The Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile-long wrinkle in the Earth's crust, extends from nearby Thousand Lakes Mountain all the way south to the Colorado River (now Lake Powell). The most scenic portion of the Fold, found near the Fremont River, is known as Capitol Reef -- "Capitol" for the white domes of Navajo sandstone that resemble Capitol building rotundas, and "reef" for the rocky cliffs which present a barrier to travel, like a coral reef. This area is called the "Land of the Sleeping Rainbow" by the Navajo, in tribute to the brilliant hues of the canyon walls. The colorful free-standing monoliths, or temples, of Cathedral Valley have been formed by erosion of the soft reddish-orange Entrada sandstone. A visit to Capitol Reef National Park is a spectacular visual experience!

Capitol Reef National Park was established to protect these grand and colorful geologic features, as well as the historical and ancient cultural history that abound in the area.

• Capitol Reef National Park -

• Stroll to see the ancient petroglyphs of Capitol Reef in the cool of morning, then amble through the summer shade of the historic orchards of Fruita.
• Follow one of the 15 dayhiking trails deep into a narrow gorge, to the top of high cliffs for a bird's-eye view of the surrounding area, under a natural stone arch, or to view historic inscriptions.
• Visit the historic Gifford Farmhouse for a glimpse of pioneer life.