Welcome to Capitol Reef National Park! It is 7am and we are headed down the Park’s Scenic Drive to Grand Wash Trail. The hike takes us through the Waterpocket Fold which actually defines Capitol Reef. We will walk at the base of 600-foot canyon walls and through 15-foot wide narrows. The temperature is already close to 80 degrees, but hoping the shade in the canyon will keep us cool for a while. This will be fun!
Here we are at the trailhead for Hickman Bridge at 7am. What a beautiful morning as we head out along the Fremont River which runs through the middle of Capitol Reef National Park. The river allowed settlers to live in Fruita, just down the road, establishing orchards galore. Right now the apricot trees are in bloom. Fruita’s history, originally called Junction, is fascinating. It takes courage to not only live, but raise a family, in such a harsh environment without all our technological advances–like electric and sewers 😉 .
Well here we go! Up 400 feet in just under a mile to see the 133 ft (40 m) long and 125 ft (37 m) high natural bridge.
