We left Capitol Reef with our faithful GPS on another “you can’t there from here” circuitous route trying to avoid dirt roads while heading toward Bryce Canyon. However, we were not sure that one long section wasn’t dirt road. We forged ahead, and it turned out to be paved the whole way. Whew! We headed for the ranger station first to get our dose of information, and then, because of the predicted cold weather, on to a KOA in Cannonville, UT, which is not far from the park. Cannonville is about 2000 feet lower in altitude than the park, and, therefore, about 10 degrees warmer. Or should I say less cold, at this point? In fact, it’s just past a little town called Tropic, because of the difference in climate. We did a quick setup and headed back to the park. We caught a 2:00pm ranger program on the geology of the park. We had a late lunch at the lodge and then went to a ranger-led rim walk. This ranger was very animated, and it was an interesting walk talking about some of the vegetation, different animals in the park, and ended at the Sunrise Point overlook with a discussion of the hoodoos. We decided to skip the astronomy session that night because it was cold, and we needed groceries.
View from Sunrise Point
There are several choices for hiking. One that the ranger suggested was the Fairyland Loop, which we did early in the morning. This is about a 10 mile trail with some pretty steep sections. It was worth the effort to see the hoodoos up close, and this trail offers some variation by dipping into a sub-alpine forest. But it was coooold and windy—not to whine too much.
Sub-Alpine Forest along Fairyland Loop Trail
On the Fairyland Loop Trail
Tower Bridge
One other suggestion that the ranger made was to do the park’s scenic drive by heading all the way down to the southern terminus and then stop at the viewpoints on the way back. This is an especially good suggestion when the park is more congested, which it often is, because all of the stops are on the right side of the road as you head back north, making it quick and easy to pull off and back on without having to cross traffic. We stopped at all of the viewpoints, but at Swamp Canyon (about 2/3rds the way back), we decided to head to the lodge for dinner. We were getting cold and hungry. The wind was really bad on some of the overlooks, too. But all-in-all, a lot of fun.
Yovimpa Point Vista
(southernmost point on scenic drive)
Natural Bridge
That night, it hit 27 degrees outside just below our bunk, but it was much colder up in the park. The park features are formed by freeze-thaw cycles rather that flowing water as in many of the other parks. They have over 200 days a year where they undergo a freeze-thaw cycle, which should give you an idea of their climate. But our little trailer is quite comfortable with the built-in electric heater and the gas furnace in combination, so we were ready for more adventures the next day. We hiked the Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop combination and then finished the scenic drive. The loop trail took us through some more fascinating terrain. There were several natural “windows” in the formations, and there were some man-made “windows” that the trail went through like a small tunnel.
Beginning the Queen's Garden Trail
On the Way to the Queen's Garden
Along the Queen's Garden Trail
Wall Street Section of Navajo Loop Trail
BYK on Switchbacks at End of Navajo Loop Trail
One thing that we noted, at least at this time of year, is that it’s very important to have layered clothing. Parts of the trail can be very cold and windy, then you turn a corner and the wind dies. Now you’re in the blazing sun for a good stretch and you need to peel off a layer or two.
Next stop…Zion National Park in the southeast corner of Utah.
