Well, after the bust at the slot canyons earlier, we were off to Capitol Reef National Park. I was really excited to see this park, as I wanted to see the Pioneer Register (and redeem myself).
We drove the entire length of the Scenic Drive (which definitely lived up to its name)!. Where the road ends, there is a dirt road turnoff for the Capitol Gorge. Due to our last experience on a dirt road, you can imagine my hubby’s look at me as we made this turn. However, it was a MUCH shorter excursion.
We drove in and around these rock formations and enjoyed the view until the road ended at the trailhead parking lot. Then it is just a 0.5 mile easy hike to get to the Pioneer Register.
Just as I was about to doubt myself and thought we might have missed it (since my confidence was definitely shaken), we came across another family and they told us it was just ahead. In fact, right next to them was a sign saying that the area was under camera surveillance. I thought this was odd, until I saw that we were at the Pioneer Register, and the National Park Service was deterring other people from adding their own graffiti to the wall. It was really neat to look at these old signatures that are still on the walls today. The people stood in their wagons and carved (or in some cases SHOT) their names on the walls of the rock.
The scenery around Capitol Reef was gorgeous. My only regret in this park is that we didn’t get there early enough to have pie from the Gifford House. More unfinished business in Utah, I guess! 🙂
Car Full of Harmony 