Capitol Reef National Park is located in south-central Utah and is named after its distinctive white sandstone domes that resemble the United States Capitol building. The park's landscape is dominated by the Waterpocket Fold, a massive geologic monocline that stretches for nearly 100 miles. This fold resulted from the uplifting and subsequent erosion of ancient sedimentary layers, creating a fascinating display of colorful cliffs, canyons, and rock formations.
The park is renowned for its scenic drives, hiking trails, and panoramic vistas. Visitors can explore the Capitol Gorge, a narrow canyon that provides insight into the region's geological processes, or hike through the stunning Cathedral Valley, home to towering monoliths and vast desert expanses. The park also boasts orchards and historic structures that hark back to the area's agricultural past.
Adjacent to Capitol Reef National Park lies the San Rafael Swell, a rugged and remote desert region characterized by unique geologic formations. The Swell is a massive anticline, a fold in the Earth's crust, with exposed layers of colorful sandstone, shale, and limestone. Erosion has sculpted this landscape into a maze of canyons, towering cliffs, and rock formations, providing opportunities for hiking, camping, and off-road adventures.
The San Rafael Swell is renowned for its iconic landmarks, such as the Mexican Hat Rock and Goblin Valley State Park, where unusual mushroom-shaped rock formations dot the desert floor. The region's slot canyons, including Little Wild Horse Canyon, beckon adventurers to explore their narrow passages and discover hidden wonders within.
Find the best hikes in the Capitol Reef + North Wash, located in Utah. The hikes listed below are from highest rating to lowest. Higher-rated hikes are generally harder, longer days with beautiful scenery and lots of solitude and follows a fun, interesting route.
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