Capitol Reef National Park

August 21, 2019

Stroll through any unlocked orchard and sample ripe fruit, and visit the Gifford House to purchase delicious homemade treats. Prefer hiking? See pictures from Cohab Canyon and Golden Throne Trails.

U-Pick Orchards

Capitol Reef National Park was the least busy park we visited and very different from all the others. In the 1800s, Mormon pioneers settled in what is now the Fruita Rural Historic District near the park and planted orchards. These orchards still exist today and visitors can stroll in any unlocked orchard, and a sign will be posted when fruit can be picked. You can sample ripe fruit, but fruit taken from the orchards must be paid for using the self-pay station. There were even ladders and hand-held fruit pickers to help you reach the fruit. I have never eaten so many apricots in my life! They were delicious. There is something about eating fruit straight from the tree.

Hikes

We wanted to hike Chimney Rock Trail, but it was still too muddy from the previous day storm so we skipped it. Instead, we hiked Cohab Canyon Trail up to the North and South Overlooks that overlooked the Fruita Historic District. We then drove through the park to the 2.5-mile dirt road that leads to the Golden Throne Trail and Capitol Gorge Trail. The dirt road was a little rough in some spots but the Fiat did well. We decided to hike Golden Throne Trail which was listed as strenuous as it has a 730 ft elevation change. The trail was over four miles and it was tough. We were both extremely happy once we were done and ready for lunch. We brought our butane camp stove and cooked lunch right at the trailhead.

Gifford House

Then we drove to the Gifford House in the park and bought a home-made cinnamon roll and strawberry ice cream. We ate it while we listened to a Ranger talk on Native American Games and played the stickgame also known as Handgame.

Interested in other Utah National Parks? Take a look at our Utah articles.