Day 08-09: Capitol Reef

After a day off, we were ready to jump back into the wilderness, which we did by backpacking a night through Capitol Reef National Park. Being one of the lesser-known parks, we didn't know quite what to expect from it, but Capitol Reef is vast in the sheer amount of options it has for day hikes and backpacking loops. Definitely not a park one can absorb in a day, but we tried. 

We began with a slight detour to see the top of Chimney Rock:

Not pictured: The 40-50 mph gusts that tried to knock us off the outlook

Such an expansive view with virtually no evidence of humans

One of Grey's favorite shots

The landscape makes for a cool backdrop for a bright cactus flower

We love Utah's color palette: So much red and orange, speckled with forest green bushes set against a brilliant blue sky

I'd describe this landscape as "sweeping"

Sweeping landscape ft. tree

The photographer behind the views
Layered cliffs never fail to impress

And here we begin our hike down into the canyon

The wall's vertical streaks made it distinct from the horizontal layers of other parks

Lower Springs Canyon trail directions: Follow the dry riverbed

Some cool greenery worked its way down

Rest stop before starting the campsite hunt

A deer with freshly-grown still fuzzy antlers didn't mind us at all


This wildflower appears to be showy milkweed--open to correction if you think it's something else


Abby really enjoyed the little clusters of cacti

Finished up the hike by fording the Fremont

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