Travel day. We left our campground in Dinosaur National Monument around 8:15 AM, and headed toward Capitol Reef National Park, 300 miles away. The drive was spectacular; it’s seems they could just create a national park or monument just about anywhere in Utah. I’m not sure there’s a prettier state. We arrived at the Visitors Center at Capitol Reef around 2:00 pm.
The park is long and narrow in shape. The main road travels along a towering canyon of spectacular cliffs and multi colored rock formations on the Freemont River. The canyon was formed 70 million years ago when two different plates collided, and folded into what geologists call a “waterpocket fold.” The fold was over 100 miles long and eventually the fault line eroded, primarily by the Freemont River, and left the incredible rock formations that are the Capitol Reef National Park.
Unfortunately the park was packed (since it was Saturday) and disappointingly we saw the “campground full” sign before we even were out of the car. Alex always has a “Plan B” so we were not too worried. After watching a film about the park, grabbed some maps, did a speed browse of the gift shop, and took off. I couldn’t escape the crowds fast enough.
Not sure what creature lived in this hole. Don't think I want to know!
Plan B took us along the Notom-Bullfrog Road that paralleled the park. It was paved for a while, but became gravel/dirt after about 10 miles. We continued on for another 12+ and eventually came upon the rustic 5 site Cedar Mesa campground that fortunately still had one vacancy. We grabbed it and set up our chairs and wolfed down a very late lunch of beers and sandwiches, and enjoyed another evening under stars.
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