Schwieterman Summer Adventure Series 2025: Part Three – Capital Reef National Park
Utah! The joy was palpable as we passed the state line. We were finally approaching our destination. We had filled up the truck in Grand Junction, CO after attending a 7:30 AM Mass. So far, we had done surprisingly well staying on eastern time, so the early morning church service was like 9:30 AM for us. Eastern Utah is entirely desolate with very few exits providing services, so we entered the state with a full tank of fuel. After we continued passed the turnoff for Moab, we officially entered uncharted territory. Our exit was another ninety-three miles west to State Route 24.
We had intended to stop at Goblin Valley State Park to see the unique hoodoos, but we chose to bypass this adventure because of the desert heat. By 10 AM, it was already 90-degrees, and we were still seeking cooler temps. Our campground was Thousand Lakes RV Park in Torrey, UT on the western side of Capital Reef, which meant we drove through some of the national park on our route. Wow! Following a friend’s recommendation, I had downloaded the GuideAlong App and purchased the southeastern US package. As we approached Capital Reef, I started up the audio tour which provided excellent information on all the sights and upcoming pull-offs. One was large enough to fit our truck and camper, so we stretched our legs at the Navajo Dome and found our way down to the Freemont River, which, to our surprise, was flowing rapidly. Not what we expected in a desert climate. The elevation of Capital Reef is around 6,000 feet, and the temps were very comfortable with highs in the low 80s. We had found our cooler temps.
After arriving at the campground, we all hit the pool, then took in the amazing views from our campsite, including a breathtaking sunset. It felt great to know that we didn’t have to pack up and leave for our next destination the following morning. We could finally relax! Later that evening our traveling companions visited us on their way to their own campsite within the national park. This vacation, we were able to share our adventures with family. While in Utah, we vacationed with my husband’s brother, his wife and their one-year-old son. The girls were ecstatic to play with their California cousin.
The following day, we took in the sights of Capital Reef National Park, starting with a moderate-difficulty, two-mile hike to Hickman Bridge in sixty-degree temps. It was a spectacular adventure and quite the workout with the steep elevation gain. Along the hike was a cave-like structure which we dubbed the Flintstone house. The girls each had their own “rooms” picked out. A few more yards up the trail, we found the trail’s namesake, an expansive and awe-inspiring arch. We lingered in the area for quite a while taking pictures and just being mesmerized by the beauty and sheer size of the arch. In comparison to the arches we had seen in Moab, UT a few years earlier, this arch is just as impressive. What set it apart is the variation in coloring. It is truly beautiful, and I highly recommend tackling the hike. It was challenging but doable. If we could do it with all that we carry, so can you! (If your knees are bad, you should skip this one.) I carried the 15-pound ventilator, the girls took turns carrying the 10-pound suction/supply bag, and Daddy carried our 40-pound trachie who wasn’t able to walk much of the hike. The payoff was totally worth the effort!
As a reward for our efforts, we decided our next stop was the Gifford Homestead to indulge in their homemade pies and ice cream. This is a must-do while in Capital Reef! We had a strawberry rhubarb, mixed berry, peach, and cherry pie. If I had to pick a winner, it was the cherry pie with peach coming in at a close second.
The main road through the park was undergoing construction but had just opened to Grand Wash Rd, so we took a drive through the beautiful waterpocket fold in awe of the towering canyon walls and unique rock formations. After a long hike, scenic drive, and a belly full of delicious pie, we decided a nap was in order, so we headed back to the campground to relax.
After a couple of hours, we were refreshed and ready for more exploration. We headed to the Goosenecks area on the west side of Capital Reef. Panaroma Point was beautiful, but we were blown away by Goosenecks overlook. A quick scramble up some slickrock and we found ourselves on a bluff looking out into the vast cavern below. Seriously, this place is like a smaller-scale Grand Canyon. Don’t miss this sight!
We ended the evening with burgers over the fire with our family at the Fruita campground with a view of the burnt orange cliffs and a pasture with two horses, one of which really took to our trachie. She was brown with black legs, so the girls named her stockings. Our adventures in Capital Reef National Park were remarkable. Two days was enough, but three days would have been better to spend in this truly beautiful area with dramatic landscapes. We would definitely return and stay at the same campground.
Our next adventure was Bryce National Park…stay tuned for the next Travels with Our Trachie!
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