Capitol Reef National Park

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Hike

Here is another adventure with multiple hikes. I will just link to the park’s hiking list. On the first day I got there a bit late so I just did the Grand Wash and Cassidy Arch. On the second day I did Navajo Knobs and Hickman Bridge. All in all I hiked probably about 17 miles. Someday I want to be able to do longer, multi-day hikes.

https://www.nps.gov/care/planyourvisit/trailguide.htm

Drink

For this trip I bought a mix case from Uinta Brewing that was half Wyld Simcoe Session Ale and half Sum’r Ale. I think I liked the Sum’r Ale more. The Wyld has a lot more umph than I normally like, but it was delicious up there on that mountain.

http://www.uintabrewing.com/our-brews

Day One
Found a Parking Spot
Found a parking spot. I really need to get a 4×4, but there are perks to having a midsize sedan.
In the Grand Wash Narrows
In the Grand Wash Narrows.
Trail To Cassidy Arch
On the trail to Cassidy Arch.
Cassidy Arch In the Distance
Overview of the road/canyon to the Grand Wash with Cassidy Arch in the distance (top right).
Cassidy Arch
View looking down through Cassidy Arch.
Drink On Cassidy Arch
Just having a drink standing on the arch. Cassidy Arch is different from many other arches because the trail actually goes right up on top. As far as I could tell it was allowed. No climbing necessary and other people were up there when I arrived. There was some bolts so you could repel down through the arch, though I’m not sure if that was allowed or if you needed permits.

That was it for day one. It was already past sunset by the time I got back down to my car. By the time I found some BLM land to camp on outside the park, I was setting up camp in the dark. Once I had camp set up, finished my hot dogs, and sipping on a beer, I realized why Capitol Reef received the International Dark Sky designation (https://www.nps.gov/care/learn/news/capitol-reef-national-park-receives-international-dark-sky-designation.htm). So many stars. So dark. A bit spooky. Sadly I don’t have any pictures because my camera sucks.

Day Two
Red Cactus Flowers
Red cactus flowers.
Chipmunk
Chipmunk.
Snek
Snek.
Hickman Natural Bridge From Above
Hickman Natural Bridge from above. Can you spot it? (Hint: the trail goes through it.)
Hickman Natural Bridge
Hickman Natural Bridge from below.
Drink At Hickman Natural Bridge
Drink at Hickman Natural Bridge.
Navajo Knobs Goal
There is my goal, Navajo Knobs. It is the little peak, farthest away on the left. The white tops in the foreground are on a closer spur.
Navajo Knobs Closer View
Navajo Knobs closer view.
View East From On Top of Navajo Knobs
View east from on top of Navajo Knobs. You can see the Capitol Reef visitor center.
View West From Top of Navajo Knobs
View west from top of Navajo Knobs.
Refreshing
Refreshing! I earned this one. This was my longest hike to date. The elevation was not too bad, but the heat made up for it.
Beer On Navajo Knobs
Beer on Navajo Knobs. I thought the orange can on orange rocks looked cool.

That is it for Capitol Reef. Unfortunately I had some car problems so I had to cut my trip short. I really need a 4×4 with some decent ground clearance. If only Jeep would sponsor me…

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