Like most visitors to south-western Utah, we gave more time to the more popular Zion, Bryce Canyon and Arches National Parks than we did to the Capitol Reef National Park. Still, the Capitol Reef National Park left a powerful impression on us.
As we approached the entrance of the Capitol Reef National Park, we were struck by the unusual landscape. The giant red colored cliffs were understandable in this part of the country, but the bright red colored soft soil and semi-brittle rocks untouched by “walking” life gave it a distinct Mars-like look.
The majority of the experience of this park consisted of a scenic drive inside the park. The scenic drive started from the visitor center, and ran beside the majestic red cliff walls. Right beside the scenic road, the red cliff walls went on and on for miles.
Worthy of particular mention was a short drive on an unpaved spur to Grand Wash. As we reached the end of the spur, we found ourselves surrounded 360 degrees by gigantic faces of red cliffs.
