4/1/18 Happy Easter at Capitol Reef, UT! Today was exploring Capitol Reef. Interesting facts-this area was part of the uplift of the earth 50 to 65 million years ago creating 100 mile long "Water Pocket Fold". Fancy way of saying the the region traps the water flow and channels it into pockets/pools of water. The main channel is a very cool narrow passage with high cliffs and pools called Tanks. Our hike today was in the main washout area- Capitol Gorge Trail. It is also rumored that Butch Cassidy and gang hid in this canyon's twists and turns.

First stop was Panorama Point which overlooks a 800 ft deep canyon which looks like a mini Grand Canyon. I now know where the kids got the rock climbing from. Wendy likes to climb on the high rocks and raise her arms.

                                And Mike was safely behind the fence on the approved trail.

Sue and Wendy looking great!

 Arch at Panorama Point. Actually this arch is about 8 inches tall. I couldn't resist taking this picture and the one of the Rock Tree below.

Dinosaur foot prints????

                     Of course before we could hike we had to stop for pie at the Gifford House.

 This is the start of the narrow canyon. Believe it or not the wash bed through the canyon was the only way over the mountain  until 1964 when Rt 24 was constructed. Apparently, Indians also used the canyon 1000 +years ago. Petroglyphs are on the canyon walls.

Pics from our drive into the canyon to the trail head.

                      Start of our canyon hike. Weather was full sun and high of 77. A bit warm.

 Explorers to the area also carved their names in the walls. Most of the dates go back to the 1880's when the settlers made their way to the area. We did see one that was dated 1797 but I doubt this was real. Note the bullet holes.

                                                                  Canyon rock flowers.

   Our campsite at Capitol Ridge in the town of Torrey, UT. Red rock mountains off in the distance.