers and photographers to the area, and the paved roads provide the driver with breathtaking scenery.
The spectacular formations in Capitol Reef National Park were created when the earth lifted and created a fold that trapped water inside. Some believe that the water pocket crease was formed during the same land movement that pushed the Rockies up. Over the years, water has eroded the sandstone, creating the beautiful formations that have made Capitol Reef National Park such a popular attraction.
Orchards that remain from an early Mormon community that had been established within what is now park boundaries are maintained by park staff and still produce a bountiful harvest. Park visitors are encouraged to pick the fruit when it’s in season. Any fruit consumed in the orchard is free.
The old log schoolhouse and Gifford farmhouse have been left standing for guests to peruse and learn about the history of the early settlers. Located just a mile from the park visitor center, the Gifford Farmhouse Kitchen has been converted into a shop where you can purchase handcrafted reproductions of common items used by the original inhabitants. These items include textiles such as aprons, rag dolls, and quilts, as well as items rarely used today, such as butter churns and flour sieves.
Capitol Reef National Park was named for several white dome formations that remind visitors of the great dome atop the Capitol in Washington, D.C. The rock strata that have been eroded to form the many narrow canyons within the park show colorful caused by minerals deposited centuries ago. White, blue, green, brown and yellow combine to create the spectacular canyons that help make this park a vacation paradise.
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