Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

Sunday, May 18, we left Moab, Utah and headed north to I 70. We drove west 25 miles and stopped in Green River to check out Green River State Park. It was a nice grassy camping area located under large trees. The only problem was that it was located on the edge of town and surrounded by a golf course. Not exactly getting away from it all. So we headed south on Hwy 24 to Capitol Reef NP.

The CG at Capitol Reef NP is very nice. The sites are on grass, spaced fairly far apart, and in a grove of trees for shade. The only problem was that the temperature was suppose to be in the 90”s, so we opted for a private park (Thousand Lakes RV Park) with electricity, in case we needed to run our AC. It’s a very nice park with grass and trees for shade. John picked a spot at the back of the CG with a beautiful view of the red sandstone cliffs (see photo #2).

The people at the CG are friendly and we even participated in a cookout dinner of ribs, beans, Dutch oven potatoes and Indian fry bread (which they called scones). John had three helpings of the bread.

We took the scenic drive through part of the park. We saw majestic red sandstone cliffs, towers, and petroglyphs( see photo #1). This area was settled by Mormons and they irrigated and plants lots of fruit trees. Hence, the area is called Fruita. Many of the trees still exist (see photo #3).

We particularly enjoyed a walk along a trail called the Grand Wash. The path took us through steep canyon walls that had been cut by water. (see photo # 4) There are lots of warnings to stay out of the canyons when rain threatens because this area is prone to flash floods.

This NP is not as busy and crowded as Arches NP. We figure it is more off the beaten path. The CG here is first come first served and doesn’t fill up until much later in the day.

Arches is busier however, and very difficult to get into the CG without reservations. If you want to wing it and not make reservations, the CG with first come first served is a better bet.