Capitol Reef National Park
5 Things to See in Capitol Reef
Wayne County is truly a land for all seasons. Summers are mild and weather lends to a variety of outdoor recreation. Spring yields cactus blooms and assorted wild desert flora, an ideal time for longer excursions. Winter offers a blend of cold weather adventures and snow sports. And, fall brings with it spectacular color contrasts with aspen groves in shades of red and gold that stand amidst deep green pines on high mountains in the Dixie and Fishlake National Forests.
1. RAMBLE ON
Take a turn off the beaten path and venture along one of the county's scenic backways. Four wheel enthusiasts enjoy the rugged scenic drive to Cathedral Valley, while others are drawn to the Burr Trail. Utah's only All-American road National Scenic Byway 12, joins the Burr Trail at the town of Boulder and takes you up and over Boulder Mountain and down into Wayne County providing fabulous views of Capitol Reef, the Waterpocket fold and the Henry Mountains in the distance.
2. NATURE'S BOUNTY
Stroll through orchards scented with the sweet aroma of harvest fruits. Pick and sample fresh, tree ripened apricots, cherries, pears, peaches and apples. Trees flower in April and blooms last until May—beginning a long season of harvest that runs from June through October.
3. BORDERLANDS
Along the park's eastern border are the 11,000 foot high peaks of the Henry Mountains, home to the nation's largest free-roaming herd of buffalo. Here the geology differs from the redrock deserts of the Great Basin. On the northern border is Factory Butte and Goblin Valley State Park. Children of all ages are drawn to the oddly shaped hoodoos that resemble mischievous goblins—a great place to play and picnic.
4. EXPAND YOUR MIND
Experience the journeys of artists and authors or create your own works of art inspired by the region's natural landscape. The non profit educational center, Entrada Institute located in Torrey, Utah, works to further public understanding and appreciation of the natural, historical, cultural and scientific heritage of the Colorado Plateau west of the Green and Colorado rivers. Information: (435) 425-3365 or (800) 858-7951.
5. RUSTIC HOMETOWN CHARMS
Immerse yourself in the rustic charms of the people and places of the American West. Quaint bed and breakfasts, restaurants and cafes, trading posts and art galleries dot the towns of Torrey, Teasdale, Bicknell, Hanksville, Caineville and Loa. Tour guides and outfitters offer extended excursions into the heart of rugged desert landscapes.
CONTACT: Wayne County Travel Council, PO Box 7, Teasdale, UT 84773, (435) 425-3365 or (800) 858-7951—www.capitolreef.travel
Capitol Reef In Depth
News from the Parks
Ken Burns on Vacation/Location at Glacier National Park
September 5, 2008 - 1:39pm
It's too early for civilians. As dawn's first light falls on the jagged peaks, creeps down the dwindling glaciers and glides across glass-faced Swiftcurrent Lake, most of the tourists in the Many Glacier Hotel are still snoozing.
September 5, 2008 - 1:39pm
It's too early for civilians. As dawn's first light falls on the jagged peaks, creeps down the dwindling glaciers and glides across glass-faced Swiftcurrent Lake, most of the tourists in the Many Glacier Hotel are still snoozing.
Town Government Rejected by Tusayan
September 5, 2008 - 12:15pm
Tusayan voters have rejected creating a town government for their small community just outside Grand Canyon National Park. Voters turned down incorporation 69-56 in a divisive election over development issues. "We once again said no to massive commercial development here in Tusayan," said Clarinda Vail, a spokeswoman for the Vote No on Tusayan Incorporation group.
September 5, 2008 - 12:15pm
Tusayan voters have rejected creating a town government for their small community just outside Grand Canyon National Park. Voters turned down incorporation 69-56 in a divisive election over development issues. "We once again said no to massive commercial development here in Tusayan," said Clarinda Vail, a spokeswoman for the Vote No on Tusayan Incorporation group.
Tauck Hosts its 10,000th Guest-Volunteer in Yellowstone National Park
September 4, 2008 - 4:32pm
Tauck World Discovery celebrated a unique milestone recently when it hosted the 10,000th participant in its award-winning guest-volunteer program in Yellowstone National Park. The 10,000th volunteer was in one of three Tauck tour groups working in the Park over the weekend of July 19 - 20. The volunteers each donated a portion of their vacation time with Tauck, an escorted tour operator, to work on preservation and beautification projects in Yellowstone National Park.
September 4, 2008 - 4:32pm
Tauck World Discovery celebrated a unique milestone recently when it hosted the 10,000th participant in its award-winning guest-volunteer program in Yellowstone National Park. The 10,000th volunteer was in one of three Tauck tour groups working in the Park over the weekend of July 19 - 20. The volunteers each donated a portion of their vacation time with Tauck, an escorted tour operator, to work on preservation and beautification projects in Yellowstone National Park.
Dupuyer Elementary School Offering Students Unique Learning Experiences
September 4, 2008 - 4:24pm
Dupuyer students started class Wednesday, Aug. 27, and though their numbers are way down from last year, teacher Lydia Mild has some special educational treats for her five students. To kick off the year, the Dupuyer students are doing a comparison unit between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. According to Mild, the unit will cover migratory trails, native tribes and many other aspects of the parks.
September 4, 2008 - 4:24pm
Dupuyer students started class Wednesday, Aug. 27, and though their numbers are way down from last year, teacher Lydia Mild has some special educational treats for her five students. To kick off the year, the Dupuyer students are doing a comparison unit between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. According to Mild, the unit will cover migratory trails, native tribes and many other aspects of the parks.
Boston Trustees Discuss Township Issues
September 4, 2008 - 3:52pm
Boston Township Trustee Gerald Ritch told board members at the Aug. 27 meeting that it appeared unlikely the township could obtain state Issue I grant money to repair or replace failed septic systems of some township businesses. Ritch said a Summit County official told him Coventry Township was able to obtain money in a similar situation, but septic systems are not considered infrastructure, making it unlikely township businesses would qualify.
September 4, 2008 - 3:52pm
Boston Township Trustee Gerald Ritch told board members at the Aug. 27 meeting that it appeared unlikely the township could obtain state Issue I grant money to repair or replace failed septic systems of some township businesses. Ritch said a Summit County official told him Coventry Township was able to obtain money in a similar situation, but septic systems are not considered infrastructure, making it unlikely township businesses would qualify.
