Capitol Reef National Park- Torrey, UT

We made our way north to visit Capitol Reef National Park near Torrey, Utah.  This park protects over 100 miles of the Waterpocket Fold, which exposes several layers of the  earth. 

It was named for the top formation, which the pioneers thought looked like the Capitol building.  The waterpocket refers also to the top layer of sandstone because as it erodes it holds precious water for plants and animals along this ridge.

Capitol Reef has far fewer visitors than the other national parks in the area.  There is a paved scenic view spur with maintained dirt roads that lead further into the canyon.  There are also some strictly 4 wheel drive roads, which we didn’t attempt. 

The desert was blooming with hearty flowers that have adapted to the varied elevations.

Yet amidst the desert is a lush riparian area that people have used for centuries.  Today Fruita still has productive orchards filled with apricots, peaches and apples.  We are too early in the season for harvest, but when the fruit ripens, guests are welcome to enjoy the bounty.

We chose to camp high above the valley floor in a forest service campground called Singletree  at 8600’ elevation for cooler temps. 

The forest service campground is a gem and we hiked down to Singletree Falls.  Caleb got his feet wet and was prepared to get doused, but the mountain stream was cold!

Even the dogs got to ride along earlier today for our scenic drive.  Caleb completed yet another Junior Ranger program.  Our campsite is cool and comfortable in the pines.  God has given us many reasons to be joyful!

Zion- The Power of Water

Thursday we made our way back to the Riverside Walk at the top of Zion Canyon at the Temple of Sinawava stop.  In one day the river decreased dramatically.  The flowers along this easy, paved and wheelchair accessible trail are simply beautiful. 

The Zion Shooting Star is just one of the many flower species that has made their own adaptations to Zion’s canyon.  Although this flower is not exclusive to Zion, some of it’s features are different from other areas in which it is found. 

The Rock Squirrel causes the most injuries in Zion and they are persistent.  As I was capturing a picture down by the river, I felt a nudge on my side,  turned and saw it was a squirrel!  Unfortunately too many people think they are just cute and feed them, but one bite will cause significant harm.

Mule deer forage along the riverbanks where the foliage is green, unafraid of hunters.

The soundscape changes around every bend, from babbling brooks meandering through the Navajo Sandstone to the roar of the Virgin River. 

This canyon was created by the forces of water and continues to nourish all who come near.

Camping in the National Park allows one be be amidst the wonders that inspired the designation.  Ranger programs provide insight into the cultural history and present day challenges.  Summertime signals programs that focus on children, whose wonder for the natural world is like a sponge.  One, two, three, four ranger led programs were experienced including the Wayside Wanderers, where Caleb used a GPS to find waypoints along a trail for the ranger to highlight.

Meanwhile, Chris hiked a more strenuous climb up to Scout’s Lookout and the West Rim Trail.

Switchbacks and steep incline along with warnings of long drop-offs kept Caleb and me on the canyon floor.

Our stay at Zion is coming to a close as we travel on to see more of God’s natural wonders.  Our view from the front porch has been spectacular!

We’re headed North.  Can you guess where?  Here’s a few parting shots of the grandeur that Zion offers.

 

 

 

 

 

Zion National Park- Riverside Walk to Weeping Rock

 

Today was a lovely overcast day which made for cool hikes.  We started with the paved Riverside Walk, viewing waterfalls, hanging gardens, the roaring Virgin River and the towering Sandstone cliffs.

Monkey flower and Columbine were in full bloom hanging from the glistening rock faces in this hanging garden.  You had to look up to see the flowers cascading from crevices and dripping with cool water.

The Riverside Walk ended at the entrance to The Narrows, a slot canyon accessed by the Virgin riverbed.

But the heavy winter snows have the river flowing at 632 cubic feet/second and that trail is closed.

We have seen some wild turkey and Mule deer along the park roads, but most prevalent are the bold Rock Squirrels! 

A quick ice cream break at Zion Lodge refueled the hikers for the short Weeping Rock trail.

Once rested back at the trailer, we decided to hop on our bikes and ride the Pa’rus Trail, which happens to be the only trail accessible to bikes.    Another wonderful day in one of our nation’s treasures.