Torrey, UT, Capitol Reef NP - 2025

Capitol Reef was another beautiful place. As you drive through the park, there are several petroglyph panels/rock art.

The Castle

Capitol Reef is sometimes called the Land of the Sleeping Rainbow. The rocks are colorful because of the different layers of rock. Each layer is composed of totally different material. The Chinle Formation is primarily composed of volcanic ash that gives us the grayish hue. The Wingate Sandstone layer is virantly red because it is the product of solidifying sand dunes which are hight in iron. 

Olyer uranium mines

Chimney Rock

We hiked the 4.4 mile in and out Grand Wash into a slot canyon. 

Casen is standing in the holes caused by water rushing through this wash over the years.

Checking out an opening in the canyon walls.

Butterfly

The bottom side of this canyon wall was carved into a ledge by water running through the wash.

Casen is laying on the ledge.

Standing under the ledge

Ernie standing under the ledge.

The unique canyon walls were similar to this every time the wash had a corner. It is really crazy how water can carve formations like this.

Walking through the slot canyon.

We also hiked Hickman Bridge that 2.4 in and out to a 133 foot natural bridge.

First glimpse at the bridge.

It was quite the climb, taking a rest.