Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

We departed the funky mountain town of Moab, Utah and set our sights on Capitol Reef National Park. Black sand geology gave way to the familiar red rock of Utah, as we entered the visually stunning landscape of Capitol Reef. Unfortunately, every other traveller had the same idea and we found that the park’s only campground was full. The park ranger told us that a new influx of retired baby boomers in the past few years has meant that the campsites are booked well in advance for a week at a time during the fall months.

Since there was no room at the inn, we continued down the road through the impressive cliffs and soaring roadways winding their way through Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. The photos don’t do the road any justice. It climbs to 8000 feet and then traverses the narrow band of roadway along the ridge, falling off dramatically on either side of the asphalt. Due to the previous water shortage at campsites in Moab, this momentous climb was done with full tanks of water in the camper and extra rations in the truck. UGGGGH!