Capitol Reef National Park

Meera, Me, Jarod on the Chimney Rock Trail in Capitol Reef.

Pointing to Chimney Rock.

Holding up a piece of dead wood with Eric atop the Chimney Trail in Capitol Reef.

Typical Jarod and Eric.

The four of us on the Chimney Rock Trail in Capitol Reef.

The drive from Bryce to Capitol Reef was really stupendous and even though it was late afternoon by the time we arrived at Capitol Reef, there were still plenty of camping spaces left.  It turns out, the "scenic drive" is closed so the park isn't even charging an entrance fee right now.  However, there are tons of trails still open and cool stuff to see.  Also, apricots are fruiting in the orchards along the river right now, and we can pick/eat as many as we want.  We are camped near the river, but it is very muddy looking from the red soil, so we haven't tried to swim in it.

After setting up camp, we decided to go on a hike that was about six miles called Chimney Rock.  It was probably the most beautiful and awe-inspiring trail I've been on yet.  We could look out in all directions at the gorgeous red, yellow and white stone topography.  It was amazing.  Also, since the sun was setting, we had the perfect lighting for our photographs of the red rocks.  We got back just after the sun set behind the mountains and drove back to camp where we prepared for the evening.  There was also an apricot orchard right next to our camp site and we could pick as many as we wanted to eat.  They were so yummy and the best part was - free fruit! :)  Once it was completely dark, the sky was hard to ignore - stars of every shape and size scattered across the atmosphere.  It was practically dizzying.  I saw about ten shooting stars that night.

The next morning - Friday - we decided to go on the Wash Trail first.  Unlike the Chimney Rock Trail, this one was in the very bottom of the canyons and was very warm in the sunlight (though the shady parts were nice).  We enjoyed it, but not as much as the one the day before.  The hike was probably three miles round trip.  Next we went to the Hickman Bridge Trail which goes to and through a natural stone bridge.  The whole thing was two miles, but it felt like 20.  For some reason, we were all just completely wiped.  It was very hot today for one, no one can possibly drink enough water to battle the heat and the dry air, and we hadn't eaten a really filling meal in a while.  Eric especially, who eats like a teenage boy, was feeling week from lack of decent food.

But, we finally  made it to the arch and back, which was beautiful. We then drove about 14 miles into "town" to have lunch at a cute little shop.  I had been talking about craving a gyro earlier, and to my complete shock, they had one on the menu!  I was so excited.  Then we got some groceries and drove to Panoramic Point which gives a 360 degree view of the landscape.  It was a great end to the day.

Back at camp, I washed my hair in the sink because there are no showers here, then I transferred some photos from Eric's camera onto my jump drive, and now I'm typing this up.  I don't have internet so I don't know when I'll be able to post it.  The others went on a walk along the river but I'm just way too tired.  As much water as I drink it doesn't seem to be enough to keep me fully hydrated and sleeping in a tent  isn't the best sleep ever.  I plan to go to bed early tonight. 

Saturday we'll be driving to Arches Nat'l Park to see a few things, then on to the Needles district of Canyonlands.