Capital Reef National Park

 Capital Reef was established as a National Monument in 1937 by President Franklin Roosevelt  and deemed a National Park by congress 1971 to preserve the desert landscape around the Waterpocket Fold, a 100 mile long wrinkle in the earth's crust.  It really is a hidden gem-a true hiker's park and not just a series of shuttle stops.  You don't have to walk far into any trail to discover an array of arches, natural bridges, domes, canyons and cliffs all weathered and eroded by the forces of wind, water, time and harsh extremes of the desert climate.  It also celebrates human history of the region.  Mormon pioneers founded the community of Fruita in the 1880's.  Since this park is not very busy we traveled the scenic drive three separate times stopping and walking often.  I also did an early morning hike of the Hickman's bridge trail as shown in the photos.